Legal Document

489 U.S. 189 109 S.Ct. 998 103 L.Ed.2d 249 Joshua DeSHANEY, a Minor, by his Guardian Ad Litem, and Melody DeShaney, Petitionersv.WINNEBAGO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, et al. No. 87-154. Argued Nov. 2, 1988. Decided Feb. 22, 1989. Syllabus Petitioner is child who was subjected to series of beatings father, with whom he lived. Respondents, county department social services several its workers, received complaints that petitioner being abused father took various steps protect him; they did not, however, act remove from father's custody. Petitioner's finally beat him so severely suffered permanent brain damage rendered profoundly retarded. mother sued respondents under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging had deprived liberty interest in bodily integrity, violation rights the substantive component Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause, failing intervene against violence. The District Court granted summary judgment for respondents, Appeals affirmed. Held: Respondents' failure provide adequate protection violence not violate Clause. Pp. 194-203. (a) A State's an individual private generally does constitute because Clause imposes no duty on State members general public protective services. phrased as limitation power act, guarantee certain minimal levels safety security; while it forbids itself deprive individuals life, liberty, property without due process law, language cannot fairly be read impose affirmative obligation ensure those interests do come harm through other means. 194-197. (b) There merit petitioner's contention knowledge danger expressions willingness established "special relationship" giving rise constitutional protect. While relationships" created or assumed respect particular may give duty, enforceable protection, see Estelle v. Gamble, 429 97, 97 285, 50 251; Youngberg Romeo, 457 307, 102 2452, 73 28, arises individual's predicament intent help him, but limitations which has imposed freedom own behalf, imprisonment, institutionalization, similar restraint personal liberty. No such existed here, harms occurred holding custody, custody natural sense state actor. have been aware dangers faced, played part their creation, nor anything render more vulnerable them. Under these circumstances, upon protection. 197-201. (c) It well voluntarily undertaking creating, acquired tort law danger. But transform every committed actor into violation. 201-202. 812 F.2d 298 (CA7 1987) REHNQUIST, C.J., delivered opinion Court, WHITE, STEVENS, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, KENNEDY, JJ., joined. BRENNAN, J., filed dissenting opinion, MARSHALL BLACKMUN, joined, post, p. 203. 212. Donald James Sullivan, Cheyenne, Wyo., petitioners. Mark J. Mingo, Milwaukee, Wis., respondents. B. Ayer amicus curiae, supporting special leave Court. Chief Justice REHNQUIST 1 boy beaten permanently injured Respondents are workers local officials reason believe this case, nonetheless claiming Amendment United States Constitution. We hold not. 2 * facts case undeniably tragic. DeShaney born 1979. In 1980, Wyoming court parents divorce awarded Randy DeShaney. shortly thereafter moved Neenah, city located Winnebago County, Wisconsin, taking infant him. entered second marriage, also ended divorce. 3 County authorities first learned might victim abuse January 1982, when wife complained police, at time divorce, previously "hit causing marks [was] prime abuse." App. 152-153. Department Social Services (DSS) interviewed denied accusations, DSS pursue them further. admitted hospital multiple bruises abrasions. examining physician suspected notified DSS, immediately obtained order Wisconsin juvenile placing temporary hospital. Three days later, convened ad hoc "Child Protection Team" consisting pediatrician, psychologist, police detective, county's lawyer, caseworkers, personnel—to consider Joshua's situation. At meeting, Team decided there insufficient evidence retain court. did, decide recommend measures Joshua, including enrolling preschool program, providing counselling services, encouraging girlfriend move out home. voluntary agreement promised cooperate accomplishing goals. 4 Based recommendation Child Team, dismissed returned father. month emergency room personnel called caseworker handling report once again treated suspicious injuries. concluded basis action. For next six months, made monthly visits home, during she observed number injuries head; noticed enrolled school, out. dutifully recorded incidents her files, along continuing suspicions someone household physically abusing nothing more. November believed caused abuse. On caseworker's two told too ill her. Still 5 March 1984, 4-year-old fell life-threatening coma. Emergency surgery revealed hemorrhages traumatic head inflicted over long period time. die, severe expected spend rest life confined institution subsequently tried convicted 6 brought action 1983 Eastern employees DSS. complaint alleged Amendment, risk hands knew should known. 7 Seventh Circuit affirmed, (1987), petitioners actionable claim alternative reasons. First, held require governmental entity citizens "private violence, mishaps attributable conduct employees." Id., 301. holding, specifically rejected position endorsed divided panel Third Estate Bailey Oare York, 768 503, 510-511 (1985), dicta Jensen Conrad, 747 185, 190-194 (CA4 1984), cert. denied, 470 1052, 105 1754, 84 818 learns third parties actually undertakes danger, between F.2d, 303-304. Second, held, reliance our decision Martinez California, 444 277, 100 553, 559, 62 481 (1980), causal connection respondents' attenuated establish deprivation 1983. 301-303. therefore found unnecessary reach question whether evinced "state mind" necessary make after Daniels Williams, 474 327, 106 662, 88 662 (1986), Davidson Cannon, 344, 668, 677 (1986). 302. 8 Because inconsistent approaches taken lower courts determining when, if ever, agents constitutes rights, Archie Racine, 847 1211, 1220-1223, n. 10 1988) (en banc) (collecting cases), pending, 88-576, importance issue administration governments, we certiorari. 485 958, 108 1218, 99 419 (1988). now affirm. II 9 provides "[n]o shall . any person property, law." Petitioners contend State1 "free[dom] unjustified intrusions security," Ingraham Wright, 430 651, 673, 1401, 1413, 51 711 (1977), one invoking rather than procedural Clause; according appropriate safeguards, Morrissey Brewer, 408 471, 481, 92 2593, 2600, 33 484 (1972), categorically obligated 309, 2454, 28 (1982).2 requires invasion actors. security. "due law," extended Nor history support expansive reading text. Like counterpart Fifth intended prevent government "from [its] power, employing instrument oppression," supra, U.S., 348, S.Ct., 670; 331, 665 (" ' "to secure arbitrary exercise powers government," " 'used purposes oppression' ") (internal citations omitted); Parratt Taylor, 451 527, 549, 101 1908, 1919, 68 420 (1981) (Powell, concurring result) (to "affirmative power"). Its purpose people State, protected each other. Framers were content extent latter area democratic political processes. 11 Consistent principles, cases recognized Clauses confer right aid, even where aid individual. See, e.g., Harris McRae, 448 297, 317-318, 2671, 2688-2689, 65 784 (1980) (no fund abortions medical services) (discussing Amendment); Lindsey Normet, 405 56, 74, 862, 874, 31 36 (1972) housing) 317, 2458 ("As matter, within border"). As said McRae: "Although affords unwarranted interference ., entitlement [governmental aid] realize all advantages freedom." 2688-2689 (emphasis added). If follows liable could averted chosen them.3 then, conclude simply 12 contend, arise individuals. Brief 13-18. argue here faced hands, proclaimed, word deed, intention 18-20. Having undertaken danger—which concede creating—the "duty," reasonably competent fashion. discharge argument goes, "shocks conscience," Rochin 342 165, 172, 72 205, 209, 96 L.Ed. 183 (1952), 20.4 13 reject argument. true limited circumstances Constitution duties care 251 (1976), Eighth prohibition cruel unusual punishment, applicable Robinson 370 660, 82 1417, 758 (1962), incarcerated prisoners. 103-104, 290-291.5 reasoned prisoner unable 'by [to] himself,' only 'just' required Ibid., quoting Spicer Williamson, 191 N.C. 487, 490, 132 S.E. 291, 293 (1926). 14 (1982), analysis beyond setting,6 involuntarily mental patients "reasonable safety" themselves others. 314-325, 2457-2463; id., 315, 324, 2457, 2462 (dicta indicating "adequate food, shelter, clothing, care"). explained: "If punishment criminals unsafe conditions, must unconstitutional [under Clause] confine committed—who punished all—in conditions." 315-316, 2457-2458; Revere Massachusetts General Hospital, 463 239, 244, 2979, 2983, 77 605 (1983) (holding responsible agency suspects apprehended police). 15 afford help. Taken together, stand proposition takes holds will, corresponding assume some responsibility well-being. See ("When institutionalized—and wholly dependent State[,] exist").7 rationale principle simple enough: restrains renders himself, same fails basic human needs—e.g., care, reasonable safety—it transgresses limits set 290-291; 2457-2458. behalf. 103, 290 ("An inmate rely prison treat needs; fail so, needs will met"). analysis, restraining behalf—through incarceration, liberty—which "deprivation liberty" triggering protections means.8 16 Estelle-Youngberg applicability present case. actor.9 free world, That alter placed worse would acted all; become guarantor having offered shelter. Joshua. 17 that, concededly Restatement (Second) Torts 323 (1965) (one another doing negligent fashion); W. Keeton, D. Dobbs, R. & Owen, Prosser Keeton Law 56 (5th ed. 1984) common tort). based which, many times, 335-336, 667; 544, 1917; (1980); Baker McCollan, 443 137, 146, 2689, 26, 61 433 (1979); Paul Davis, 424 693, 701, 1155, 1160, 47 (1976). may, legislatures, wishes. "all common-law owed actors constitutionalized Amendment." 335, 667. Because, explained above, so—though calamitous hindsight Clause.10 18 Judges lawyers, like humans, sympathy find way receive compensation grievous before yielding impulse, remember most can functionaries stood dictated active role defense soon take son away likely met charges improperly intruding parent-child relationship, forms charge 19 prefer system liability place situations one. They create system, already, changing accordance regular lawmaking process. thrust Court's expansion Amendment. 20 Affirmed. 21 BLACKMUN join, dissenting. 22 "The case," today concludes, "is them." Ante, page. I description tells story accordingly, "dictated role" presented agree 23 be, decides, ante, 194-197, construed prior creates That, here; indeed, raised complaint, urged appeal, petition certiorari, addressed briefs merits. one, short, asked proclaim safeguards positive negative liberties. 24 This quibble dicta; point about perspective, ramifications. setting distinguishes sharply inaction, one's characterization misconduct effectively Thus, leading off discussion (and rejection) idea citizens, foreshadows—perhaps preordains—its conclusion specific us. initial establishes baseline assesses DeShaneys' has—"by deed," 197—announced class trigger 25 absence concomitant suspicion seems depend rights. From foremost inaction (the failure, Joshua), tangentially establishment program designed children Joshua). And liable—where difference involving Wisconsin's operation children—would seem punish effort seek promote. 26 begin opposite direction. focus actions failed take. Such method new Both began emphasizing J.W. Gamble Nicholas Romeo psychiatric helpless persons unconnected government. Estelle, 104, 291 ("[I]t just prisoner, himself"); Youngberg, State—it conceded exist"). Cases recognize decisive assessing significance subsequent inaction. purposes, moreover, actual physical considered relevant. White Rochford, 592 381 1979) (police officers violated arresting guardian three young children, abandoned busy stretch highway night). 27 fixation appreciate recognition circumstances. view, dismissed) following way: "In 'deprivation liberty' means." 200. restatement Youngberg's surprise recalls explicit observation challenge commitment hospital, instead "argue[d] ha[d] constitutionally safety, movement, training institution; infringed conditions confinement." 2457 mean suggest "the behalf," 200, irrelevant Youngberg; rather, emphasize led injury, consequently cause unless then himself addition, exclusive attention state-imposed restraints suggests whereas fact—with I.Q. 10, capacity 18-month-old child, 2454—he quite incapable stepped life. fact hospitalization critical separated sources replace. Unlike therefore, am neat divide Moreover, count behalf" direct control. 200 (listing "incarceration, [and] describing relevant acts"). Young- berg stingy scope. recognize, apparently cannot, [an] him" amount "limitation obtain 29 Youngburg much generous that,if cuts refuses itself, wash hatm results 30 alone sounding theme. striking down filing fee applied indigents, Boddie Connecticut, 401 371, 91 780, 113 (1971), deciding entirely foreclose opportunity speak forum, see, Schneider 308 147, 60 155 (1939); Hague Committee Industrial Organization, 307 496, 59 954, 83 1423 Grace, 461 171, 1702, 75 736 (1983), acknowledged actions—such monopolization path relief—may duties. Similarly, Shelley Kraemer, 334 1, 836, 1161 (1948), Burton Wilmington Parking Authority, 365 715, 81 856, 45 (1961), complicit injury situation harm. Arising contexts different involved instructive tone equally precedent as, contradictory to, sets situating epitomized (1980). cited tell us Goldberg Kelly, 397 254, 90 1011, 287 (1970) (recognizing welfare law), side Dandridge 484, 1153, 1161, 491 (implicitly rejecting fundamental right), Goss Lopez, 565, 573, 95 729, 735, 725 (1975) (entitlement education perfectly consistent San Antonio Independent School Dist. Rodriguez, 411 29-39, 93 1278, 1294-1300, (1973) education). To put directly, signal analyzing thus locate claims framework andEstelle, generally, Schneider, considering 32 child-welfare places departments respondent (DSS Department) investigate reported instances Wis.Stat. 48.981(3) (1987-1988). bodies largely reporting possible abuse, 48.981(2), channels reports evaluation and, necessary, further 48.981(3). Even sheriff's office receives referred action, 48.981(3)(a); exception occurs reporter fears child's immediate safety. 48.981(3)(b). way, invites directs—citizens entities bear view protecting children. Each voiced abused, information relayed investigation When DeShaney's 'hit abuse,' 192. When, separate occasions, body, went information. 192-193. neighbors informed seen heard lover beating otherwise 144-145. Kemmeter, observations course nearly compiled growing stayed Department—chronicled worker detail almost eerie light it. (As worker's involvement in, of, predicament, reaction news last devastating illuminating: 'I phone ring day dead.' 298, 300 1987).) 34 telling examples Department's control contributed advice decision, up ultimate (subject approval government's Corporation Counsel) disturb family's current arrangements. 41, 58. appeared signaling example, studying situation—and acting conjunction corporation counsel, Unfortunately buck stopped Department. 35 citizen, working doubtless feel job done Through words, relieved ordinary ignores dismisses suspicions, step fill gap. child-protection walls violent home until Conceivably, existence charged carrying jobs. belies reality, "stood nothing" actively intervened virtue intervention, ever grave These my plant solidly tradition Estelle. 37 meager comfort know "selectively den[ied] services" "disfavored minorities," 197, 3, suit sturdier ground. posture why Joshua; product invidious discrimination. Presumably, name "J," spring, enough formulate discriminate reason, DeShaneys ones dealt blows destroyed 38 irrationality work case; was. allow show arose, sound professional sufficient preclude liability, 322-323, 2461-2462, kind arbitrariness past condemned. 665, (1986) (purpose government" (citations omitted)); West Coast Hotel Co. Parrish, 379, 399, 57 578, 585, 703 (1937) sustain need "arbitrary capricious"); Euclid Ambler Realty Co., 272 365, 389, 114, 118, 71 303 (1926) (state invalid "passes bounds assumes character merely fiat," Purity Extract Tonic Lynch, 226 192, 204, 44, 47, 184 (1912)). 39 deference decisionmaker's ensures decided, experience, preferable given required, follows. (In vision serves served adherence norms, namely, requiring stop think acts lead loss liberty.) conduct, Daniels, means makes mistake what admittedly complex difficult herself damages 40 reminds us, 'from oppression.' 196, Davidson, 670. My disagreement bit abusive oppression result vital Today's construes permit displace moment, shrug shoulders turn try prevent. indifferent indifference, respectfully dissent. 41 Today, purports dispassionate oracle unmoved "natural sympathy." 202. But, pretense, retreats sterile formalism prevents recognizing either legal norms apply facts. BRENNAN demonstrates, involve mere passivity, intervention DeShaney—intervention triggered exposed. 43 attempts draw sharp rigid line formalistic reasoning interpretation broad stirring Indeed, submit designed, least part, undo infected antebellum jurisprudence, late Professor Robert Cover analyzed significant entitled Accused (1975). 44 judges relief fugitive slaves, 119-121, however harsh, compelled existing doctrine. contrary, open precedents broadly narrowly depending how chooses Faced choice, adopt "sympathetic" reading, comports dictates justice recognizes compassion exiled province judging. Cf. A. Stone, Law, Psychiatry, Morality 262 (1984) ("We mistakes go forward, worst mistake. What moral ambition. Until composite sketch becomes portrait humanity live uncertainty; grope, struggle, guide comfort"). Poor Joshua! Victim repeated attacks irresponsible, bullying, cowardly, intemperate dangerous going on, yet essentially except, revealingly observes, 193, "dutifully [their] files." sad commentary American principles full patriotic fervor proud proclamations "liberty all"—that th assigned remainder mother, deserve—but Court—the meant provide. used term "State" refers generically agents. statutes gave "entitlement" terms statute, enjoy Board Regents Colleges Roth, 564, 2701, 548 (1972). 24-29. petitioners' brief Court: pleaded argued ground reversing decline here. 316, 19, 2458, 19; Dothard Rawlinson, 321, 323, 2720, 2724, 53 786 (1977); Duignan States, 274 195, 566, 568, 996 (1927); Old Jordan Mining Milling Societe Anonyme des Mines, 164 261, 264-265, 113, 114-115, 427 (1896). course, selectively deny disfavored minorities violating Equal Yick Wo Hopkins, 118 356, 1064, 220 (1886). genesis notion appears lie statement decide, inter alia, death citizen parolee. Rather squarely confronting here—whether protect—we affirmed dismissal narrower officials' release parolee murder "deprivation" meaning 284-285, 558-559. say: "[T]he parole board appellants' decedent, distinguished large, officer never deemed 'deprive' parole. decedent's remote consequence officers' federal civil 559 (footnote omitted). Several Courts implying party poses identified victim, indicates (CA3 1985); 190-194, (dicta), (1985); Balistreri Pacifica Police Dept., 855 1421, 1425-1426 (CA9 1988). addition below, Gilmore Buckley, 787 714, 720-723 (CA1), 479 882, 107 270, 247 (1986); Harpole Arkansas Dept. Human Services, 820 923, 926-927 (CA8 1987); Wideman Shallowford Community Inc., 826 1030, 1034-1037 (CA11 1987). defendants exhibited "deliberate indifference" "serious" inadvertent enough. 105-106, 291-292. Whitley Albers, 475 312, 1078, 89 suggested mind setting. 326-327, 1088. applies "only complied guarantees traditionally associated criminal prosecutions. [T]he acquire concerned secured formal adjudication guilt 671-672, 40, 1412-1413, (1983); Bell Wolfish, 441 520, 535, 16, 1861, 1872, 447 (1979). situation, "has considerable discretion nature scope responsibilities." 2458. Of both procedural, agents, subjects deprivations among authorized confinement. 1087-1088 (shooting inmate); (shackling patient); Hughes Rowe, 449 5, 11, 173, 177, 66 163 (removing population confining administrative segregation); Vitek Jones, 445 480, 491-494, 1254, 1262-1264, 63 552 (transferring health facility). Complaint ¶ ("At times 8, [the date final beating,] Defendant DeShaney"). Had removed society foster operated sufficiently analogous incarceration institutionalization analogy homes mistreatment parents. Doe New York City 649 134, 141-142 (CA2 1981), remand, 709 782, sub nom. Catholic Home Bureau Doe, 464 864, 104 78 171 Taylor ex rel. Walker Ledbetter, 791, 794-797 banc), pending Ledbetter 87-521. express validity analogy, address lacked requisite 334, 666, 3. occasion qualified immunity defense, Anderson Creighton, 483 635, 3034, 523 allegations Monell 436 658, 98 2018, 611 (1978), progeny.

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