Legal Document

394 U.S. 489 89 Supreme Court Reporter 1134 22 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 442 John McMillan GREGG, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES. Number 453. Argued Feb. 25, 1969. Decided April 2, Rehearing Denied May 19, See 395 917, 1738. Dean E. Richards, Indianapolis, Ind., for petitioner. Sidney M. Glazer, Washington, D.C., respondent. Mr. Justice WHITE delivered the opinion of Court. 1 One afternoon, petitioner and another man robbed post office at Louisville, Kentucky, gunpoint. Two women were in charge office, which had just closed, warned them: 'One flase move out you, I'll blow your brains out.' They then tied gagged. A week later a bank Indiana was robbed. Petitioner, found hiding motel closet with pistol, money orders stolen from arrested robbery. After one-day trial 18 minutes jury deliberation, convicted jeopardizing lives postal custodians while robbing them.1 The offense carries mandatory sentence 25 years. 2 Immediately after returned its verdict jurors polled judge, noting 25-year sentence, invited his lawyer to exercise right allocution. Both asked that be allowed spend few days family before commencing serve sentence. judge refused, counsel presentence investigation made. interrupted: 3 'A pre-sentence has been It is me now, & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions have read it. shows juvenile record. 1960 this defendant stole an automobile violation Dyer Act given indeterminate youth commitment He paro ed 1964. returned—no, he paroled '62, as parole violator '65 not released full time until last year. 4 'I am also informed armed robbery Yuma, Arizona, seven ten Several warrants are now pending against him charged.' Petitioner seeks reversal conviction, asserting sole substantial argument record reveals report verdict, Rule 32 Federal Rules Criminal Procedure.2 5 explicit. asserts 'report shall submitted court * unless pleaded guilty or guilty.' This language clearly permits preparation plea conviction3 but it equally clear must not, under any circumstances, 'submitted court' pleads convicted. Submission point constitutes error clearest kind. 6 Moreover, rule taken lightly. Presentence reports documents does make available matter right. There no formal limitations on their contents, they may rest hearsay contain information bearing relation whatever crime charged. To permit ex parte introduction sort material who will pronounce defendant's guilt innocence preside over would seriously contravene rule's purpose preventing possible prejudice premature submission report. No therefore, should examine delibe ating since called upon give further instructions answer inquiries jury, event there possibility intended avoid. Although disposal order suited particular character potential rehabilitation, reason see document occasion arises, do so. 7 However, facts case, emerge sufficient clarity violated, we therefore affirm judgment below. did state delivered, nor direct evidence did. Only elapsed between delivery statement But only very short needed well-organized five-page report, largely widely spaced tabular form. entirely practice followed handing probation officer jury's delivered. 8 We take note special circumstances appearing case. Even if revealed retired return could infected anything learned necessity communicating once began deliberations, immediately emerging seclusion. discretion sentencing statute prescribed sentence; question whether put probation. Aside about developed trial, study comprehensive psychiatric determining competence stand trial. Every item adverted three times long every respect condensation apparent glance contained new information, decision refuse amply supported by what heard alone. Since brief came same conclusion basis far less detailed than already disposal, 9 unable conclude either thus violating letter rule, handling raised petitioner's rights 32. 10 For these reasons, affirmed. 11 Affirmed. 'Whoever assaults person having lawful charge, control, custody mail other property States, intent rob, steal, purloin such matter, money, robs shall, first offense, imprisoned more years; effecting attempting effect wounds mail, puts life jeopardy use dangerous weapon, subsequent twenty-five years.' Code KF62 § 2114. '(a) Sentence. '(1) Imposition Sentence imposed without unreasonable delay. '(c) Investigation. When Made. service imposition granting otherwise directs. contents disclosed anyone guilty. '(2) Report. prior criminal characteristics, financial condition affecting behavior helpful imposing correctional treatment defendant, required court. disclose all part afford opportunity comment thereon. Any attorney government.' history confirms interpretation. Preliminary Draft consent commence determination guilt. Advisory Committee Procedure, Fed.Rules Crim.Proc., 130, 133 (1943). Second omitted requirement limitation when made 126—128 (1944). third final draft, adopted 32, evidently compromise those opposed limitation, preferred entire conducted L. Orfield, Procedure Under 32.2 (1967).

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