Document: 427 U.S. 618 96 S.Ct. 2781 49 L.Ed.2d 732 Richard I. LUDWIG, Appellant,v.Commonwealth of MASSACHUSETTS. No. 75-377. Argued April 28, 1976. Decided June 30, Syllabus Under Massachusetts' two-tier court system, a person accused certain crimes is tried in the first instance lower tier, where no trial by jury available. If convicted, he may appeal to second and, if was convicted after proceeding on not-guilty plea, or "admitting sufficient findings fact," entitled De novo tier. Appellant, pleaded not guilty and his motion for denied, first-tier court. He then appealed unsuccessfully moving dismiss grounds that had been deprived constitutional right speedy subjected double jeopardy, waived again convicted. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court affirmed, holding denial appellant's request be at did violate jury, procedure prohibition against putting twice jeopardy. Held: 1. system does deprive an Fourteenth Amendment but absolutely guarantees persons serious crimes, manner specified exercising this fair unduly burdensome. Callan v. Wilson, 127 540, 8 1301, 32 L.Ed. 223, distinguished. Pp. 624-630. (a) Within serves its function protecting from prosecutorial judicial misconduct. 625-626. (b) That undertake financial cost additional unconstitutionally burden because required pursue defense Moreover, indigent, State furnish him counsel without cost. 626-627. (c) Nor possibility harsher sentence tier impermissibly accused's trial. North Carolina Pearce, 395 711, 89 2072, 23 656; Colten Kentucky, 407 104, 92 St. 1953, 584. P. 627. (d) Where appellant longer urges denied trial, there evidence greater delay obtaining than would were abandoned, it cannot properly contended burdens imposing increased psychological physical hardships two trials. 628-629. 2. Double Jeopardy Clause Fifth made applicable States Fourteenth, claim placed once jeopardy retry when decides "appeal" secure merit. An who elects different position defendant successfully appeals basis record gains reversal conviction remand new Nothing prohibits affording opportunities avoid acquittal. 630-632. Mass., 330 N.E.2d 467, affirmed. Robert W. Hagopian, Cambridge, appellant. John J. Irwin, Jr., Boston, appellee. Mr. Justice BLACKMUN delivered opinion Court. 1 Commonwealth long ago established "two-tier" courts crimes. A such crime No jurys available there. take timely so desires, have jury. issues here presented are (1) whether, Constitution also requires permitted exercise (2) whether violates Fourteenth. Benton Maryland, 784, 2056, 707 (1969). 2 * one several having criminal cases. See 112 n. 4, 1958, 584 (1972). Some provide each tier; others only allow bypass first; still others, like Massachusetts, do some sort before obtains second. 3 composed district State's counties, Municipal city Boston. Mass.Gen.Laws Ann. c. 218, § (Supp. 1976-1977). These jurisdiction over violations municipal ordinances, misdemeanors except libel, felonies maximum potential more five years, excess years. 26. 4 begun with issuance complaint. has statutory alternatives. plead arraignment sentenced dissatisfied sentence, appeal. C. 278, 18. In case, however, de respecting guilt innocence; limited, instead, challenge sentenc Crapo, 212 Mass. 209, 98 N.E. 702 (1912). 5 If, other hand, pleads judge acquittal terminates proceeding. After judgment guilty, either superior court, 12-person available, §§ 18 (1972 Supp. 1976-1977), division six 27A; Mann Commonwealth, 359 661, 663-664, 271 331, 333 (1971); Jones Robbins, 74 329, 336, 341-342 (1857); 18A 6 Unlike Kentucky under consideration supra, pleading guilty. Nevertheless, achieves essentially same result established, informal known as fact." Tr. Oral Arg. 31. Id., 13, 32-33. This used "(i)f wishes waive District save rights Superior appeal." 30 K. Smith, Practice, Criminal Practice Procedure 754 (1970). hears enough assure itself probable cause believe committed offense which charged. make finding enter conviction. 7 Once indicates going appeal,1 vacated. e suffer adverse collateral consequences conviction, revocation parole driver's license. 90, 24(1)(b) (1969 Almeida Lucey, 372 F.Supp. 109 (Mass.), summarily aff'd, 419 806, 95 22, 42 36 (1974); Boyle Registrar Motor Vehicles, 331 52, 53 (1975). "fails prosecute appeal, shall defaulted recognizance impose upon said court." 24 default, may, request, Do again, found right, Appeals raise both factual legal claims error. 28B II 9 On February 1, 1974, Northern Norfolk, Ludwig charged operating motor vehicle "negligently . lives safety public might endangered," App. violation 24(2)(a) carries penalty fine $200, years' imprisonment, both. day, arraigned 10 At commencement March 11, moved "speedy jury," citing Sixth Amendments. brief adjudged imposed $20. Thereafter, asserted six-man 11 proceeding, filed "motion dismiss" federal instance, 5a-6a. denied. 5, fined 12 affirmed 467 Relying earlier decision Whitmarsh 366 212, 316 610 (1974), dismissed, 421 957, 1945, 44 446 (1975), held guaranteed Amendments, 13 present followed. We noted jurisdiction, 423 945, 354, 46 L.E.2d 276 order consider recited opening paragraph opinion.2 Costarelli 193, 1534, 76 III 14 standard we individual's Amendment's guarantee "of life, liberty, property, due process law." giving content sweeping proscription context, past considered distinct issues: Whether ever obliged grant features 18th century common-law inherent right. 15 Duncan Louisiana, 391 145, 88 1444, 20 491 (1968), resolved issue reference to, light of, Amendment. It "serious" case "fundamental American scheme justice." 149, S.Ct., 1447. Accordingly, "Fourteenth all cases they come within guarantee." Ibid. Only "petty" offense, usually defined punishment imposed, permit Federal Government Ste liberty opportunity determined Baldwin New York, 399 66, 90 1886, 26 437 (1970) (plurality opinion). 16 Williams Florida, 78, 1893, (1970), Apodaca Oregon, 406 404, 1628, 184 (1972) opinion), dealt considering particular essential, merely incidental, central purpose requirement. observed, acts " 'an inestimable safeguard corrupt overzealous prosecutor compliant, biased, eccentric judge.' U.S., 100, 1905, quoting 156, 1451. served. Similar analysis led jury's verdict need unanimous. What important reflect commonsense group laymen; even majority "as (the jury) consists laymen representative cross section community duty deliberate, free outside attempts intimidation, question defendant's guilt." 410-411, 1633. 17 controversy case. indisputable afford absolute accordance Constitution. prosecutional directly indirect effect "Even defendants satisfied bench trials, very likely intended making unfairness less likely." 158, 1452. say unaware remote faced unable unwilling control him. But protect himself questionable incarceration appealing, insisting 19 Even though remains right: trial; subjecting potentially seeks (3) Appellant charges financially requiring defend causing loss wages employed. Although these unreal although individual hardship, conclude unconstitutional enjoy expeditiously invoking above-described He, therefore, pursue, any real sense, accused, utilize fruitfully discovery tool find strengths weaknesses And, course, liberty. Argersinger Hamlin, 25, 2006, 530 21 controlled decisions 656 (1969), establish mere sought, taking error Colten, sought ample safeguards higher see reach obtain jury.3 Due violated vindictive imposition sentence. danger sentencing inhere system.4 112-119, 1958-61. 22 oblivious effects final adjudication one's innocence engender. Protection unwarranted delay, concomitant side primarily Speedy Trial Amendment, means Klopfer Carolina, 386 213, 87 988, (1967). continue press contention, below, Further, nearly always true faster waiving those instance. seriously charged, fact trials scheduled quickly Finally uncertain decreased. show abandoned system. reluctant attribute perverse determination maintain inefficient whose increase efficiency. Our disposition require us disturb 223 (1888). Callan, validity Columbia provided announced: "Except class grade offences called petty offences, which, according common law, proceeded tribunal legally constituted purpose, impartial prosecution, conducted name, authority United States, secures mode moment, whatever put offence charged." 557, 1307. Reconsideration reasons. First, recognized, sources include Art. III, 2, c 3, provision requires, pertinent part, "(t)he Crimes Jury." language, read prohibiting, absence consent, is, States. Second, extent rested burdened requirement controlling here. apparently "fully tried" 1307, permits circumvent admitting fact. 25 modes traditionally left, limits, state specification. IV contention Clause. "the forces 'risk' trials." Brief 66. Appellee responds 719-720, 2078. "At least since 1896, Ball, 163 662, 1192, 41 300, decided, settled imposes limitations power Retry succeeded getting set aside" (emphasis original). 27 agree posed history interpretation canvassed last Term 420 332, 1013, 43 232 (1975); Jenkins, 358, 1006, 250 Serfass 377, 1055, 265 repeated say: 28 "Although form breadth varied widely, underlying premise generally should punished offense. Writing 17th century, Lord Coke described protection afforded principle three related pleas: Autrefois acquit, autrefois convict, pardon." 339-340, 1020. 29 concept represented plea convict presently issue. presents prosecution pardoned; nor doubt precludes reprosecution. Instead, argument appears informs novo. Appellant's substance. rests alone. circumstances, clear reprosecute. 300 (1896). difference between resulting aumatically "reversal" assignment proceedings 31 ordered. 33 POWELL, concurring. 34 I join Court, understand consistent my view identical reported 369-380, 1626 (concurring judgment).* add (1888), distinguishable most simply applicability 35 STEVENS, whom BRENNAN, STEWART, MARSHALL join, dissenting. prison period years answers affirmative almost meaningless vacated immediate appeal; second, minimize by, effect, stipulating proof beyond reasonable doubt. To mildly, reasons unsatisfactor 37 Almost decided comparable unconstitutional. Referring unanimous stated: 38 "But argument, behalf government, implies Congress Police grand authorize try, petit indicted punishable confinement penitentiary legislation invasion being given unobstructed in, another taken. assent Except based void. accord appellate fully otherwise original pay imprisoned paying it, satisfy requirements Constitution." 556-557, 223. 39 As evident Court's rest way cl. reflected appraisal value 40 Before refusing follow precedent point, think ask why Requires stand permitting waive. far record, briefs, oral announced today, shed matter totally irrational.1 All legitimate benefits could obtained completely. reason can perceive allowing waiver illustrates vice able withstand strain secd. Thus, practical matter, will actually end And nonjury expensive time consuming, receives benefit expedited quite rely justification because, valid, justify complete elimination There accept naive assumption virtually meaningless. defendant, must equally Commonwealth. so, insist Requirement submit trial? Only, suggest, believes number avoided practice exceeds place optional short, discourage placing burden, opinion, significant. never first. Lawyers witnesses stale; impeachment little much actual significance witness other; tactics cross-examination, presentation evidence, influenced what happen second; strategy Clearly, participated full first-tier-nonjury significantly normal indicating "Massachusetts fact."2 presume innocent until proved assume deny contradict offered prosecutor. choice truth prima facie sufficiency considers false misleading, other, insignificant price 45 judge's entirely Apart consequence, certainly tarnishes reputation.3 finding, impact return indictment. knowledge recognize likelihood jurors second-tier aware Such awareness inevitably compromises presumption innocence. instructions adequately risk prejudice creating letting know about Unquestionably, great expedite indeed, give wants protection; fulfilled eventually offers kind receive Cf. Ward Village Monroeville, 409 57, 61-62, 93 80, 83-84, 267. especially unacceptable 47 correctly decided; respectfully dissent. Gen.Laws (1958), governs execution months immediately intends months, commitment, decide statute provides informed unclear that, Since expressly address failure constitute knowing intelligent Boykin Alabama, 238, 243, 1709, 1712, 274 concerning typified Compare Holliday, R.I. 93, 280 A.2d (1971), Manns 213 Va. 322, 191 S.E.2d 810 (1972); Walker Dillard, 363 921, 924-925 (WD 1973), rev'd grounds, 523 F.2d (CA4), cert. 906, 208, 136 52 question, magistrate judge. Indeed, up imprisonment reflects judgment. respect, differs 267 support contrary cites Jackson, 390 570, 1209, 138 Kidnaping Act death recommended provision, setting forth "procedure waives guilty," 571, 1210, discouraged as- sertion demand contrast, here, range penalties tiers. refers incident "trial Boston year suspended jail forgo 'right appeal' When attorney objected (stated): 'Take your pick, appeal.' 37. Dampening method corrected, instances. example, moreover, helpful sentencing. received nominal $20 proceedings. suggestion problem belied claims: "In proceedings, including transmitted .. resentencing inquires initially reimposed." 43. argued "manifestly discourages 'appeals.' why. chances "risk" plurality Oregon 184. My appended Johnson 356, commencing 366, 1620, 1626, 152 Assistant Attorney General asked explain requirement: "QUESTION: Well, not, man just say, you're get you don't go through one. good hearing State, "What tier? "MR. IRWIN: situation gave, Marshall, really suggesting are, he's 34-35. Ante, 630. conclusion largely following comments argument: aside Kentucky? HAGOPIAN: No, can't. do? sit counsel, government their witnesses; procedure, that's statutory, what's submitting admissions facts. Which contest you'll hearsay on. puts parade it's speeding there's bypassing all." 13. Without questioning accuracy apply many written rule conceivably followed judges preside events, stated text, insufficient unequivocal entirely. dramatize unrealistic hypothetical suddenly fatal heart attack announces More realistically, undergo ordeal

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