Legal Document

405 U.S. 34 92 Supreme Court Reporter 815 31 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 17 Joseph PARISI, Petitioner,v.Philip baron DAVIDSON, etc., et al. Number 70—91. Argued Oct. 19, 20, 1971. Decided Feb. 23, 1972. Syllabus Petitioner, a member of the armed forces, applied unsuccessfully for discharge as conscientious objector. After he had exhausted all his administrative remedies, filed habeas corpus petition in Federal District Court, claiming that Army's denial application was without basis fact. Thereafter court-martial charges were brought against him, and ordered consideration deferred until final determination proceedings. The Appeals affirmed. Held: should not have stayed its hand this case. Pp. 37—45. (a) All alterative remedies been by petitioner. 37—39. (b) Since military judicial system processing charge could provide sought petitioner with promptness certainty, proceed to determine claim despite pendency 39—45. 435 Reporter, 2nd 299, reversed. Richard L. Goff, San Francisco, Cal., William Terry Bray, Austin, Tex., respondents. Mr. Justice STEWART delivered opinion Court. 1 When forces has objector avenues relief, it is now settled may seek relief federal district court on ground no question case whether must stay when proceedings are pending serviceman. 2 petitioner, Parisi, inducted into Army draftee August 1968. Nine months later objector, earlier doubts about service crystallized firm conviction any form activity conflicted irreconcilably religious beliefs. He interviewed base chaplain, psychiatrist, special hearing officer. They attested petitioner's sincerity content professed In addition, commanding general training center commander hospital recommended be discharged His immediate officer, an captain, disagreed, recommending disapproval beliefs based essentially political, sociological, or philosophical views, merely personal moral code. 3 November 1969, Department denied status, grounds become fixed prior entering opposition war truly upon On 24, Board Correction Military Records (hereafter sometimes ABCMR) review determination. 4 Four days commenced present proceeding Northern California, from requested preliminary injunction prevent transfer out jurisdiction prohibit further preparatory being transferred Vietnam. declined at time consider merits petition, but retained decision ABCMR, meantime enjoined authorities requiring participate beyond current noncombatant duties. 5 Shortly thereafter received orders report Fort Lewis, Washington, deployment Vietnam, where perform duties similar those assigned him country. redeployment order appeal corpus, Appeals, condition would produce if result favor. A subsequently Douglas Ninth Circuit Justice, Parisi versus Davidson, 396 1233, 90 497, 24 482. then reported Lewis. refused, however, obey board plane As result, charged violating Article Uniform Code 10 KF62 § 890, and, April 8, 1970, convicted offense.1 6 While pending, notified rejected application. show cause why writ issue. Government's motion, March 31, entered deferring criminal system. affirmed order, concluding 'habeas properly conclusion Parisi's trial appeals therefrom,' 302. We granted certiorari, 402 942, 91 1619, 29 110. 7 affirming completion courts' action, relied related doctrines exhaustion alternative comity between civilian courts justice. hold today neither these required 8 With respect available there can doubt fully met demands doctrine exhaustion—a each 'understanding purposes particular scheme involved.' McKart States, 395 185, 193, 89 1657, 1662, 23 194. basic purpose allow agency functions within competence—to make factual record, apply expertise, correct own errors so moot controversies. Id., 194—195, 1662—1663, 194; McGee 479, 485, 1565, 1569, 47; K. Davis, Administrative Law Treatise 20.01 seq. (Supp.1970). 9 complied Regulation 635—20, which dictates procedures followed serviceman seeking classification develop after induction.2 Moreover, following rule effect,3 went appealed Records.4 corrective opportunities apparatus thus wholly utilized It clear, therefore, that, intervened, wrong expeditious claim. For long recognized appropriate remedy servicemen who unlawfully forces. See, e.g., Eagles ex rel. Samuels, 329 304, 312, 67 313, 317, L.Ed. 308; Oestereich Selective Service System Local Board, 393 233, 235, 414, 415, 21 402; Schlanger Seamans, 401 487, 489, 995, 997, 28 251. And, stated outset, plea in-service applicant claims led only factually baseless re Kelly, 211 (CA5); Hammond Lenfest, 398 705 (CA2).5 11 But since respondents submit holding await outcome before Although argument, too, framed terms 'exhaustion,' more accurately understood two separate systems.6 Requiring defer circumstances serves interests comity, argue, aiding judiciary task maintaining discipline services eliminating 'needless friction' systems. note constitutes 'specialized community governed civilian,' Orloff Willoughby, 345 83, 94, 73 534, 540, 97 842; Gusik Schilder, 340 128, 71 149, 95 146, recognition nature community, Congress created autonomous system, pursuant I, s Constitution.7 point courts, separation-of-powers needs military, rightly reluctant interfere proceedings.8 12 issue does concern court's direct intervention arising Cf. supra; Noyd Bond, 683, 1876, 631. discharge—upon based—antedated independent 13 here, postpone adjudication civil lawsuit clearly original jurisdiction. Under accepted principles seeks—discharge also reasonable certainty through machinery charge. Griffin County School Prince Edward County, 377 218, 229, 84 1226, 1232, 256; Davis Mann, 678, 690—691, 1441, 1447—1448, 609; Lucas Forty-Fourth General Assembly Colorado, 713, 716—717, 1459, 1463—1464, 632. reasons follow, we persuaded such even potentially available, much less either prompt certain. 14 Courts-martial convened rectify denials release objectors service. adjudicate violations law. true held soldier refusal lawful may, certain limited circumstances, defend because wrongfully Noyd, 18 U.S.C.M.A. 483, 40 C.M.R. 195.9 scope narrow, Wilson, 19 100, 41 vitality Stewart, 20 272, 43 112. defense, arguably, extremely category though assumption offered potential affirmative defense him,10 fact remains offers, best, than Like other legal would, successfully asserted appeal, entitle defendant acquittal11—not seeks proceeding. 15 acknowledge, they must, function itself. suggest eventually acquit 'an way Appeals.'12 support suggestion, Writs Act, 1651(a), cases exercised power under Act released imprisonment their convictions. See U.S., 695, S.Ct., 1883, 631; Levy Resor, 135, 37 399; Jennings, 88, 88; Johnson 407, 42 9. 16 empowers 'issue writs necessary aid respective jurisdictions . .,' considering 867; Snyder, 480, 192. That given 'jurisdiction' serviceman's Whether conceptual difficulty might somehow surmounted itself ultimately decide. Bevilacqua, 10, 12, 39 12. short answer respondents' suggestion concession has, date, never intimated granting separation conclude supra, 698, n. 11, 1885, cannot 'properly exhaust exist.'13 Accordingly, reverse judgment remand directions give do delay recognize historic Nation valid objection 50 U.S.C.App. 456(j); Seeger, 380 163, 85 850, 733.14 Defense recognized, 'the deemed essential man's force serve forces.' Directive 1300.6 (May 1968). our impinging prevail Burns 346 137, 1045, 1508; 146. court, upholding whom careful effectuating decree.15 POWELL REHNQUIST took part 22 DOUGLAS, concurring result. & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions agree Court's view overriding test try detain person. classic Ex parte Milligan, Wall. 2, 281, issued behalf tried Indiana tribunal. During Civil War State open authority always unopposed. President 'suspended' writ, id., 115, suspension, said relieve producing person detained. 'The Constitution goes further. say citizen, shall otherwise course common law; intended easy use words accomplished it.' 126. Chief Taney Merryman, Cases 1789:1880 Page 144 (No. 9,487) (CC Md. 1861), alone suspend position Lincoln did honor. To resolved, relevant mention matter constitutional underpinning corpus. Constitution, describing powers legislative branch, states that: Privilege Writ Habeas Corpus suspended, unless Rebellion Invasion public Safety require 25 consistently reaffirmed preferred place Great Fay Noia, 372 391, 400, 83 822, 828, 837; Smith Bennett, 365 708, 81 895, 898, 39. 26 III, 1, gives power, 'ordain establish' inferior courts; subjects 'appellate Jurisdiction' 'such Exceptions, Regulations make.' Once withdrew appellate cases. McCardle, 318, 816; 506, 264. An passed very first provided issuance writ. Marshall Bollman, Cranch 75, 95, 554, 'for means existence, privilege lost, although law suspension enacted.' meaning term corpus' ascertained resort 'to law;' yet award written law.' 93—94. 27 What dependent statutes,1 save defined Constitution. judges do, distinct question. Authority protect rights individuals inherent judge, conformably Acts Congress. mandate 9, suspended' mean issuance, proper controversy, implied judge. ruled congressional statutes enforcing rights, enforce guarantee. New York, 332 261, 283—284, 285, 293, 1613, 1625—1626, 1630, 2043; Katzenbach Morgan, 384 641, 647, 86 1717, 1721, 828. Those involved protests state action. Certainly stand position. germane problem. here exceeding bounds punish statutory exemption conflict prerogatives apparent Milligan. appropriately shows exempt duty punished failure submit. one tribunals. One enable keep bounds. just announced today. 30 695 7, 399, challenge military's rather court.2 Of course, prevails, will like utilized. Hawk, 321 114, 64 448, 88 572. indeed, pursue alleged shown exist futilely invoked. principle invoked wrote 2254 custody 'unless appears State.' important operation both Government administering programs relating justice.3 837. federalism enlighten prisoners relevant,' 694, analogous questions involving prisoners. different. O'Callahan v Parker, 258, 265, 1683, 1686, 291, 'A instrument justice significant degree specialized overall mechanism preserved.' 32 Comity 'a teaches action causes another sovereignty concurrent powers, already cognizant litigation, opportunity pass matter.' Darr Burford, 339 200, 204, 70 587, 590, 94 761. Pentagon sovereign. simply agency, insofar concerned. Comment, S.Cal.L.Rev. 356, 377—378. past deference due decisionmaking process, 'comity,' nor sanctity Executive Branch, effect morale discipline, judiciary's unfamiliarity 'extremely technical provisions (of Justice) analogs jurisprudence,' 696, 1884. 33 'special expertise' argument often employed defenders Thus, advanced—and rejected—that staff service, absent experience, complicated, niceties law.4 96 Cong.Rec. 1305—1306. deal equally arcane matters areas patent, admiralty, tax, antitrust, bankruptcy law, daily basis. Our 'necessary effective national establishment,' 1687, roots almost alien Bill Rights, provision contained primarily 'military marked age-old manifest destiny retributive justice.' 266, 1687.5 sake orderliness normally follow procedure requirements. Gusick supra. once exhausted, permitted courts6 sure regime acts governing problem repeat, statutes7 Constitution8 implicated objectors. 35 Petitioner therefore subject orders. refusing sending Vietnam offense. theory appealing Appeals. need go overruling If reason Army, overreaching punishes refusal. 36 obviously fills need. mind spirit, rooted First Amendment, keeping military. liberty 'antagonism' 'irreconcilable.' Wall., 124, 125. steps over bounds, leaves area expertise forsakes domain.9 becomes resolve, consistent At oral case, review. right classified induction bottomed 1968), Secretary 133. directive 'uniform utilization Armed Forces requests objection.' 635—20 effectuate broader policies DOD 1300.6. Craycroft Ferrall, 408 587 (CA9 1969), access court. Current governmental policy rejects Craycroft. Compliance perfection ABCMR marks exhausted. Memo. 652 (Oct. 1969). 397 335, 1152, 351, vacated Naval 30, four ABCMR. 1946, enacted legislation empowering secretaries, acting boards officers departments, alter records injustice. Legislative Reorganization 207, 60 Statutes-at-Large 837, amended 70A 116, 1552 (1952 ed., Supp. IV). Pursuant legislation, established correction whose is, serviceman, record intervene error remove 1552(a). consultation Defense, holdings Kelly Brooks Clifford, 409 700, 701 (CA4). Compare McNamara, 378 538 (CA10), Polsky Wetherill, 403 916, 2232, 693, vacating 438 132 (CA10). contend competence determining acknowledge brief: 'Plainly, interpretation jurisprudence," quoting contended remedies—like remedies—is 194, 47. concept 'exhaustion' context different systems closely abstention. discussion abstention federal-state context, see generally C. Wright, Handbook Courts 186—188, 196—208 (2d ed. 1970). Barker Law—A Separate Jurisprudence, U.Cin.L.Rev. 223 (1967); Warren, Rights Military, N.Y.U.L.Rev. 181 (1962). III power. Following World II, Congress, attempt reform modernize May 5, 1950, chapter 169, 107. 1968, 819, improve procedures. 705, 710 (CA2 1968): 'Judicial hesitancy faced touching affairs hardly surprising responsibility places President. ever-present urgent explain relative freedom supervision.' provides 'individuals submitted formal applications (for status) units providing minimum practicable applications.' Air Force officer who, instruct student pilots fly fighter used Noyd's refrained ordering accused instruction processed denied. said: validity (to students), depended Secretary's (rejecting application) illegal, generated illegal.' 492, 195, 204. did, fact, interpose trial, judge's finding ruling arbitrary, capricious, unreasonable, abusive (sic) discretion.' referred (including itself) acquitted defense. wrongful application, event, obtain This inconsistent maintain avoid needless friction disobeyed unlawful, valid, allowing soon affect discipline. interest punishing disobedience unlawful order. invalid, can, prosecute Correlatively, unaffected claim, concurrently. 15, infra. Needless say, status raised various types remain exercise Report National Advisory Commission Service, Pursuit Equity: Who Serves Not Serve? 48—51 Monograph Conscientious Objection (1950); Russell, Development Objector Recognition Geo.Wash.L.Rev. (1952); God, Judicial Review: In-Service Objector, 56 Calif.L.Rev. 379 (1968). invalid. follows proceeding, entitled end spectrum hypothetical real connection claim—e.g., stealing fellow soldier's watch. sentence imposed. assumed except lower R. Stern E. Gressman, Practice 419—420 (4th Hirota MacArthur, 335 876, 69 157, 93 418; 338 197, 1902. Some members felt authorization, prevailed. Chaapel Cochran, 369 869, 82 1143, 284. Billings Truesdell, 542, 737, 917. registrant induction, refused take oath. oath read told made difference; 'in army now.' 545, 740. fingerprinting, him. challenging lawfully inducted. affirmed, Billings' indeed violated existing Implicit affirmation proposition including court-martial, instance. decided enactment reached results. McElroy Guagliardo, 361 80 305, 282; Reid Covert, 354 77 1222, 1148; Toth Quarles, 350 76 100 8. 631, contrary. There, scruples instance, entitlement bail disposition appeals. motion presented Appeals; explicit distinguishing Toth: cited barred assertion classes civilians connected vindicated complainants' remedies. so, believe extended type presented. appeared especially unfair complainants substantial arguments denying them all. Neither factors us.' 696 supports 'exhaustion prisoner challenges military.' Developments Law—Federal Corpus, Harv.L.Rev. 1038, 1233 169. And precisely nature. Irving Brant says 483 (1965), differences immense matter, little bearing 'fundamental fairness' 'basic liberties.' These overlapping double jeopardy, fundamentals fairness courts.' Many today's critics feel insensitivity least problems. Recent attacks rested premise too identified viewpoint establishment supposed oversee. Sherrill, Is Music 214—215 (1970). Critics concede, partially successful infusing notions process Sherman, Conscience Command 21, (J. Finn 1971). speedy Schalck, 371, 151; confront witnesses, Jacoby, 428, 244; protection unreasonable searches seizures, Vierra, 48, 260; self-incrimination, Kemp, 89, 89; Brown, 251, 41; compulsory Sweeney, 599, 379; Miranda-type warnings, Tempia, 629, 249. Despite advances, system's disregard pervasive. Hearings Constitutional Personnel Subcommittee Senate Committee Judiciary, S.Res. 260, 87th Cong., Sess.; Joint S. 745 Judiciary Special Services Committee, 89th Sess., pts. 2. Summary-Report Personnel, 58, 88th 1st Sess. (Comm.Print 1963). hearings proposed witness analogized panel jury appointed sheriff's office. House Services, 81st 630 (1949). Rep. Sutton Tennessee, himself much-decorated veteran, summarized views during II statement, floor debates Code, '(h)ad Building what designed, veteran's hospital, America lots better off today.' 5727. Rules Procedure govern (Rule 81(a)(2)), nature; comprehensive, depositions discovery. 26—37. (see ff. Annotated KF65 U5 867, Supp.1972) contain respecting collateral 1966, Frischholz, 150, 306, express grant 1967, disadvantage compared counterpart. Arts. 32, 36, 46, 49, §§ 832, 836, 846, 849. Melnick, Defendant's Right Obtain Evidence: Examination Viewpoint, Mil.L.Rev. (1965). M. Comisky Apothaker, Criminal (1963). Manual Courts-Martial, 30f, 34, 117, 145a App. 456(j). 733. Gillette 437, 463, 843, 168 (Douglas, J., dissenting). Another factor militating reliance 'comity' analyzing insulation enormous modern American life. 'From initial authorized strength well thousand, grown behemoth numbering million men nominal peace. No longer lie dormant unnoticed years end, coming attention typical citizen war. Today every male resident soldier, sailor, airman; estimated peace occupies percent adult life average reaching draft age. Warren recently observed: "When sweeping capacity affecting lives citizenry, wisdom treating enclave reach inevitably drawn question.' (Warren, 181, 188.)' 379, 446—447.

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