Legal Document

474 U.S. 82 106 S.Ct. 433 88 L.Ed.2d 387 Larry Gene HEATH, Petitionerv.ALABAMA. No. 84-5555. Argued Oct. 9, 1985. Decided Dec. 3, Syllabus Petitioner hired two men to kill his wife. In accordance with petitioner's plan, the kidnaped wife from her home in Alabama. Her body was later found on side of a road Georgia. pleaded guilty "malice" murder Georgia trial court exchange for sentence life imprisonment. Subsequently, he tried and convicted during kidnaping sentenced death an Alabama court, which rejected claim double jeopardy. The Court Criminal Appeals Supreme affirmed conviction. Held: 1. This will not decide whether had jurisdiction, where petitioner did lack jurisdiction petition but raised first time this Court. Pp. 87. 2. Under dual sovereignty doctrine, successive prosecutions by States same conduct are barred Double Jeopardy Clause Fifth Amendment, and, hence, trying petitioner. 87-93. (a) doctrine provides that when defendant single act violates "peace dignity" sovereigns breaking laws each, has committed distinct "offences" jeopardy purposes. applying crucial determination is entities seek successively prosecute course can be termed separate sovereigns. turns prosecuting entities' powers undertake criminal derive independent sources. It been uniformly held respect Federal Government because each State's power derives its inherent sovereignty, preserved it Tenth Government. Given sources their try defendant, no less sovereign other than they 87-91. (b) application principle cannot restricted cases demonstrate allowing only one exercise over interfere second sovereign's unvindicated "interests." If sovereigns, circumstances case specific "interests" irrelevant. 91-92. (c) suggestion overruled replaced balancing interests approach rejected. Court's rationale fiction disregarded difficult cases; finds weighty support historical understanding political realities States' role federal system itself. 92-93. 455 So.2d 905 (Ala.1984), affirmed. O'CONNOR, J., delivered opinion Court, BURGER, C.J., WHITE, BLACKMUN, POWELL, REHNQUIST, STEVENS, JJ., joined. BRENNAN, filed dissenting opinion, MARSHALL, joined, post, P. 94. ---. 95. Ronald J. Allen, Chicago, Ill., William Duncan Little, III, Montgomery, Ala., respondent. Justice O'CONNOR 1 question before Amendment bars capital offense after him based homicide. particular, presents issue applicability States. 2 * August 1981, petitioner, Heath, Charles Owens Gregory Lumpkin wife, Rebecca who then nine months pregnant, sum $2,000. On morning 31, left Heath residence Russell County, Alabama, meet Georgia, just border home. led them back residence, gave keys Heaths' car house, premises girlfriend's truck. car, Heath's inside, Troup cause gunshot wound head. estimated distance spot consistent theory took place respondent does contend otherwise. 3 authorities pursued investigations cooperated some extent. September 4, arrested authorities. waived Miranda rights full confession admitting arranged wife's murder. November grand jury indicted under Ga.Code Ann. § 16-5-1 (1984).1 served notice intention penalty, citing as aggravating circumstance fact "caused directed" Record 742. See 17-10-30(b)(6) (1982). February 10, 1982, charge imprisonment, understood could involve serving few seven years prison. 495. 4 May 5, returned indictment against kidnaping.2 Ala.Code 13A-5-40(a)(1) Before indictment, entered pleas autrefois convict former United Constitutions, arguing conviction prosecution conduct. also plea contesting ground crime occurred 5 After hearing, claims. assumed, arguendo, have brought succession State bar different act. 776. postponed ruling until close chief. id., at 778. 6 At case, argued state law there evidence all showed killed responded proved, 15-2-3 (1982), if commences may punished regardless consummated. both jurisdictional renewed 590. 7 January 12, 1983, degree. sentencing recommended penalty. Pursuant law, hearing judge. judge accepted jury's recommendation, finding sole factor, "committed while engaged commission kidnapping," outweighed mitigating "defendant Superior . received imprisonment court." Id., 718-720. §§ 13A-5-49(4), 13A-5-50 8 appeal, Constitutions 898 (1983). writ certiorari stating "whether or constituted violation 5th Constitution." App. 92. granted petition, unanimously Ex parte (1984). 9 noted "[p]rosecutions do improperly subject accused twice offense," doctrine. 906. acknowledged considered reasoned, however, "[i]f, purposes, entity vis-a-vis government surely Georgia." Ibid. 10 sought raising claims Alabama's jurisdiction. No due process objections were asserted. We limited decision Brown v. Ohio, 432 161, 97 2221, 53 187 (1977), requested parties address 470 1026, 105 1390, 84 780 (1985). For reasons explained below, we affirm judgment 11 Despite grant constitutional objection continued argue claim. Tr. Oral Arg. 11-22, 29-31; Brief 15. decline Pet. Cert. 4. Even jurisdictionally considering pressed passed upon sometimes stated, see, e.g., Farm Mutual Automobile Ins. Co. Duel, 324 154, 160, 65 573, 576, 89 L.Ed. 812 (1945); Crowell Randell, 368, 392, 458 (1836), longstanding rule consider such creates, least, presumption review. See, Illinois Gates, 462 213, 218-222, 103 2317, 2321-24, 76 527 II 12 Successive offenses prosecuted "same" Respondent contravene contention "murder kidnaping" "malice murder," construed courts respectively, greater lesser thus, supra, absent operation principle. 169; Vitale, 447 410, 100 2260, 228 (1980). therefore assume, that, these arisen separately State, would Clause. 13 remaining permits otherwise "subject [the defendant] offence put jeopardy." Const., Amdt. 5. Although previously so held, believe answer query inescapable. originally articulated consistently applied compels conclusion 14 founded common-law conception government. When "offences." Lanza, 260 377, 382, 43 141, 67 314 (1922). As Moore Illinois, How. 13, 19, 306 (1852), "[a]n offence, legal signification, means transgression law." Consequently, transgresses "it truly averred offender offence; offences, justly punishable." 20. 15 then, draw authority punish power. Wheeler, 435 313, 320, 98 1079, 1084, 55 303 (1978); Waller Florida, 397 387, 393, 90 1184, 1187, 25 (1970); Puerto Rico Shell Co., 302 253, 264-265, 58 167, 172-73, 235 (1937); U.S., S.Ct., 142; Grafton States, 206 333, 354-355, 27 749, 755, 51 1084 (1907). Thus, derived own "inherent sovereignty," n. 14, 14. Abbate 359 187, 193-194, 79 666, 669-70, 729 (1959) (collecting cases); supra. stated 142: 16 "[E]ach determining what shall peace dignity exercising other. 17 "It follows denounced national sovereignties each." 18 Bartkus 121, 676, 684 (1959); Westfall 274 256, 258, 47 629, 71 1036 (1927) (Holmes, J.) (the proposition Governments "is too plain need more statement"). 19 Their belonging admission Union Amendment. 142. equal "in power, authority, competent exert residuum delegated Constitution itself." Coyle Oklahoma, 221 559, 567, 31 688, 690, 853 (1911). Skiriotes 313 69, 77, 61 924, 929, 85 1193 (1941). "[e]ach any sovereign, independently determine offenses, doing 'is other.' " (quoting 142). 20 outside realm illustrate soundness analysis. particularly instructive expressly refused find "so restrictive view sovereignty] concept require disregard very words Clause." 330, 1089. Instead, Wheeler reiterated purposes determined "the ultimate source respective undertaken." 1084. basis reasoning, Navajo Tribe, whose members tribal Tribe's "primeval sovereignty" rather delegation 328, 1088. 21 those instances inapplicable, done authority. territorial "creations emanating sovereignty." Rico, 264, 172. 264-266, 172-73. Grafton, supra Philippine Islands). Similarly, municipalities organic empowers State. Waller, These confirm presence prosecute, relation between our federalist system, constitutes 22 argues Nielsen Oregon, 212 315, 29 383, 528 (1909), indicates, albeit dicta, concurrent offense, thereby unusual facts continuing relevance, all, questions deriving Nielsen, set aside obtained Oregon resident Washington purse net fish Columbia River pursuant valid license Washington. that: 23 "By legislation Congress made common boundary Washington, given waters river." 319, 384. 24 "[T]he bring up curious questions, properly confine ourselves precise presented. enough decide, do, within limits Oregon." 320-321, 384-85. obvious attempt even effect proscribed States; therefore, bearing presented case. III 26 invites us restrict governmental entities, having pursuing quite interests, multiple necessary satisfaction legitimate entities. approach, reconciled plainly repeatedly identical "same offence" meaning (1922) (same conduct, indistinguishable statutes, "interests"). must definition employed, Petitioner, asking discard analysis substitute stead uncertain approach. similar request least previous occasion, see 196, 671 (BRENNAN, opinion), rightfully so. express simply cases. itself, "nor person limb." (emphasis added). 28 axiomatic "[i]n America, divided Union, They objects it, neither other." McCulloch Maryland, Wheat. 316, 579 (1819). well established "as communities, [are] consequently foreign Bank Daniel, 32, 54, 989 (1838). 929; 690. leaves possession "certain exclusive important portions power." Federalist p. (J. Cooke ed. 1961). Foremost among prerogatives create enforce code. Alfred L. Snapp & Son, Inc. ex rel. Barez, 592, 601, 102 3260, 3265, 73 995 (1982); McCulloch, 418. To deny another won race courthouse "would shocking untoward deprivation historic right obligation maintain order confines." Bartkus, 137, 685. Such justified assertion "interest analysis" penal satisfied through conducted A interest vindicating enforcement never laws. Just vindicated Government, entitled interest. recognition fact, endorsed "offence" violated always reflect fundamental principle, reason why should reconsider today. 30 ordered. 32 whom joins, dissenting. 33 I concur wholeheartedly MARSHALL's dissent. write clarify my views "different interests" play "for 34 (1959), addition permitted prosecutions, urged offense." Government's statutes involved divergent purposes—the protect communications private property—and thus promoted "interests," really offenses. 35 argument opinion. 196-201, 671-74. My concern "this reasoning apply equally acts statute, statute designed interest." 197, 672 original). That result clearly Amendment.* 36 adhere position Abbate, justify exception law. However, read dissent use "interest" context. He employs qualitative difference general nature similarity furthers, undermines, Based understanding, join 37 BRENNAN 38 Seizing past every "independent" violations already today gives short shrift policies underlying precedents. "dual heretofore used permit born accommodate complementary concerns jurisdictions. Moreover, matter, collusion ensure executed crime. 39 discovered abandoned Because deceased County Sheriff's Department immediately joined investigating causes agents death. 359. cooperative effort proved fruitful. deceased's husband, Patrol barracks confessed Shortly thereafter, malice prosecution's seeking penalty triggered beginning Unified Procedure requires But pretrial proceedings still progress, seized offer plea. Upon entry His stay custody short, however. Three later, murdering 40 noteworthy By count, prospective jurors questioned voir dire, aware 294. dire responses almost 75 veniremen characterized remarkable. asked knowledge prior give fair vast majority answered affirmative. 110, 112-113, 134, 254. answers judge, denied challenges except explicitly admitted probably affect assessment guilt. 41 With well-informed jury, outcome foregone conclusion. Defense counsel little elicit information witnesses tending show exclusively claims, defense spend most summation actually she murdered being ordering hearings, condemned die. upheld Appeals, (1983), 42 Had suddenly become dissatisfied reindicted once again, without Fourteenth Benton 395 784, 2056, 707 (1969). Whether repeated instead charged kidnaping, surely, reasonable standard, offend offense. 166, 2225, (1977); 170, 2227 concurring). hypothetical volte-face here offended notion might forfeit punishment permitting go forward A. 44 posits offends 20, (1852). Therefore, "prosecutions not, language 'subject jeopardy.' 317, 1083, (1978). Mindful admonitions Black, recognize exegesis as, best, useful worst, dangerous one. 158, 699, (Black, dissenting). ever adduced indicate Framers intended word meaning.1 45 strained reading survived indeed flourished plausibility, reassuring interpretivist accommodates unique system. extended cover new class cases, creation clear. 46 scheme, vindicate certain Nation's leaving matters local concern. spheres overlap times, implicated (conspiracy dynamite telephone company facilities entails destruction property disruption network). Yet however zealously pursued, allowed preclude further crime, entire range frustrated. importance trump defendant's avoiding punishments Screws 325 91, 108-110, 1031, 1038-39, 1495 (1945) (plurality opinion). Conversely, principal responsibility defining crimes," 195, 671, inappropriate—in absence congressional intent pre-empt action Supremacy Clause—to allow confines," exercised places burdens commensurate concomitant privileges. Past recognized special ordeal suffered price living cost citizenship. Every citizen, noted, "owes allegiance departments, speak, pay penalties exacts disobedience return, demand protection jurisdiction." Cruikshank, Otto 542, 551, 92 588 (1876). ("Every citizen said owe liable infraction either"). B 48 upholding relationship States,2 exempt command precedents provide illumination. Only competing prosecutorial interests. observed prohibited locus 49 acquiring finality acquitted 384, (1909). 50 Where proceedings, justifications federal-state context exemption constraints hold. opted assigned jurisdictions, vindication identical. contrast context, barring broad reserved Constitution. compelling subordinate considerably diminished involving perspective, burden quid pro quo sure, refusal extend state-state lost "race courthouse" sister prosecution. yet, am persuaded desire particular policy deprive constitutionally protected essentially charges. 52 Having expressed doubts ill-considered resolution confess quarrel disposition how resolved all. Although, granting certiorari, ordered focus issue, errs refusing unfairness stands pursue undisputed, governments combining together own. Murphy Waterfront Comm'n, 378 52, 1594, 678 (1964); Elkins 364 206, 80 1437, 1669 (1960).3 And facilitating another's delivering testimony coerced promise immunity illegally seized, prohibits forces receives trappings sped along execution. 54 While doubt propriety cooperating justice, cooperation went far beyond initial joint investigation. Georgia's efforts secure execution end acceptance Its officials leading roles trial. Indeed, assisting officer table trial, shared honors officer. 298. record reveal assurances induced plead proceeding him, forbearance bought merely continue Cf. Santobello New York, 404 257, 262, 495, 498, 427 (1971). incorporate protections Clause, four Members registered outrage "an instance harass trials convictions evidence, achieve[d] desired verdict." Ciucci 356 571, 78 839, 840, 983 (1958). "relentless prosecutions," asserted, unseemly oppressive contained whatever scope taken be." 575, 841. differences relentless avoid pleading guilty. viewed affront guarantee fairness, survive scrutiny. follows: "[The jurors] name behalf citizens accuse LARRY GENE HEATH [et al.] MURDER (26-1101); date county aforesaid, unlawfully aforethought McGuire human being, shooting gun, deadly weapon." 740. stated: "Larry intentionally caused abduction of, abduct, inflict physical injury her, Code 1975, amended, Alabama." 728. illustrated radical pernicious revision existing jurisprudence work referring re 131 176, 672, 118 (1889). 201, 674. Mormon violating Territory Utah prosecutions. cohabiting woman, adultery. correctly unconstitutionally placed proposed mere prohibiting sexual partners proscribing extramarital relationships note reluctant ascertain area. furthest progressed inquiry note: deemed relevant discussion problem dubious English concerning judgments ability charges arising out ." 128, 681, 9. 156, 698 dissenting); M. Friedland, 360-364 (1978), authorities, recognizes analogous concerns. "Congress plenary legislate Indian tribes matters, including form government," wisely refrained interfering sensitive Murphy, witness prosecution, Elkins, introduction officers, necessarily undermine thing using altogether. suggest despite status Governments, blind impact combined accused's rights. Note, Prosecution Governments: Another Exercise Federalism, Harv.L.Rev. 1538, 1547 (1967). Harlan's belief "abolished 'two sovereignties' rule," Stevens Marks, 383 234, 250, 86 788, 797, 724 (1966) (Harlan, concurring part, part), founded.

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