Legal Document

414 U.S. 417 94 Supreme Court Reporter 700 38 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 618 Robert Edward MARSHALL, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES. Number 72—5881. Argued Oct. 16 and 17, 1973. Decided Jan. 9, 1974. Syllabus Petitioner, who had three prior felony convictions, moved for commitment as a narcotic addict pursuant to Title II of the Narcotic Rehabilitation Act 1966 (NARA), following fourth conviction. The District held that NARA's two-prior-felony exclusion precluded requested commitment, rejecting petitioner's post-sentence motion vacate his sentence on ground violated equal protection embodied in Fifth Amendment. Appeals affirmed. Held: NARA does not deny due process or by excluding from rehabilitative lieu penal incarceration, addicts with two more since Congress could rationally assume an multiple-felony record is likely benefit less treatment, present possible impediment successful treatment others, be greater threat society upon release, because record. Pp. 422—430. (a) In adopting two-felony sought exclude (1) those rehabilitated thereby (2) 'history serious crimes.' 423—425. (b) reasonably nature addiction offender would might interfere rehabilitation program. 425, 428. (c) should have wide latitude formulating experimental program like NARA, involving it medical scientific uncertainties. 427—428. (d) multiple offenders safeguard improper exploitation also avoid unacceptable risk represented reduced level deterrence. 429—430. 470 Federal Reporter, 2nd 34, James KF105 F3 Hewitt, San Francisco, Cal., petitioner. Jewell S. Lafontant, Washington, D.C., respondent. Mr. Chief Justice BURGER delivered opinion Court. 1 We granted certiorari consider claim provisions Addict 1966, 18 Code KF62 §§ 4251—4255, discretionary convictions. Circuits are apparent conflict this question. See case, sub. nom. Marshall versus Parker, (CA9), Watson States, 141 U.S.App.D.C. 335, 439 442 (1970); Hamilton, 149 295, 462 1190 (1972); Bishop, 469 1337 (CA1 1972); Macias 464 1292 (CA5 1972), cert. pending, 72—5539. 2 3 Marshall, pleaded guilty indictment charging him entering bank intent commit felony, violation § 2113(a). At sentencing, petitioner he considered Tit. (NARA). sentencing judge, after noting convictions burglary, forgery, possession firearm, concluded persons set forth 4251(f)(4)1 did permit under NARA. Petitioner was sentenced 10 years' imprisonment 4208(a)(2), but Judge recommended receive narcotics while incarcerated.2 4 Ten months being sentenced, 28 2255 4251(f)(4) violates Due Process Clause 5 took note supra, declined follow holding. noted there no showing, Watson, drug addicition were related3 relate traffic narcotics, 4251(f)(2) apply. determined that, given purposes statute, acted arbitrarily providing different disposition standards convicted records without such these classifications related eligibility 6 viewed petition Rule 35 Rules Criminal Procedure correction illegal sentence, statutory classification constitutionally permissible, its disagreement decisions supra. Viewing entirety,4 expressly limited reach most through provided having 7 Concluding 'fundamental right' at public expense conviction crime, 'suspect' scheme, correct standard whether bore 'some relevance purpose which made.' Baxstrom Herold, 383 107, 111, 86 760, 762, 15 620 (1966); Dandridge Williams, 397 471, 90 1153, 25 491 (1970). court reasoned adopted challenged effort restrict respond said irrationally so doing. Court's denial affirmed, 34 (CA9 1972). certiorari, 410 954, 93 1429, 686 (1973). agree Appeals' reading statute affirm. 8 9 concedes concept Amendment, see Bolling Sharpe, 347 497, 74 693, 98 L.Ed. 884 (1954), require all dealt identically, rather some 'rational basis' distinctions made, McGinnis Royster, 263, 270, 1055, 1060, 282 (1973), they 'have U.S., S.Ct., 763; Rinaldi Yeager, 384 305, 309, 1497, 1499, 577 (1966). Strange, 407 128, 92 2027, 32 600 Humphrey Cady, 405 504, 1048, 31 394 (1972). He argues nexus exists statute. broad enacting itself, was: 11 '(T)hat certain charged violating criminal laws, addicted drugs, should, prosecution civilly committed confinement designed effect their restoration health, return useful members.' 42 3401. 12 H.R.Rep.No.1486, 89th Cong., Sess., (1966), U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News, Pages 4245, 4248 ('to provide when offenses against States'); S.Rep.No.1667, recognized relationship between crime probably existed, addicts, more, cure retard rising rate, than purely approach problem called for. Id., 13, 17. 13 It Congress, however, make every eligible civil simply reason addiction. congressional based here somewhat explicitly defined,5 objectives emerge clearly read whole. Having specifically insure any aimed hinder traditional efforts deal effectively strictly aspects problem.6 explicit statement found House Report: 14 'The practical implementation law bill, strict punishment can meted out where required hardened criminal, justice tempered judgment fairness cases best interest individual course followed. definition 'eligible individual' bill insures candidates will include criminals violent crimes whose disclose history crimes.'7 9—10; 4250—4251 (Emphasis supplied.) Similarly, Senate Report notes: contains sufficient safeguards assure adequate general may flexibility necessary enable authorities medically treat capable cured . ..' 13.8 17 quite clear exclusion, first, second, disclosed question we decide assumed person, has felonies time imposed susceptible past record, thus posing release. Congress' concern susceptibility suitability derive belief one evidenced difficulty conforming behavior societal rules laws himself treatment. Additionally, person pose impediments others As testimony before both committees revealed, arduous delicate undertaking, particularly aftercare stage subject released into unstructured environment requires obedience limitations prescribed regime full cooperation efforts.9 19 generally accepted view efficacy presently known therapeutic methods treating prospect remains shrouded uncertainty. Indeed, even premise significant root causes challenge. D. Musto, American Disease: Origins Control Bar Association Medical Association, Joint Committee Drugs, Drug Addiction: Crime Disease? (1961). evidence date demonstrated speculative chance addicts. H.R.Rep. 1486, 51. 14. therefore fundamentally nature. 112 Cong.Rec. 11896—11901 suggestion 'obscurity' holding Powell Texas, 392 514, 88 2145, 20 1254 (1968), fails take account courts problems administration addiction, alcoholism, mental disease, like, necessarily confined existing limits human knowledge areas. Powell: '(T)he inescapable fact agreement among members profession about what means say 'alcoholism' 'disease.' One principal works field states 'alcoholism too many definitions disease practically none." 522, 2149. 21 candid acknowledgment uncertainties afford little basis judicial responses absolute terms. 22 When undertakes act areas fraught uncertainties, legislative options must especially cautious rewrite legislation, assuming, arguendo, judges direct exposure wiser choices. Accordingly, been permissible choice inclusion i programs motivated. Such discretion appropriately vested trial judge much manner now exercise 4252 determining defendant treatment.10 That yet chosen provide, render impermissible decision limit Williamson Lee Optical Co., 348 483, 75 461, 99 563 (1955); McGowan Maryland, 366 420, 81 1101, 393 (1961); Jefferson Hackney, 406 535, 1724, 285 23 selected directed 'against' category persons, represents policy made branch Government power frequently need perfect ideal. line drawn felonies, example, might, soundness, instead one, legislative, choice. (1973); 539—540, 2157 (Black, J., concurring). Against background, cannot unreasonable irrational predicate reflected stated provision 4251(f)(4), adjust adhere disciplines rigors program11 hence promising lesser records. 24 addition, centers thought potentially disruptive elements within sensitive program.12 Nor 'hardened' potential danger early release none. Under comparatively lenient possibilities,13 essentially resources allocated features exploited primarily antisocial only secondarily addicts.14 deterrence, deterrence implicit benign create disposition. 26 hold constitute 27 Affirmed. whom DOUGLAS BRENNAN concur, dissenting. 29 authorizes prison offense 'likely treatment.' 4253(a). denied though determination ever excludes consideration 4251(f)(4). Two appeals intended serve admittedly legitimate ends, sufficiently rational toward ends withstand scrutiny principles.1 today, alluding statute's flaws, nevertheless finds unconstitutional. N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions respectfully dissent. 30 case analyzed constitutionality focusing perceived two-tiered issues. view, interest' 'suspect classification' so-called 'strict scrutiny,' other statutes tested minimal rationality. While today neither endorses nor rejects approach, analysis deferential confirm earlier observation except choses invoke scrutiny, Equal Protection emasculated. Antonio School Dist. Rodriguez, 411 1, 98, 1278, 1329, 36 (Marshall, dissenting).2 outset, then, once again issue apparently rigid See, .e.g., 519—530, 1178, (1970) dissenting); Richardson Belcher, 404 78, 90—91, 254, 261, 231 (1971) 98—110, 1329 dissenting). True, found, dos fit neat mold. Notwithstanding, find hard understand why sends man deprives opportunity addiction,3 suspension similarly, situated, same rationality apply regulating sell eyeglasses own pharmacies. Oklahoma, North Dakota State Bd. Pharmacy Snyder's Stores, Inc., 156, 407, 379. This involve discrimination business interests powerful enough protect themselves halls, very life health caught up spiraling web crime. press my further here, careful achieve shows totally ends. If guarantee mean total deference surely involved case. 33 primary deserving special benefits new law. brief, wanted grant 'were criminals.' Brief 6. To state goal precisely, give activity symptom product 'Narcotic desperation obtain drugs often turn order money feed addiction.' Page 4249. On hand, knew first criminals, addicts—that is, independent important preserve penalties them use escape 11813 plain matter, end, examples demonstrate. Defendant A, assault murder, stealing funds national bank. Neither way fact, A crimes, become during pendency theft trial. B, offenses, heroin use. Given above-stated think none related, eligible. But just opposite true, exclusion.4 not, majority it, chose cutoff point three. Rather, end discriminating people mainly numerical test used qualitative result unsuited. second basic achieved deemed rehabilitated. rule, again, end. begin with, remembered itself participation who, examination custody Attorney General, extent justified reference policy, amounts conclusive irrebuttable presumption recently reiterated 'permanent presumptions long disfavored,' Vlandis Kline, 412 441, 446, 2230, 2233, 37 63 true personal liberty stake. And expect general, particular individual's amenable kind individualized determination.5 nonamenability plainly contrary fact. Administrator California Youth Adult Corrections Agency pointed two-or-more 'would great excluded prove subjects program.'6 indicated, experience program,7 federal modeled large part, 'persons four five previous grown older years better younger careers.'8 presented Congress. Another weed violent, individuals others. manifestly An attempted murder participate program, includes cannot.9 39 makes sense deem 'hardened criminal' unworthy unsuited engaged enacted almost sense. Not driven rob steal sustain habits, habits commission day lives. stated, 'to unfortunate assistance extricate otherwise hopeless repetitious pattern crime.'10 number regard apt words Congressman Ryan, 'building sanatorium tuberculosis, then refusing admittance patients contagious disease.' 11812 (1966).11 40 argued nature, reluctant decisions. realization experimenting people's lives health. hardly seventh year operation still basically experimental. Only last year, broadened methadone maintenance part available recognizing which, curable, maintained fosters social permits productive member society. Public Law 92—420, Statutes-at-Large 677; S.Rep.No.92—1071 With widened fashion, seems well expanded arbitrary exclusions do purposes. 41 Finally, mindful growing arisen legal vacuum, paralleled awareness Eighth Amendment questions raised activities addiction.12 dicta implying may, consistent concept, narcotics-related offenses,13 exacerbates problems. Jackson, strong opponent substantive process, vitality constitutional adjudication 'does disable governmental body dealing hand.' merely legislature back drawing board draft precisely evenhandedly solves problem. Railway Express People New York, 336 106, 112, 69 463, 466, 533 (1949) (concurring opinion). right rehabilitated, presence center attempt drafting actually furthers 4253(a) provides relevant that: 'Following section 4252, if determines shall General chapter 4251(f) '(f) 'Eligible offender' include— '(1) violence. '(2) unlawfully importing selling conspiring import drug, unless sale enabling drug. '(3) pending charge finally probation charge, including parole mandatory fully served: Provided, probation, parole, included authority authorized consents commitment. '(4) occasions. '(5) title chapter, Columbia Code, proceeding occasions.' 4251(d) defines 'felony' 'any classified State, territory Columbia, Canal Zone, Commonwealth Puerto Rico, place committed.' Prisoners comparable administrative processes Bureau Prisons. Abuse Programs Manual, Prisons Policy Statement 8500.1 (Apr. 20, 1973). Because violations conjecture rationale facts. (1972), Circuit, decided dispelled doubt unconstitutional non-narcotics offenses. Subsequently, First Circuit violations. Act, 89—793, 80 1438. 2901—2906, dismissal charges completion II, similar III, 3411—3426, process. each must, ordering examination, determine addict, defined 2901(a), 4251(a), 3411(a), 'is treatment,' 2902(b), 4253(a), 3415. House-passed Administration H.R. 9167. derived contained final form. All bills Committee, exclusion. Civil Commitment Treatment Addicts, Hearings 9051, 9159, 9167 Related Bills Subcommittee Judiciary, 1st ser. 10, 1—14, 20—53 (1965 1966). 2191, contain 7—8 conference, Titles adopted, incorporated bill. H.R.Conf.Rep.No.2316, 2—3, 4263; 27616 'After carefully considering proposed amended, committee offers flexible logical changing enforcement officials enforce actions appropriate cases.' 37. Though discussing individuals' I, concerning trial, identical indicates difference language various provisions. 12, Prior described restrictions stating: net confine legislation accused nonviolent show good prospects rehabilitation, retaining dangerous offenders, pushers, failure emerged conference report 'the conferees felt reasonable unsuitability states: extremely complex difficult, sustained therapy, principally psychiatric, perhaps community stages, utilizing short visits, halfway house, work camp, facility. sanction post-hospitalization period.' 15. Some criticism Comptroller Limited Use Commit Addicts (1971). Similarly priority Although invariably so, younger, group, notwithstanding median age shown steady downward trend. Virtually group therapy extensive interaction institutional regarding virtually aspect addict's daily existence expected follow, vital period. Addiction, Task Force Narcotics Abuse, President's Commission Enforcement 135—147 (1967); Petersen, Yarvis Farkas, Program (1969); Programs, Prepared Heroin Addiction Submitted Section Council 241—278, 393—416 Vaillant Rasor, Role Compulsory Supervision Fed.Prob. 53—59 (June 4253, 'an indeterminate period exceed ten years, event maximum imposed.' 4254 allows conditional offender, requisite determination, received six months' Thereafter, legally jurisdiction Board Parole, 4255. addition flaws opinion, anomalies trafficking support habit noncriminal whereas nontrafficking third time, not. result, curiously odds Congressional preoccupation, underlying distinction traffickers non-traffickers, followed." U.S.App.D.C., 349, F.2d, 456. Other stem 4251(d). '(T)wo twice previously marijuana treated differently (the exclusion) Florida over grams York misdemeanor May 1971, date, 1345. Cf. Gunther, 1971 Term, Foreword: Search Evolving Doctrine Changing Court: Model Newer Protection, Harv.L.Rev. referred 'disease' recommending enactment 677, maintenance. S.Rep.No.92—1071, widely authoritative promulgated World Health Organization, lists characteristics as: overpowering desire continue taking means; satisfied taken initially another morphine-like properties; tendency increase dose owing development tolerance; psychic dependence effects subjective appreciation effects; physical requiring homeostasis resulting definite, characteristic, self-limited abstinence syndrome withdrawn.' Moore, 158 375, 465—466, 486 1139, 1229—1230 (1973) (Wright, dissenting), quoting Organization Expert Addiction-Producing Thirteenth Report, Technical 273, (1964). similarly 'addict' 'who far lost self-control 802(1). violence,' 4251(f)(1), applies violence alternative sentence. Thus, 'crime violence' 4251(b), disqualified 1344. Celler remarked: 'Each scrutinized efficacious. submit distance, determinations. absence facts cases, arbitrary.' 55 Special 91 Rptr. (West’s) Welf. Inst. 3050—3054, 3104—3107, 3109 interesting violence, id., 3052, request district attorney investigate advisability section. unusual wherein served, concurrence defendant, notwithstanding' crime-of-violence 3051. Hearings, n. 5, 153. disregard 'All counted joy-ride peer-imitating teenager rape 35-year old sex deviate proceedings imposed. Any intervening attempts ignored; harden accumulates fixed judgments, regardless changes personality circumstances time.' Admin. News, majority's contention, ante, 420 2, prisoners begins immediately 1. placed until anticipated Ibid. petitioner, 10-year go More importantly, told facilities approximately 5,000 estimated suffer degree dependency. Government's words: 'Thus, although assures recommendation ordinary not.' indication court's (1970), solely left undecided court. 346, 453. Plenary convicting addiction-related came 1139 (en banc), denied, 980, 298, 224 defense rejected 5—4 decision, appears majority, rejection 'rested availability defendant-addict NARA.' Harrison, 229, 231, 485 1008, 1010 issues Robinson California, 370 660, 82 1417, 758 (1962), (1968). indicates, respectively, narcotics. appear showing petioner's related. remarks respect pesent motivated purport resolve us

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