Document: 514 U.S. 695115 S.Ct. 1754131 L.Ed.2d 779 John Bruce HUBBARD, Petitionerv.UNITED STATES. No. 94-172. Supreme Court of the United States Argued Feb. 21, 1995. Decided May 15, Syllabus * Petitioner's falsehoods in unsworn papers filed Bankruptcy prompted his indictment under 18 U.S.C. § 1001, which criminalizes false statements and similar misconduct occurring "in any matter within jurisdiction department or agency States." He was convicted after District Court, relying on v. Bramblett, 348 503, 75 504, 99 L.Ed. 594, instructed jury that a bankruptcy court is "department States" 1001's meaning. In affirming, Appeals concluded so-called "judicial function" exception developed other Circuits, 1001 reaches made while performing its "administrative" "housekeeping" functions, but not adjudicative does exist. Held: The judgment reversed part. 16 F.3d 694, Justice STEVENS delivered opinion with respect to Parts I, II, III, VI, concluding that, because federal neither "department" nor an "agency" meaning, statute apply judicial proceedings. Pp. __,__. (a) A straightforward interpretation text, special emphasis words agency," leads inexorably conclusion there no need for function statute's reach simply extend courts. Under both common-sense reading terms 6—which applies all Title defines include, inter alia, "department, independent establishment, commission, administration, authority, board bureau"—it seems incontrovertible refer court. Moreover, although 6 mean "executive departmen[t] . unless context shows such term intended describe legislative branches," nothing related legislation, even suggests—let alone "shows" —that something than component Executive Branch this instance. __. (b) Bramblett erred by giving insufficient weight plain language §§ and, instead, broadly interpreting Executive, Legislative, Judicial Branches. Rather attempting reconcile usual meaning "department," relied review evolution as providing "context" "Congress could have leave frauds [Bramblett's] without penalty." U.S., at 509, S.Ct., 508. Although historical should be discounted, analysis normally provides less guidance final text. Here, suggests fully consistent 6's presumptive definition. statutory history chronicled best inconclusive supply sufficiently clear warrant departure from (c) hereby overruled. STEVENS, joined GINSBURG BREYER, IV V: 1. pertinent lower decisions demonstrates obvious attempt impose limits Bramblett's expansive has substantial longstanding following. 2. doctrine stare decisis require accept erroneous 1001. Reconsideration case permitted here (1) highly unusual intervening development law—the exception—which fairly characterized competing legal can lay legitimate claim settled body law, (2) absence significant reliance interests adhering part prosecutors Congress. SCALIA, KENNEDY, agreed overruled, may ignored represents demonstration, over time, mistaken poses risk threat criminal prosecution capacious provisions will deter vigorous representation opposing adversarial litigation, particularly defendants, whose adversaries control machinery prosecution. That problem judicially avoided (absent overruling) only limiting manner irrational importing exceptions, exception, basis law. ____-____. J., announced THOMAS, GINSBURG, JJ., joined, V, joined. concurring judgment, REHNQUIST, C.J., dissenting opinion, O'CONNOR SOUTER, Paul Morris, petitioner. Richard P. Press, respondent. except V.** 1 proceeding, petitioner three fact. Each those misrepresentations provided conviction prison sentence statement statute, question we address whether 2 1985, voluntary petition Chapter 7 Code. course proceedings, trustee amended complaint motion compel surrender certain business records. Petitioner opposed relief sought pair unsworn, written responses Court. Both contained falsehoods. answer trustee's falsely denied allegations well-drilling machine parts were stored petitioner's home nearby warehouse. response discovery incorrectly stated had already turned requested 3 When came light, charged counts making 1001.1 provides: 4 "Whoever, knowingly willfully falsifies, conceals covers up trick, scheme, device material fact, makes false, fictitious fraudulent representations, uses writing document knowing same contain entry, shall fined more $10,000 imprisoned five years, both." 5 Relying our decision 594 (1955), counts, sentenced him concurrent 24 months' imprisonment. On appeal Sixth Circuit, argued convictions barred exception. First suggested 30 years ago Morgan States, 309 F.2d 234 (CADC 1962), cert. denied, 373 917, 83 1306, 10 416 (1963), extent conduct falling court's functions give rise liability 1001; are covered. affirmed become entrenched number Circuit concluded, dissent, 694 (1994). created split prompting us grant certiorari.2 --- ----, 115 417, 130 332 We now reverse. II 8 Section ordinary parlance, courts described "departments" "agencies" Government. As noted it would strange indeed "agency." See 698, n. (1994) ("[T]he [is not] Appellate Adjudication Agency"). And occasionally spoken branches Government, including Judiciary, "department[s]," e.g., Mississippi Johnson, 71 (4 Wall.) 475, 500, 437 (1867), locution one. Far common use Branch. 9 initial matter, therefore, one might tempted conclude during This commonsense bolstered definitions set forth 6. adopted 1948, applicable 18, create presumption favor issue: "The 'department' means executive departments enumerated section [now 101] 5, executive, legislative, government. 11 'agency' includes department, bureau corporation proprietary interest, used limited sense." 12 6, court.3 "Department," hand, interpreted Branch, if Congress word sense employed Johnson. believe permits powerful. "Shows" strong word; among "[t]o make apparent evidence, testimony reasoning; prove; demonstrate." Webster's New International Dictionary 2324 (2d ed. 1942). Cf. Rowland California Men's Colony, Unit Advisory Council, 506 113 716, 720, 121 656 (1993) (discussing provision requiring adherence definition "indicate[d]" different meaning).4 13 Rowland, explained proper method analyzing term's determine when must yield. Such analysis, explained, requires examine "the text Act surrounding issue, texts congressional Acts. ." Id., 720; see also id., 726-727 (THOMAS, dissenting); Monell York City Dept. Social Services, 436 658, 689-690, 53, 98 2018, 2053, 56 611 (1978). Review materials warranted. "If meant point further afield, history, example, been natural spacious phrase, like 'evidence intent,' place 'context.' " 720. 14 "shows"—that normal intended. Accordingly, seem lead Our task, however, complicated fact 40 Bramblett. must, turn attention before deciding fate III 15 Defendant former Member who represented Disbursing Office House Representatives particular person entitled compensation official clerk. he falsehood directed office Legislative 505-506. rejected argument, "was Government." involved Congress, courts, reasoning Court's amalgamated Thus, relevant though narrow holding extended think acknowledged seriously flawed decision. Significantly, "department." It instead cousin, claims presently codified 287, convinced 1001.5 statute—based entire Congress—should discounted reasons undermine confidence significance excerpts debates committee reports,6 case, absent "indication doing so frustrate Congress's intention yield patent absurdity, obligation wrote it." BFP Resolution Trust Corp., 511 114 1757, 1778, 128 556 (SOUTER, dissenting). 17 above, supra, Similarly unremarkable original adopting what piece legislation—the June 1934, 48 Stat. 996 (1934 Act)—amended then 35 Criminal Code provide, part: "[W]hoever falsify conceal cover cause bill, receipt, voucher, roll, account, claim, certificate, affidavit, deposition, America stockholder [shall punished]." (Emphasis added). 19 conveys message regarding current version 20 What, then, earlier Bramblett? inconclusive, 21 earliest progenitor March 2, 1863, ch. 67, 696 (1863 Act). enactment offense person, civilian member military services, 22 "present presented payment approval officer civil service upon against Government thereof, fictitious, fraudulent."7 23 1863 proscribed statements, scope far narrower modern-day prohibited "for purpose obtaining, aiding [a false] claim." 696. "clearly cover[ed] presentation Government," 505, 506, asserted breadth portion Act, ibid. remained essentially unchanged 55 years.8 1918, provide follows: 25 "[W]hoever, obtaining obtain intent cheating swindling defrauding stockholder, entry October 23, 194, 1015-1016 (1918 Act) (additions italics). 26 new unclear. read government-wide principal prohibit defraud corporations, flourished World War I. Lebron National Railroad Passenger Corporation, 513 961, 967-968, 902 (1995) (tracing corporations). important respect, moreover, relatively narrow: bilk out money property. Cohn, 270 339, 46 251, 70 616 (1926). Given continuing focus financial 1918 did alter fundamental character statute. 27 1934 know work change. excised references frauds, thereby severing link inserted requirement addition, critical present purposes, subject two inferences. limitation—whose connotes Branch—in altogether reformulated viewed stripping away fraud disturbing pre-existing enjoyed association 28 embraced latter inference, finding indication amendment interpretation, completely implausible, nevertheless unsound. differences between predecessors too dramatic evidence carry forward features old provision. comments, legislation—including itself—contradict notion "carry-forward" occurred. 29 repeatedly recognized passed behest Secretary Interior aid enforcement laws relating Department particular, regulations transportation 'hot oil.' Gilliland, 312 86, 93-94, 61 518, 522, 85 598 (1941); Yermian, 468 63, 72, 104 2936, 2941, 82 53 (1984) (the "needed increase protection agencies variety deceptive practices plaguing Deal administration"); 80, 2945 (REHNQUIST, dissenting) problems arising advent programs 1930's"). Indeed, itself connection proliferation newly formed agencies: revision largely product urging Interior. Senate Report, S.Rep. 1202, 73d Cong., 2d Sess., indicates broaden nonmonetary 'hot-oil' shipments." 507, 507. 31 None opinions refers considered outside much affirmatively understood broad light vacuum, curious truly alteration law governing system Legislature. unlikelihood scenario strengthens history. 32 Putting misapprehensions side, committed basic error underlying approach construction. Courts rely refusing effect Legislature specifically defined controverted term. resulted war one, Acts 33 Whether answered reviewing directly 34 refrained criticizing construction, fair say they greeted warm embrace. prime example. following discussion indicates, almost deeply rooted itself. seeds planted Columbia seven decided. defendant, held himself bona fide bar, prosecuted violating concealing name, identity, nonadmission bar. After first acknowledging well accepted argument intend upheld conviction. But clearly troubled potential sweep Noting prohibits "concealment" "covering up" facts, intentional falsehoods, wondered criminalize falls bounds responsible advocacy.9 comment: "We include traditional trial tactics 'conceals up.' hold only, authority type action appellant charged, 'administrative' 'housekeeping' 'judicial' court." Ibid. 36 Morgan, several later "because introduction documents proceeding." Erhardt, 381 173, 175 (1967) (per curiam). necessary prevent perjury two-witness rule (since repealed), being undermined. 37 Once planted, began flower Circuits. Ninth summarized state 1985: 38 "[T]he appellate since 1962, long decided matters branch. these twenty-three either repudiating limitation refining it. therefore late day exists." Mayer, 775 1387, 1390 curiam) (footnote omitt ed). 39 Second sounded theme 1991, acquiescence adverted Mayer. wrote: "No court, knowledge, due acceptance prosecutorial reticence, ever sustained defendant acting capacity. articulated nearly thirty '. [i]t exists.' 1390." Masterpol, 940 760, 766.10 41 appeals endorsed supra. Circuits observed, seen fit repudiate, limit, refine despite somewhat murky borders tension construed true overturn endorsing good deal respectful skepticism about correctness V 42 With foregoing considerations mind, difficult presents. is, course, wise policy adhere rules cases. Cardozo reminded us, "[t]he labor judges increased breaking every past reopened one's own bricks secure foundation courses laid others gone him." B. Cardozo, Nature Process 149 (1921). Adherence precedent serves indispensable institutional role Federal Judiciary. Stare "a self-governing principle entrusted sensitive task fashioning preserving jurisprudential based 'an arbitrary discretion.' Patterson McLean Credit Union, 491 164, 172, 109 2363, 2370, 105 132 (1989) (quoting Federalist 78, p. 490 (H. Lodge 1888) (A. Hamilton)). Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pa. Casey, 505 112 2791, 2808-2809, 120 674 (1992) (joint O'CONNOR, JJ.). Respect strongest area where free change legislation." Illinois Brick Co. Illinois, 431 736, 97 2061, 2070, 52 707 (1977).11 43 conflicting directions. counsel construction Bramblett; other, argue retaining cut back coast coast. achieve goals simultaneously. For encompasses stated, 508, cannot squared court—and —whether functioning housekeeping Conversely, stand preserved thrust exception—i.e., Again, lumped together breath. ("department" Government"). 44 forecloses ratify cases are, persuaded clarity justifies reconsideration Bramblett.12 appropriate rarest circumstances, "intervening law," Patterson, 45 development" virtually unbroken line cases, respected narrowly application nn. 10, roots deep supports certainly reflect thus characterize "competing doctrin[e]," Overruling preserve essence would, extent, promote stability law.13 force legislators citizens "have acted previous decision, instance overruling dislodge rights expectations extensive response." Hilton South Carolina Public Railways Comm'n, 502 197, 202, 560, 564, 116 560 (1991); ---- - 2808-2809 stake notably modest. view array statutes exist penalize see, 1621 (perjury); 1623 (false declarations grand court); 1503 (obstruction justice); 287 States), doubt deterring punishing litigation-related misconduct.14 speculate, direct point. Attorneys' Manual states quite plainly "[p]rosecutions brought submitted proceedings"; directs proceed obstruction justice statutes. ¶ 9-69.267 (1992). Clearer nonreliance scarcely imagined.15 47 unimpressive has, large negated actual unlikely many unfulfilled promise. sum, issue difficult, sound correct prior coherence served taking course. Limiting coverage marked will, practical prevailed serve administration future. VI 49 Appeals' 50 ordered. 51 whom KENNEDY joins, judgment. I concur join I-III STEVENS' opinion. protects live Alexander Hamilton exercise "an discretion courts" restrained, 471 (C. Rossiter 1961). Who ignores reasons, go beyond mere demonstration overruled wrong (otherwise all). 54 reason here, am concerned, unacceptable consequences, exceptions Unlike do regard appeals' attempts limit 'intervening law,' ante, __ (1989)) puts choice lines authority. developments" agree ordinarily disposed reversal. See, McNally 483 350, 107 2875, 292 (1987). Instead, find strained mightily discern contain, __, (collecting cases), how great mischief discovered appreciate To sure, prohibition concealment violated exists duty disclose, Kingston, 971 481, 489 (CA10 1992); Richeson, 825 17, (CA4 1987); Irwin, 654 671, 678-679 1981), 455 1016, 102 1709, 72 133 (1982), actually tactic. There remains, serious concern One avoid accepting invention that. unprincipled rejecting dictum construct bizarre regime Branches, Judicial, contradicting (as does), but, conceivable interpretations English language. Neither solutions furthers goal avoiding courts"; me wrongly case. decisis, justifiable expectations, here. Those induced them tell truth lying, solicitude. Some obtained overturned, few instances wrongdoers assumed count small price pay uprooting weed. djQ Chief SOUTER join, dissenting. 57 objected discharge petitioner, bankrupt, believing information. 727, alleging residence; denying allegation untrue." App. 12, 10. alleged separate had, requests, failed books records estate. allegation, asserting produced trustee. indicted found each lie. 58 Today, majority jettisons 40-year-old unanimous upheld. admission "not implausible," replacing plausible, albeit arguably flawed, "sound" reading, disrespects traditionally stringent decisions. (1989); 2069-2070, (1977). offered plurality Part justification fall short hurdle erected practice act 59 styled law"; it, reconciled treated disavowing, aberrant decisions, mirabile dictu decision! novel corollary subverts very hierarchical built. second given little decision; ground debatable, erroneous. 60 Today's harkens behind heed citing Hamilton). Co., 2070. Brandeis' Burnet Coronado Oil & Gas 285 393, 443, 76 815 (1932), way: "Stare usually policy, most right. commonly concern, correction 406, 447 (citations omitted). 62 called developments law." exemplifying principle, Andrews Louisville Nashville R. 406 320, 92 1562, 95 (1972); Rodriguez de Quijas Shearson/American Express, Inc., 477, 1917, 526 (1989), invariably refused follow carved precedents. 743-744, 2073-2074. 63 today's departs radically previously designed certainty While often invoked justify refusal reconsider fortiori enjoin higher firmly established jurisprudence deliberately refuse come shapes varieties, always situation some facts Here necessarily judgments extends. 64 If right events corrected order reversal appeal. system, entirely discretionary, prevails. receive 7,000 petitions certiorari Term, tiny fraction them. high degree selectivity enjoined exercising jurisdiction, Rule embodies standards decide review. 10.1(a) existence conflict another. negative implication ground, borne time again deny certiorari, precedents—even deemed inconsistent it—will reviewed conflicts another appeals. concomitant capacity 65 consequences selective standard granting deprived assuring important, inducements ignore precedents just inducement; tells build contrary ours, their precedent. imagine topsy-turvy this, likely unsettle protect. 66 bolster aspect blandly Congress." Ante, Members surely surprised statement. amending danger inaction construing Brecht Abrahamson, 507 1710, 1718-1719, 123 353 (slip op., 11-12) (1993), Schneidewind ANR Pipeline 485 293, 306, 108 1145, 1153-1154, 316 (1988), "inaction" referred failure enact proposal. proposal 67 delve into hypothetical thought processes diligent specialty undoubtedly ago. followed appeals, various forms—whether "exculpatory no" rule—several inapplicable If, deliberation, realize assumption judiciary should, disavow thing doubt: lied punishable precise expectation naught process longer protected 68 offers defense overrule points lack dispels arguing government expressed preference proceeding alternative punish comparable behavior. Justice, convincing explanation preference: instructs uncertain mine field posed circuits. Brief 20, 9. disclaims defensive litigating strategy disregard favorable unavailable verified, dubious utility. 69 Statistics compiled Administrative indicate secured 2,247 last fiscal years. Because break down statistics statement, exploration published unclear proportion branch, appears attempted legislature mixed success.* valid forced endure requests habeas inevitably wake additional comments equally rendered six justices took oath sworn today. presumes reinforce dispensed according proclivities individuals." Vasquez Hillery, 474 254, 265, 106 617, 624, 88 (1986). another's wrong, really overcome advantages conferred redressable coordinate branch This, better governs overturned hands syllabus constitutes prepared Reporter Decisions convenience reader. Detroit Lumber 200 321, 337, 282, 499. ** THOMAS joins with, of, mail 152 1341 (1988 Supp. V). validity us. cases: 764-766 (CA2 1991); Holmes, 840 246, 248 (CA4), 488 831, 87, (1988); Abrahams, 604 386, 393 (CA5 1979); (CA9 1985) curiam ); Wood, 692, 694-695 1993). Seventh questioned Barber, 881 345, 350 (CA7 1989), 495 922, 110 1956, 318 (1990); Poindexter, 951 369, 387 1991), 656, 583 (1992), stands unambiguously express entity Congress' unsurprising exclusively emphasized statutes, "fair warning world understand, intends passed." McBoyle 283 25, 27, 340, 341, 816 (1931). Batchelder, 442 114, 123, 2198, 2203-2204, 755 (1979); Lanzetta Jersey, 306 451, 453, 618, 619, 888 (1939). Adhering objective. 720 5) (construing 1, generally Congress). debatable unpunished. discussing originally enacted 1955 (1955). "claim" broadly, explaining property Government's claimant." 345-346, 253, seemingly least abetting violation misrepresentation procure compensation. Supplemental Memorandum O.T. 1954, 159 (arguing elements 287). disturb Cohn contention, noting "it argued, does, [Disbursing Office] 'authority' 'agency.' refused, rest interpretation. Thompson Thompson, 484 174, 191-192, 513, 522-523, 512 (1988) (SCALIA, judgment); cf. Breyer, Uses History Interpreting Statutes, S.Cal.L.Rev. 845 penalized members military. penalties misdeeds "any naval forces 698. 1873, minor changes made. Rev.Stat. 5438. changed 30, 1908, 555, recodified 4, 1909, 1095. 'Does "cover fact" pleads guilty?' attorney moves exclude hearsay knows true, summation behalf client 234, 237 (1963). restricted slightly manner. D'Amato, (1974), affidavit private lawsuit. Based "where way involved." 28. Accord, London, 714 1558, 1561-1562 (CA11 1983). also, (stare "special unlike constitutional power implicated, remains done"); Square D Niagara Frontier Tariff Bureau, 476 409, 424, 1922, 1930, 90 413 (1986) (noting continued adheres statute"); Runyon McCrary, 427 160, 189, 96 2586, 2603, 415 (1976) (STEVENS, concurring) (declining [statutory] decided"); 447, (1932) (Brandeis, ("Stare legislation") (citation tied closely merit suggestion included granted certiorari. 965-966, (1995). dissent criticizes "induce" "ignore" invite chaos system. Post, self-evident dissent's dire prediction odds observation "no court," post, faithful obviously exercised "subvert[ing] built," merely reflects assessment presents, serving acknowledges central purposes decisis: promoting "stability 1505 justice). overlaps militate may, practice, conduct. 123-124, 2203-2204; 95, 523, (1941). demonstrate said interest confirmed examination statistical data identify reported period Judiciary (At unsuccessful, view.) handful prosecutions not, view, weighty Taylor, 907 801 (CA8 1990) (upheld dismissal exculpatory doctrine); 789 1169 (CA5), 479 964, 464, 93 409 (affirmed conviction). Article 760 1991) (reversed conviction); 246 1387 Powell, 708 1983) 386 1979) 1974) 173 (CA6 1967) Stephens, 315 F.Supp. 1008 (WD Okla.1970) (denied dismiss; ultimate disposition unclear). 369 (remand allow Independent Counsel pursue count); Hansen, 772 1985), 475 1045, 1262, 89 571 Diggs, 613 988 1979), 446 982, 100 2961, 838 (1980) Levine, 860 880 (DDC 1994) dismiss); Clarridge, 811 697 1992) North, 380 1988) dismiss).

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