Legal Document

513 U.S. 64115 S.Ct. 464130 L.Ed.2d 372 UNITED STATES, Petitionerv.X-CITEMENT VIDEO, INC., et al. No. 93-723. Supreme Court of the United States Argued Oct. 5, 1994. Decided Nov. 29, Syllabus * Respondents were convicted under Protection Children Against Sexual Exploitation Act 1977, which prohibits "knowingly" transporting, shipping, receiving, distributing, or reproducing a visual depiction, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252(a)(1) and (2), if such depiction "involves use minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct," 2252(a)(1)(A) (2)(A). In reversing, Ninth Circuit held, inter alia, that § 2252 was facially unconstitutional First Amendment because it did not require showing defendant knew one performers minor. Held: Because term (2) modifies phrase "the minor" subsections (1)(A) (2)(A), is properly read to include scienter requirement for age minority. This rejects most natural grammatical reading, adopted by Circuit, only relevant verbs (1) does extend elements minority performers, nature material, they are set forth independent clauses separated interruptive punctuation. Some applications reading would sweep within statute's ambit actors who had no idea even dealing with an anomalous result will assume Congress have intended. Moreover, Morissette v. States, 342 246, 271, 72 240, 254, 96 L.Ed. 288, reinforced Staples 511 ----, 114 1793, 1799, 128 608, instructs standard presumption favor should apply each statutory criminalize otherwise innocent conduct, status crucial element separating legal innocence from wrongful conduct 2252. The legislative history, although unclear as whether intended performer age, persuasively indicates word applies depicted, thereby demonstrates emancipated merely modifying (2). As matter grammar, difficult conclude but other. interpretation supported canon statute be construed where fairly possible so avoid substantial constitutional questions. Pp. __. 982 F.2d 1285 (CA 9 1992), reversed. REHNQUIST, C.J., delivered opinion Court, STEVENS, O'CONNOR, KENNEDY, SOUTER, GINSBURG, BREYER, JJ., joined. J., filed concurring opinion. SCALIA, dissenting opinion, THOMAS, Drew S. Days, III, Washington, DC, petitioner. Stanley Fleishman, Los Angeles, CA, respondents. Chief Justice REHNQUIST Court. 1 amended, interstate transportation, receipt, distribution reproduction depictions minors engaged conduct. Appeals reversed conviction respondents violation this Act. It held know minor, therefore unconstitutional. We requirement. 2 Rubin Gottesman owned operated X-Citement Video, Inc. Undercover police posed pornography retailers targeted Video investigation. During course sting operation, media exposed Traci Lords her roles pornographic films while 18. Police Officer Steven Takeshita expressed interest obtaining tapes. complied, selling 49 videotapes featuring before 18th birthday. Two months later, shipped eight tapes underage Hawaii. 3 These two transactions formed basis federal indictment child statute. charged count violating (a)(2), along conspiracy do same 371.1 Evidence at trial suggested full awareness Lords' performances. Gottesman, CR 88-295KN, Findings Fact ¶ 7 (CD Cal., Sept. 20, 1989), App. Pet. Cert. A-39 ("Defendants when she made defendant's [sic] transported commerce"). District all three counts. On appeal, argued alia lacked necessary applied issue pornography. remanded reconsideration light Thomas, 893 1066 (CA9), cert. denied, 498 826, 111 80, 112 53 (1990). case, contain requirement, reached remand, refused aside judgment conviction. 4 appeal second time, reiterated his arguments. court merits claims and, divided vote, found first 2256 met standards setting 18, substituting lascivious lewd, prohibiting actual simulated bestiality sadistic masochistic abuse. 1285, 1288-1289 (CA9 1992). then discussed 2252, noting bound its conclusion Thomas construe lacking concluded case law required must knowledge least character materials. F.2d, 1290, citing Smith California, 361 147, 80 215, 205 (1959); New York Ferber, 458 747, 102 3348, 73 1113 (1982); Hamling 418 87, 94 2887, 41 590 (1974). extended these cases hold requires possess particular fact majority time produced. 1291. showing, respondents' convictions. granted certiorari, 510 1186, 127 536 (1994), now reverse. 5 Title (1988 ed. Supp. V) provides, part: 6 "(a) Any person — "(1) knowingly transports ships foreign commerce any means including computer mails, 8 "(A) producing involves conduct; 10 "(B) 11 "(2) receives, distributes, has been mailed, commerce, contains materials mailed transported, computer, reproduces through 12 13 14 15 . 16 shall punished provided subsection (b) section." 17 critical determination we make suggests surrounding verbs: transports, ships, reproduces. Under construction, modify But think end matter, both anomalies respective presumptions some form implied criminal expressed, If 2252—transporting, distributing reproducing—we wished distinguish between someone package film whose contents unknown him, unknowingly package. seem odd, say least, distinguished inadvertently dropped item into mail without realizing it, consciously placed mail, nonetheless unconcerned about prohibited 19 position produce results positively absurd. material. For instance, retail druggist returns uninspected roll developed customer "knowingly distributes" criminally liable later discovered contained images children Or, new resident apartment might receive prior store unopened. tenant requested delivery covered residential successor could prosecuted "knowing receipt" Similarly, Federal Express courier delivers box shipper declared "film" transports" film. Congress, passing laws, results. Public Citizen Department Justice, 491 440, 453-455, 109 2558, 2566-67, 105 377 (1989); Turkette, 452 576, 580, 101 2524, 2527, 69 246 (1981). 20 Our reluctance simply follow heightened our interpreting statutes broadly applicable requirements, terms them. landmark 288 (1952), common history mens rea embezzlement That read: "Whoever embezzles, steals, purloins, converts another, authority, sells, conveys disposes record, voucher, money, thing value [s]hall fined." 641, cited Morissette, U.S., 248, n. 2, S.Ct., 242, 2. Perhaps more obviously than presently us, isolated attached verb "converts," intentionally dominion over property. used background evil intent also facts taking conversion—i.e., property belonged States. Id., 254. See Gypsum Co., 438 422, 438, 98 2864, 2874, 57 854 (1978) ("[F]ar simple omission appropriate definition justify dispensing requirement"). 21 Liparota 471 419, 2084, 85 434 (1985), challenge certain actions respect food stamps. "uses, transfers, acquires, alters, possesses" "in manner authorized [the statute]." Noting neither problems, id., 424, 6, 2087, invoking principle Morissette. addition, concerned broader "criminalize broad range apparently conduct." 426, 2088. Imposing liability on unwitting stamp recipient purchased groceries inflated prices purchasers struck beyond reach 22 analysis drove recent 608 weapon possessed automatic firing capability machine gun defined National Firearms expressly imposed provision criminalizing possession firearm absence proper registration. 26 5861(d). rejected argument described public welfare offense, traditionally excepted favoring scienter. supra, 255, 246. concern behavior believed fell "a long tradition widespread lawful ownership private individuals." Staples, 1799-1800. emphasized harsh penalties attaching violations "significant consideration determining rea." 1802. 23 Applying principles, Circuit's plain language plain. First, offense. Persons harbor settled expectations magazines generally subject stringent regulation. fact, constraints presuppose opposite view. Rather, akin offenses against "state, person, property, morals," presume express contrary intent.2 Second, Staples' looms equally large respecting 2252: punishable up years prison well fines forfeiture. 2252(b), 2253, 2254. 260, 248. 24 features technically registration act element. Its holding rested upon device substance subjected regulation individuals may legitimately regulated items." 1804. Age indisputably possesses elemental non-obscene, involving persons protected Amendment. Alexander 509 113 2766, 2771, 125 441 (1993); Sable Communications Commission, 492 115, 126, 2829, 2836-37, 106 93 FW/PBS, Dallas, 493 224, 110 596, 604, 107 603 (1990); 152, 218.3 decisions, reasonably expect free trafficking explicit, though obscene, adults. Therefore, 25 evolved period years, perhaps reason speaks somewhat indistinctly question (2)(A)—that conduct—or "transport ship" "receive distribute [or] reproduce" 1959 California dispensed obscene book violate 154, 219. When began content debates suggest aware decision. See, e.g., 123 Cong.Rec. 30935 (1977) ("It type material proscribed bill. clear remove chance lead problems"). Even impute pass legislation inconsistent Constitution Yates 354 298, 319, 77 1064, 1077, 1356 (1957) ("In [construing statute] chose disregard danger zone clearly marked"). passed, purpose sale sale, print medium" involved Pub.L. 95-225, 92 Stat. (emphasis added). Assuming Smith, minimum, "obscene" 1978 version. 1984, amended current form, broadening application those that, Miller 413 15, 2607, 37 419 (1973),4 restricted explained (1982). eliminated adjective "obscene," defining relegated effort expand limits, nowhere eliminate previously obscene. 27 committee reports debate speak opaquely desire An early proposed legislation, 1011, principally failed non-obscene S.Rep. 95-438, p. U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News 1978, pp. 40, 49. evaluating proposal, offered thoughts: 28 "[T]he 'knowingly' line section 2251 unnecessary stricken. Unless deleted here, bill requiring Government prove everything follows 'knowingly', child. intention drafters sixteen was, less sixteen. 29 "On other hand, carriers transporters transporting. To clarify situation, reflect offense transportation involved." 28-29 30 point unambiguous revelation omitted eventually reported Senate Judiciary Committee some, Department's suggestions; notably, prohibition clarification version altogether. Ibid. At juncture, Senator Roth introduced amendment another precursor paragraph, forbade transport ship [any] medium depicting 33047 (1977). exchange during debate, Percy inquired: 31 "Would mean distributor seller either first, or, second, circumstances he knowledge, mere inadvertence negligence alone enough render unlawful?" 33050. replied: 32 "That absolutely correct. amendment, limited 'knowingly,' insures sellers distributors deliberately marketing prosecution. ." 33 parallel House comparable bill, prosecutions Conference part, followed restricting ones. restructure somewhat, off separate sub-clause. S.Conf.Rep. 95-601, Most importantly, retained adverb simultaneously deleting 2251(a). deletion 2251(a) reflecting "intent prosecution child." 5.5 appearance 2251(c) argue ought like 2251. depends 2252(c) knowing premise fail support. offer support their discussing exclude passed different times wording, imply 2251(c).6 34 can summarized saying good deal Reports floor performers. But, turning once again itself, And grammar 35 A final construction supports elements. Cases 765, 3359 ("As obscenity responsibility part defendant"); (1974); Osborne Ohio, 495 103, 1691, 1699, (1990), completely bereft raise serious doubts. incumbent us doubts plainly Congress. Edward J. DeBartolo Corp. Florida Gulf Coast Building Construction Trades Council, 485 568, 575, 108 1392, 1397, 99 645 (1988). 36 foregoing reasons, extends alternative grounds upholding reversal convictions, reiterate 2256. encompassed prevailing party, cross-petitioning, "entitled precedents urge lend below." Dayton Bd. Ed. Brinkman, 433 406, 97 2775, 851 unconstitutionally vague overbroad makes rather upheld replaced "lewd" "lascivious" illegal exhibition genitals children. regard insubstantial, reject them reasons stated case. 38 below fatally defective face, decline decide here. 39 Reversed. 40 concurring. my normal, commonsense treat identified remainder subsection. reads follows: 42 43 44 (A) 45 46 (B) 47 (Emphasis 48 Surely proof proved far reasonable adding whatsoever. Cf. 1807, (1994) (STEVENS, dissenting). Indeed, demonstrates, ante, ___, give grammatically correct "visual depiction" ridiculous. Accordingly, I join Court's qualification. djQ whom THOMAS joins, dissenting. Today's antecedent. None decisions authority bear. __, (1978), common-law rule said nothing matter. "knowingly," order converts" one's assertion conversion, i.e., wrongful.* \__6, " fashion thought 'uses, possesses' (which cause intent), 'in statute].' Once applying scienter, latter permissible preferred. 50 There way cases, combination, stand sweeping proposition text says otherwise. All earlier employ addressed (Staples Gypsum), import what ambiguous (Morissette ). law, contradicting specifically prescribed regarding intent. 51 1066, 1070 interpreted portrays nor participant panel present accepted interpretation. 1289 say, does, reading," "[t]he understatement distortion—rather ordinarily pre ferred total plus 4. quite reading. rack brains (a)(1) shipment produced impossible construct sentence structure thought, alone. contained, distant phrase, entirely clause today's inserts it. equivalent, expressing simpler following: "Anyone double-parks $200 fine occurs 4:30-to-6:30 rush hour." clearer double-parking, day. So commerce. doubt. ambiguity. "less natural" 52 willing, civil statutes, acknowledge doctrine "scrivener's error" permits unusual (though unheard-of) meaning which, given normal meaning, absurd arguably result. Green Bock Laundry Machine 490 504, 527, 1981, 1994, 104 557 (1989) (Scalia, concurring). willing stretch problematic cannot possibly bear; acquittal; still bearing sine qua non doctrine, seems me, genuinely inadequately clear; rewriting correcting technical mistake. condition acknowledges "it [of scienter] performers." Ante, surely so. me dominant (if uncontradicted) view statement Carter Administration original bill: (1977), 64. crime "sexually "involv[e] engaging" (a)(2)(A). Circuit. 1289. 54 reasons: "as other." described, grammar" (nay, impossible) really extraordinary fresh having, ibid., "emancipated" restriction renders inapplicable entire conditional clause, suddenly insist demands syntax prevail thus accords supposed ignored, settle meant say; alas, told, prevents this. 55 worse: "[A] doubts." (as apparent Appeals) true. derives "serious doubts" Amendment," clear, however, protection accorded extensive speech. "[T]here vital uninhibited borderline artistic expression dissemination ideas social political significance. Young American Mini Theatres, Inc., 427 50, 61, 2440, 2448, 310 (1976). 70-71, 2452-53 ("[E]ven recognize tolerate suppression erotic value, manifest society's protecting wholly different, lesser, magnitude untrammeled .") (opinion Stevens, joined Burger, White Rehnquist, JJ.). FCC Pacifica Foundation, 726, 743, 3026, 3037, 1073 (While broadcasts patently offensive references excretory sexual organs activities protected, "they lie periphery concern"). Let sort pictures They likely catalog Gallery Metropolitan Museum Art. '[S]exually conduct,' statute, nudity, consists "sexual intercourse sex," "bestiality," "masturbation," "sadistic abuse," "lascivious pubic area." 2256(2). What involved, words, clinical, artistic, risqu21e, hard-core constitutes fully proscribable obscenity, except extent (or presentation) value. 24, 2614-15, (1973). (Such imposed, course, speech: shout "Down Republic!," "Hooray Mozart!," "Twenty-Three Skidoo!," something else value.) whereas side balance minimal concern, side—"prevention exploitation abuse children"—as government objective surpassing importance." 757, 3354-55, 56 am purveyors receivers supporting deter activity designed protect. suggestion unconstitutionality absolute leave world's depredations trade. recognized 766, 19, 3359, producers always readily found, often located abroad; performers' dealers specialize pornography, sustain market, hard prove. lose none society place themselves stream obliged sure subsidizing entertainers men engage consensual fornication (in rape) partners. dispose did, written: provide receipt shipped, (whether not) portrayal find interpreted, since, imposing establishes severe deterrent, narrowly tailored purposes, activities. 153-154, 218-19, (1959). ground going back reinterpret making constitutional. Not every 'every resorted to, save unconstitutionality.' (1988) (quoting Hooper 155 648, 657, 207, 211, 297 (1895)) 'Although strain attack, carry perverting .' judicially it." Commodity Futures Trading Comm'n Schor, 478 833, 841, 3245, 3251, 675 (1986) Aptheker Secretary State, 378 500, 515, 84 1659, 1668, 992 (1964)). Otherwise, there discussed, exists, coaxed substituted grounds. agree respondent's stand. 58 understand approve of) disposition uphold departed little constitutionality—i.e., materials, urged today, rewrites radically survival demands, raises baseless impede congressional enactment providing greater child-victims industry. today saves single putting relatively toothless child-pornography enact, rendering strengthening difficult. respectfully dissent. syllabus prepared Reporter Decisions convenience reader. Detroit Lumber 200 321, 337, 282, 287, 499. six counts racketeering same. acquitted charges. Morissette's treatment "sex offenses, rape, victim's determinative despite belief girl consent." 251, 8, 244, 8. criminalization production 2251, see infra, __ perpetrator confronts victim personally ascertain age. opportunity mistake increases significantly reduced unavailable questioning receiver. Thus sex militates regard, "jurisdictional fact" enhances committed Feola, 420 671, 95 1255, 541 (1975). There, facts"—that target assault officer. Criminal serves not, precise consequences flow wrongful. 685, 1264. 120, 2909, (1974) (knowledge legally required). test asks work, taken whole, "appeals prurient interest," "depicts describes [sexual conduct] way," "lacks literary, political, scientific value." Miller, 2615. difference versus reflects reality conveniently able sense impose risk error producers. Central 858 534, 543, 1988). Although independently primary secondary record ages failure comply. 2257(a) (i) V); Library Assn. Reno, F.3d 78 (CADC 1994). insert (c) 1986. 99-628, 100 3510. created relating advertising availability soliciting participate depictions. address requirement: "The need actually depicted violated law." H.Rep. 99-910, 1986, 5952, 5956. since Report 2251(c), views great weight, Clark, 445 23, 33, 9, 895, 902, 63 171 (1980), Southwestern Cable 392 157, 170, 88 2001, 1001 (1968), weight. Pierce Underwood, 487 552, 566, 2541, 2550-51, involve, claims, situation "even 'converts' word. converts."

Classification Label: 2