Legal Document

346 U.S. 273 73 Supreme Court Reporter 1173 97 L.Ed. 1607 ROSENBERG et. ux.v.UNITED STATES Number ____. APPENDIX Decided June 17, 1953. [Syllabus from pages 273-276 intentionally omitted] Acting Solicitor General Robert L. Stern, Washington, D.C., for the United States. Messrs. Emanuel or Haw. Hawai‘i Reports KFH45 A2 Bloch, John Federal KF105 F3 Finerty, New York City, and Fyke Farmer, Nashville, Tenn., Daniel D. Marshall, Los Angeles, Cal., Rosenbergs. July 16, Mr. Chief Justice VINSON delivered opinion of Court. 1 A Special Term was convened upon Attorney General's application to review a stay execution in this case, issued by DOUGLAS. 2 Our action unusual. So were circumstances which led it. The Court's should be considered context full history proceedings have marked case. 3 On August 1950, defendants indicted conspiring commit espionage wartime, violation Espionage Act 1917, 50 States Code KF62 §§ 32(a), 34.* After lengthy jury trial they found guilty, on April 5, 1951, sentenced death. Upon appeal Appeals affirmed.1 petition rehearing denied. 4 certiorari filed here. It denied October 13, 1952.2 28, 1952. November 1952.3 5 One week thereafter, motion District under § 2255 Judicial Code, 28 2255, Annotated KF65 U5 vacate judgment sentence. That (hereafter called first motion) did not challenge power impose death denied.4 affirmed. denied.5 Certiorari again sought here, May 25, entered vacated same date.6 day, stay, pending consideation rehearing, 9, 1953, Justice. during last 1952 Court, adjournment having been announced 15, 6 In meantime sentence set 15th Judge, two further motions one 1, 1953 another 8, Those denials affirmed 11, respectively. 7 addition those also presented asking that writ mandamus issued, directing sentencing judge resentence defendants. 2, relief way mandamus. Thus, as 12, three decisions had is collateral attacks sentence, all instituted after our denial 2255. 8 an with Clerk Jackson, appropriate Circuit This requested enable Rosenbergs seek most recent 'within time ordered applicable statute.' Jackson referred recommendation oral argument heard session Term, declined hear stay.7 certiorari, denied.8 Thus effect, disposed then courts—as adhering its original subsequent denying decision showed saw no substantial question preserved consideration. 9 Just moment before habeas corpus, including request account imminence execution, counsel urged immediate action. They advised prompt consideration would given application. met afternoon day application.9 adjourned. 10 Late applied DOUGLAS stay. representing Edelman, who described himself 'next friend' Rosenbergs, corpus. included prayer More than months their appearance DOUGLAS, Edelman's attorneys asked raise very adopted at defendants.10 recitation facts, we do hold case waiver claim precluded 11 morning defendants, since it raised questions already passed 12 Atomic Energy 1946, 42 1810(b)(2) (3), 1810(b)(2, 3), superseded rendered without contention posed question; he but granted effective until applicability could determined Appeals. 13 convene 18 Black objecting. 14 brought particular proceeding. argued several hours 18. recessed deliberated conference hours. During next held conference, noon per curiam opinion. We 15 Immediately following announcement decision, moved grant them additional period might executive clemency. Counsel Edelman reconsider recess deliberation, both motions, noting dissents, Frankfurter appending separate memorandum each order.11 16 Thereafter clemency carried out. 17 recited unusual length because think necessary proper understanding rendered. proceed discuss power: issue stay; decide, proceeding, vacation No has disputed this, proposition indisputable. 19 Stays are part 'traditional equipment administration justice'. Scripps-Howard Radio, Inc., versus Communications Commission, 1942, 316 4, 9—10, 62 875, 880, 86 1229. individual Justices regularly them, exercise vital functioning jurisdiction. 20 Confronted Act, wrote: 21 'I serious doubts whether may imposed offense except unless recommends opportunity litigate issue. 22 will But & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions queston penal provisions can Appeals, open member usual order.' hearing entertain had. 23 turn true made practice vacating stays single Justices, although entertained such relief.12 reference does prove nonexistence power; only demonstrates must discretion, power. 24 exercised derives role final forum render ultimate answer 25 issuing act some form amnesty last-minute reprieve defendants; simply acted protect jurisdiction over maintain status quo conclusive defendants' behalf. decide lay within bring new us examine merits delay. considering out limited purpose 26 existence clear, so also, think, necessity exercise. Yet matter discretion if power, refrain immediately deciding Indeed, reasons refusing, practice, obvious enough. Ordinarily stand grounds reviewed through regular appellate processes. 27 however, deemed consider urgent His initiation proceeding followed hard heels orders leave file corpus requested. based, course, claim—a any prior responsibility supervise criminal justice federal judiciary. includes duty see laws enforced fair proceedings, punishments prescribed reasonable degree promptness certainty. promised many more litigation otherwise run course. 29 adjudication entirely legal; there need resort fact finding processes Court; statutory construction equipped answer. decided required forthwith. 30 merits. summarized 1946 displace Act. magnitude require mandate—a mandate sustained thereafter despite continuous attack. 31 complete statements forth opinions JACKSON CLARK. reiterate what said opinions. enough add, view, clear. Accordingly, 32 19, 33 PER CURIAM. 34 (1) Julius Rosenberg Ethel Rosenberg, (2) reconsideration reaffirmance order Misc., petitioners, Wilford Denno, Warden Sing Prison, 271, 1152, 35 agrees doubt these proceedings. There dispute courts. 36 now being powerless 34,* statute indictment laid. 37 Although never employed heretofore participated 38 substantial. unwarranted. conspiracy charged proved violate wartime. repeal limit 39 entering advance preparation Clerk. 40 Stay vacated. 41 FRANKFURTER yesterday complicated novel. believe that, adjudicate issues adequate opporutnity afforded sides make study presentation. due specifically position. By JACKSON, whom VINSON, REED, BURTON, CLARK MINTON join. 43 legal cannot allow basis lower courts conduct long-drawn 44 sole ground stated governed instead earlier crime here involved commenced 6, 1944. years passed. All overt acts relating atomic energy Government relies took place early January 1945. 45 Constitution, art. I, prohibits passage ex post facto If Congress tried transactions 1944 1945 offenses, obliged aside. To door retroactive statutes rightly regarded blow civil liberties protected Constitution. retrospective conspiracies committed enacted. 46 join agree not, text intention, supersede purport nor afford spelling implication. Each itself own reason field operation. Certainly prosecution, conviction law improper. attempt prosecute later probability fail. 47 based Application affirming refused, 344 838, 20, denied, 889, 134. 48 Later, responsible authorized raised, among other issues, heard. institution disposition questions. supported four failed want more, recording his view 'there end served stay.' 345 989, 1151. 49 nine months, Rosenbergs' upon, foreclosed denials. However, (since granting stay) contention, irregular manner originally presented. important procedural disapprove. solely appear Of capacity, incapacity isolation counsel, prisoner's grants standing justified. 51 stranger intervention unauthorized opposed counsel. What getting into explained, inquiry bar. record clear helpful chosen champion. See People State California, 357, 293. 52 tell get refused. inform eleven points present hereafter, approved issues. 53 throughout able zealous choice. These thought point merit perhaps obscure better endeavoring procure indicated impressed substantiality, became shared table lawyers thus admitted attorneys-at-large ably courageously fought battle listened bar newly imported plainly implied lack zeal retained elbowed control 54 Every lawyer familiar workings habits precedent presents threat orderly representation accused persons right themselves cases. court refused accept intrusion him take in, over, disorderly likely prejudice help highly publicized cases self-evident. discountenance practice. 55 Vacating construed indorsing wisdom appropriateness permitted and, previously pointed out, therefore revision. 56 CLARK, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, 57 Seven times addition, well applications likewise careful even numerous 58 1951. Beginning refusal 1952, painstaking fact, past facet occupied attention At sixth plea. contending penalty prosecution; find intent injure recommend imposition merit, execution. determination. Cf. Ex parte Quirin, 317 63 87 3. 59 Human lives stake; fine procedure party's technical relief. Nor firm belief tendered substantial, temporary me short invalidate apply. 10(b)(2) (3) authorizes capital punishment (Notably, peacetime offenses well, exceeding harshness penalties provided Act.) wartime 1917 elements prerequisite Where proscribes private course conduct, choose invoke either law: 'At least where different proof offense, transaction Beacon Brass Co., 43, 45, 77, 79; Noveck, 1927, 202, 206, 341, 71 610; Gavieres States, 1911, 220 338, 421, 489. partial overlap necessarily work pro tanto repealer 'It cardinal principle repeals implication favored. When subject, rule give effect possible. * intention legislature 'must manifest'. sufficient 'to establish cover (the act); merely affirmative, cumulative, auxiliary'. 'a positive repugnancy between old". Borden 1939, 308 188, 198, 60 182, 84 181. Otherwise when charging transmit non-atomic secrets split prosecution alleged crimes. Section 10(b)(6) itself, moreover, expressly provides 'shall exclude *,' unmistakable Act.* Therefore section repealing preserves undiminished force. warrant superimposing law. event, invoked against crux charge 1945, went effect. While late related principally efforts avoid detection deeds. Grave unconstitutional criminality attended transmitting 1946. Since charged, inconsistency sustained. 61 liberty maintained long secure. permit judicial used obstruct destroys freedom. Over ago guilty grave war. Unlike litigants seven times; pleas Though great heavy, BLACK, dissenting. 'act unseemly haste postponement scheduled execution.' agree. investigate arguments wholly unsatisfactory too deserves. why upset rulings add my regret rush deprived hastily sketch raised. 64 First. argues aside doubtful. permits mere obedience obligations.* Moreover, commonplace judges vacation. healthy custom. instances term, none. far tell, unprecedented. 65 constitutional exercised. Concededly, He so; obligation life citizens involved, heavier. Surely establishing call extra sessions every state official asks hasten electrocution affording exploration inappropriate Lambert Barrett, 157 697, 722, 865, 1895 overruled, circuit chambers. petitions 66 Second. studied conclusion sentences people Judge contends, properly 32, gives district unconditional 1810, appears taken judges, espionage, juries allegations information unlawfully transmitted continued 1944, 1950. covered disclose kinds secrets. Under nearly fit general canons less harsh statute. 67 am unaware Government's statutes, deprives strange seems still involves matters desire deliberation be. peculiarly barred acting jury's recommendation. And kind informed 68 Thira. aware appeal. believe, citizen illegal, executed 'waived' plain error. An illegal 'waiver' assigned justify Compare Bowen Johnston, 306 26, 442, 445, 83 455. seen view. 69 Fourth. inadequate left question. fully demonstrated written order, copy attached appendix unlawful transmittal recommended trying yet up date. harmony best traditions. 70 voted challenged fairness trial. try rules Constitution defining treason. believed unfairness expanded review. states automatic highest involve good amiss below. Without affirmance land always executions legally rightfully let approve disapprove trials. 72 22, FRANKFURTER, 74 Rosenberg. arrangements convening completed. Less about Thursday, 18, members few minutes noon, receive brief bearing propriety reviewability DOUGLAS' order. 75 jurisdictional substantiality infirmity ground. recognized stay;1 though record; urged, concerned legality Lange, Wall. 163, 872. 76 patently frivolous sufficiently process confident judgment. addressed. else irrelevant. Once conceded, did, issue, immaterial how equally intervened effort almost eve executions. irrelevancies enter mind unnaturally tends bend false direction. 77 controlling position notation order: 78 'Mr. believes position.' 79 Painful is, bound say indispensable conditions solid me, preclude saying substance. Let difficulties arise 80 convicts authoritatively tells jury. especially directed obtain classified materials pertaining bomb: 81 'Bear mind—please listen ladies gentlemen contends bomb information, secret information; report regarding fire-control Elitcher Sobell classified; top secret; Rosenberg's Greenglass, mathematical data airplanes, 'sky platform' project obtained scientist contacts country.' R. 1557. 82 Such 'averments expected intended laid.' Kissel, 218 601, 609, 124, 126, 1168. told jury: 'You determine, evidence defined indictment, existed.' 1552. Only existed, averred date certain beginning ending 31, 1801 et seq., came so. decisive importance. consequences afoot six vastly terminated years, devised legislation suggested laid occurred hence But, again, conspiracy, acts.2 As jury, convict, aimed obtaining characterized alleged, often repeat, continuing reveal things, flies face made, adduced secured contend terminal Conspiracy preceded appears—although, feel secure thorough case—that falling terms dealing developments energy. remains 85 content prevent disclosure information. relevant differ respects For thing makes possible disclosures peace Some fell generally fall exclusively court, while needs statement drastic difference authority prosecutor Nothing rest prosecutor's caprice placing label demonstration absurdity, defiance whole conception impersonality law, self-stultification. indorsement theory operating, error supports imposed, immaterial.3 Williams 168 382, 389, 92, 94, 509. considerations—the whim fixes sentences, judged meted design assumption court—cut across talk empty generalities construction. words hereafter falls depend 88 much, least, lies surface analysis statutes. replete division construing statutes; doubtful ambiguous language like ambiguities interpretative divisions certainly impressive, See, e.g., Dotterweich, 320 277, 134, 48; Singer 323 282, 89 285; Petrillo, 332 1538, 91 1877; C.I.O., 335 106, 1349, 92 1849; Williams, 341 70, 581, 95 758; Hood, 343 148, 568, 96 846. goes, days, illuminating materials. mathematically demonstrable just twelve waking dig assess, assemble, formulate meaning legislative Suffice revealed certitude. S.Rep. 1211, 79th Cong., 2d Sess. 23—24; Cong.Rec. 6082, 6096, 9257, 10194; cf. id., 9481—9482. authoritative commentary Senate Committee drafted statute, recognizes compelling reconcile conflicting seems, read it, facts apply exclusion Act.4 Newman, Control Information Relating Energy, Yale L.J. 768. 90 Neither available, go below granted. needed Arguments adjunct process, preparation. pressed force partisanship. partisan, presupposes ample unhurried independent reflection discussion conference. reflection; discussion; searching fruitful interchange minds wise alone produce carefully prepared argument. exist essential preliminary. reaching conclusions supporting Can customarily here? suggesting none considerations bringing leaden-footed employment deliberative spoken, however unfortunate emerge did. myself disability insufficient explore explored, nothing intimate sustain behalf substance wanting. writing affecting curtain rung down pathetic futility. claims. incident unending develop enforce according progress struggle surely depends past, recalled, illumination future. sturdy self-examination self-criticism detached established fortified become subjected stress strain. 93 American defects, essentials behind vindication history. systems wise, administered men occasionally frailties men. Perfection demanded capacity counteract inevitable, rare, mark civilized mechanism. 94 deeply troubled tendered. research concluded, opinion* indicated, one, court. Now benefit reflection. know 98 says laughed antedated obviously misses based. this—whether involving takes 99 started irrelevant reasons. First, pursuance Second, 285, necessary; proved. endured effective. 100 effective, requirements sure, judge, death, emphasized heinous character trafficking said: 101 your putting hands Russians Abomb scientists predicted Russia perfect caused, opinion, Communist aggression Korea, resultant casualties 50,000 knows millions innocent pay price betrayal you undoubtedly altered disadvantage 102 sanctions Whether unwise doing us. cold truth recommends. 103 say, old elemental citation apply—one carrying imprisonment—the choice 104 suggestion comes late, appeal, raising now. barred. man woman point. function others Great Writ serves. adhere views Hughes unanimous 26—27, 446, 455: 105 forgotten precious safeguard personal higher unimpaired. Lange (18 872). requiring nevertheless relates power.' 106 Here penalty, 107 Before knew sure deep heart Knowing 108 TO OPINION OF MR. JUSTICE 109 110 raises concerning papers filed. substantially deny differed reviewed, spoken bow decision. responsibly rejected. 111 Another together challenges 32(a)* provides: 112 "Whoever, injury advantage foreign nation, communicates, delivers, transmits, attempts to, aids induces communicate, deliver, transmit, government, faction party military naval country, unrecognized representative, officer, agent, employee, thereof, directly indirectly, document, writing, code book, signal sketch, photograph, photographic negative, blue print, plan, map, model, note, instrument, appliance, national defense, shall punished imprisonment twenty years: Provided, whoever subsection (a) war thirty *." (Italics added.) 34* 113 "If conspire sections title object parties accomplishment conspiracy. Except above thirty-seven codify, revise, amend March fourth, nineteen hundred nine." 114 returned 32(a) communicate nature, viz., Soviet Russia. 115 provide: 116 "(2) Whoever, lawfully unlawfully, possession of, access entrusted with, note incorporating restricted data—1 117 "(A) discloses person, conspires foregoing, (but States); $20,000 both; " 118 "(B) utilized shall, conviction, $10,000 ten both. 119 "(3) acquires, acquire both." 120 apparent —upon 121 122 —where 123 satisfied 124 Department maintains Petitioner starting time, lighter 125 Curiously, applications. reaction previously, considerable ameliorate disclosing Sess., Page 23, stated, problem drafting "common defense security" assure "sufficient freedom Nation scientific progress." 126 engaged exchange interests science. lowered level data. beneficiaries, result hand. precise imposed. violators—Communists non-Communists—are entitled protection. 127 briefs extended research. divulging follow possibly respects: commencing effective.2 Third, coconspirator, Sobell, January, May, 1948. beyond Act.3 short, portion 128 satisfied. deliberation. 129 country nefarious plans spies destroy 130 human snuffed sure—emphatically sure—that lingering plague conscience event. 131 132 133 ordered. 134 1948 Revised Criminal 794, 2388. Cir., 195 Reporter, 2nd Series 583. 20. noted 889—890, reads: 'Motion Dr. W.E.B. Dubois amici curiae Petitions Memorandum 111. adheres Frankfurter. 'Petitioners unreasonable society condemned them. years. February 1889, Statutes-at-Large 655, 656, convictions arising appealable 1911 abolished right, come (§§ 128, 238, 240 241 1087, 1133, 1157.) ** 1254, 1291 seq 'The Courts reviewing convictions. corresponding responsibility. Second conscious Speaking Frank, 'Since put judgments stand, goes scrutinized extraordinary care contains errors asserted appeal.' 583, 590. 'After consideration, adhered certiorari. Misconception persists repeated explanation. means, means seemed standards governing discretionary deserves precludes giving reasons, briefly, explained militate votes Chemical Bank Trust company Group Institutional Investors, 982, 1018 (96 1372). 'Numerous support certiorari; five adjudicate, imply questions, scope deem revise.' F.Supp. 798. 200 666. 965, 949. 'Motions National Lawyers Guild Joseph Brainin ifor Frankfurter, referring positions November, Douglas granted.' 'An herein action, 'that Monday, agreed ready argument.' 'Upon recommendation, Burton, agreeing Jackson's 'Thereupon, gave denies Burton joining denial. believing fina number vote willing wish merits, thinks 949, rehearing.' 1003, 'Petition deems once publication guide cases, 'unbroken dissent certiorari.' 1018, 1372; Maryland Baltimore Radio Show, 338 912, 252, 652; Darr Burford, 339 200, 227, 587, 602, 761; Agoston Com. Pennsylvania, 340 844, 619; Bondholders, Powell, 342 921, 319, 688; Id., Partial successive stages accurate picture place. 1152. dissents. Frankfurter: rarely transfer 2241, (28 2241). favor Southern Circuit. more. tomorrow forenoon. Oral frequently word conveys.' receiving Edelman. argument, inter alia, advanced petition, 7, constituted cruel Eighth Amendment requirement (42 1816, 3) 1816), cited regard contentions, 769. article deals extensively relationship 322, 1178. read: petitioners motion, Black, 'On o'clock tonight, ask prerogative Douglas, 324, 1178, are, factor situation, arose hour. remotely domain reserved President. making Were correct p.m. formally time-limit operate. justifiably assume, fixed tonight. respectfully assume constitutionally function.' (73 1178): Douglas' desires free doubt. dissenting Republic Peru, 318 578, 590, 793, 800, 1014, connection Carper Fitzgerald, 87, 825, 882.' Land Dollar, 737, 987, 1331; Johnson Stevenson, 1948, 801, 359. 794. Newman Miller, 235 (1948); 769, 790 (1947). additionally exception, providing 'no agency inconsistent section,' exception disclosed (which refer 10(b)(6)), 'prohibits category released Commission.' S.Rep.No.1211, 24. 6096 (1946): 'Section establishes Commission remain *.' cites 2106 1651, 2106, dissolving Douglas. affirm, modify, vacate, reverse judgment, decree, review, remand cause direct entry circumstances.' etc., 'judgment, comfort 1651. writs aid respective jurisdictions agreeable usages principles law.' dissolution Natually 'do proceeding.' How existed uninterruptedly ever September 24, 1789? First Judiciary 73, 81—82. worth probably necessary, unlike requirement, furtherance 285. so, allege significance relevance submission. significant failure twenty-four complex problems forward presuppose omniscient lawyers. 'In determine charges designation pleader purported immaterial. conceived hand, validly satisfy proceeded, draw sting allegations.' Hutcheson, 312 219, 229, 463, 464, 788. pellucid piece draftsmanship runs observation Newman: 'Skillful inconsistencies evident Congress—regardless labyrinth confusion created.' L.J., 791. specific bare Court: suppose intend prosecuting attorney option moving latter broadly generically encompassed former. hand creates intellectual predicament. Its acceptance mean machine gun, may, circumstances, punishable exact bomb, years' imprisonment. spite anomalous inescapable. prescribe violations dissemination And, stating excluded, meant guard omissions, rather bore heavier penalties.' 797—798. Finally, specially qualified student concludes conflicts resolved, inevitably adjudication: 'Differing provisions: resolved Fortunately, pose dilemmas administering Act.' 799. Attached hereto Appendix. seem "restricted data" 10(b)(1) defines term "all manufacture utilization weapons, production fissionable material, use material include determines published adversely common security." opposition stated: "In arrest Klaus Fuchs publicized, (Rosenberg) David (Greenglass) Fuch's contact got Ruth 1945; Fuchs' Greenglasses' activities discovered; (R. 523). warnings renewed Harry Gold 525-526, 709) month, $1,000, discharge obligations 526, 710). detailed instructions Mexico ultimately Union 526-530, "Julius Greenglasses wife going flee meet 529, 713). ascertain physician inoculations trip 851), passport pictures family 1427-1429). "On 30, accordance Julius' request, sets taken, 530-531, 712). Greenglass introduced 531, 712; Ex. 9A, 9B). later, visited apartment $4,000 wrapped brown paper 532, 713; 10). repeat flight instructions, 532-533). brother-in-law, Louis Abel, who, David's arrest, turned latter's 536, 713, 794-795)." dated Sobell's follows: (Max) Bureau Ordnance job 256). plans, anything discussed 256).* Pursuant midtown 256-257). Elitcher's persuade source Navy 257). Washington conversation, attempted Ordnance; 'Well, Julie right; that' "Sobell dinner dinner, money available sending school improve 258). 'started venture' replied wanted do; close Party kept person finally succeeded approaching Russian 'who Russia' "A month drove preparatory changing 259). way, noticed 259-260). arrival York, proceeded home, planned overnight fear followed, angry house; valuable house ago, 'too destroyed dangerous keep around' 260-261). protests, insisted night. millimeter film house, accompanied Elitcher, Manhattan. waited car, deliver returned, 261). 'once talked Elizabeth Bentley phone pretty she didn't everything right' 261)." testified said, 'Don't me. wants speak it' nonetheless, change mind, shortly afterwards changed 257, 255).

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