Legal Document

388 U.S. 307 87 Supreme Court Reporter 1824 18 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 1210 Wyatt Tee WALKER et al., Petitioners,v.CITY OF BIRMINGHAM. Number 249. Argued March 13 and 14, 1967. Decided June 12, Jack Greenberg, New York City, for petitioners. Earl McBee Judge M. Breckenridge, Birmingham, Ala., respondent. Louis Federal KF105 F3 Claiborne, Washington, D.C., States, amicus curiae, by special leave of Court. Mr. Justice STEWART delivered the opinion 1 On Wednesday, April 10, 1963, officials Alabama, filed a bill complaint in state circuit court asking injunctive relief against 139 individuals two organizations. The accompanying affidavits stated that during preceding seven days: 2 '(R)espondents (had) sponsored and/or participated conspired to commit encourage participate certain movements, plans or projects commonly called 'sit-in' demonstrations, 'kneel-in' mass street parades, trespasses on private property after being warned premises owners said property, congregating mobs upon public streets other places, unlawfully picketing places business City Alabama; violation numerous ordinances statutes Birmingham State Alabama. * *' 3 It was alleged this conduct 'calculated provoke breaches peace,' 'threaten(ed) safety, peace tranquility City,' placed 'an undue burden strain manpower Police Department.' 4 these infractions law were expected continue would 'lead further imminent danger lives, peace, general welfare people Birmingham,' 'remedy (was) inadequate.' judge granted temporary injunction as prayed bill, enjoining petitioners from, among things, participating encouraging parades processions without permit required ordinance.1 5 Five eight served with copies writ early next morning. Several hours later four them held press conference. There statement distributed, declaring their intention disobey because it 'raw tyranny under guise maintaining order.'2 At conference one stated: 'That they had respect Courts, Injunctions, but past Courts favored local enforcement, if police couldn't handle it, mob would.' 6 That night meeting took place at which announced '(i)njunction no we are going march tomorrow.' afternoon, Good Friday, large crowd gathered vicinity Sixteenth Street Sixth Avenue North Birmingham. A group about 50 60 proceeded parade along sidewalk while 1,000 1,500 onlookers stood by, 'clapping, hollering, (w)hooping.' Some followed marchers spilled out into street. least three march. 7 Meetings some following night, where calls volunteers 'walk' go jail made. Easter Sunday, between 2,000 congregated midafternoon Seventh Eleventh One seen organizing members formation. 50, headed petitioners, started down abreast. petitioner marchers. 300 400 from occupied entire width overflowed onto sidewalks. Violence occurred. Members threw rocks injured newspaperman damaged motorcycle. 8 day city who requested applied an order show cause why should not be contempt violating it. ensuing hearing sought attack constitutionality ground vague overbroad, restrained free speech. They also ordinance similar grounds, previously been administered arbitrary discriminatory manner. 9 refused consider any contentions, pointing there neither motion dissolve injunction, nor effort comply applying commission before engaging Friday Sunday parades. Consequently, only issues whether jurisdiction issue thereafter knowingly violated Upon found imposed each sentence five days $50 fine, accord Alabama statute.3 10 affirmed.4 court, too, declined petitioners' constitutional attacks underlying ordinance: 11 'It is remembered charged injunction. We reviewing denial discharge Petitioners did file vacate until Instead, deliberately defied engage incite others permit. 12 'We hold duty authority, first instance, determine validity ordinance, and, decision reversed error orderly review, either higher orders based its respected disobedience lawful punished. Howat versus Kansas, 258 181, 42 277, 66 L.Ed. 550.' 279 Ala. 53, 60, 62—63, 181 So.2d 493, 500, 502. 550, decided almost years ago. case punished Kansas trial refusing obey antistrike issued industrial relations act. claimed right court's statute invalid Constitution. affirmed judgment, holding 'had power injunctions equity, even exercise erroneous, void, defendants precluded attacking collateral proceeding that, thereby forfeited, subject correction ordinary method appeal, constituted contempt.' U.S., 189, 280. 14 This Court, dismissing error, unanimously accepted fully approved rule judgment grounded: 15 'An duly issuing equity powers, pleadings properly invoking action, persons made parties therein within jurisdiction, must obeyed them, however erroneous action may be, assumption o t he seeming, void merits case. instance question law, itself respected, punished.' 189—190, S.Ct., 16 consistent federal courts.5 17 In present case, however, asked courts relied, constitutionally impermissible. say Constitution compelled allow violate organize previous part have dissolved modified, attempt secure accordance terms. Whatever limits Kansas,6 cannot accept contentions circumstances Without had, over matter controversy.7 And transparently frivolous pretense validity. consistently recognized strong interest governments regulating use places. Cox Hampshire, 312 569, 61 762, 85 1049; Kovacs Cooper, 336 77, 69 448, 93 513; Poulos 345 395, 73 760, 97 1105; Adderley Florida, 385 39, 242, 149. When protest takes form sidewalks, passage traffic prevention disorder violence become important objects legitimate concern. As stated, Louisiana, emphatically reject notion First Fourteenth Amendmets afford same kind freedom those communicate ideas such patrolling, marching, highways, amendments pure speech.' 379 536, 555, 453, 464, 471. unanimous Hampshire: 19 'Civil liberties, guaranteed Constitution, imply existence organized society liberty lost excesses unrestrained abuses. authority municipality impose regulations assure safety convenience highways has never regarded inconsistent civil liberties rather means safeguarding good ultimately depend.' 574, 765. 20 generality language contained unquestionably raise substantial concerning provisions.8 Schneider Jersey, 308 147, 146, 84 155; Saia People York, 334 558, 68 1148, 92 1574; Kunz 340 290, 71 312, 95 apply authoritative construction ordinance. Had done so, might given licensing narrow precise scope, Hampshire both supra. Cf. Shuttlesworth 382 87, 91, 86 211, 213, 176; Darlington Stanley, 239 S.C. 139, 122 South Eastern Reporter, 2nd 207. Here, just Poulos, could assumed face. 21 breadth vagueness question. But way modified dissolved. all events clearly prohibited parading permit, evidence shows understood prohibition when 22 claim fashion. support introduce few issued, requests permits picket member commission. request rudely rebuffed,9 official clear grant alone, since issuance responsibility commission.10 Assuming truth proffered evidence, does follow moreover, commissioner issued. refused, administration considered injunction.11 23 arise quite different posture disobeying challenged courts, met delay frustration claims. showing fate timely modify interim give absolutely explanation make application period. ex parte; presented well respects. If procedure provided expedited process appellate review.12 presumed ignored Indeed, another struck direct review conviction very petitioners.13 24 relied firmly established precedents. do deal here, therefore, situation regular practice entertaining claims procedural mode, notice abandoned detriment litigant finds his foreclosed novel bar. Barr Columbia, 378 1734, 766. requirement sprung unwary prior him fair existence. Wright Georgia, 373 284, 291, 83 1240, 1245, 349. 25 apparently criminal entertained nonjurisdictional error.14 Fields Fairfield, 273 588, 143 177,15 defendants, 'White Supremacy' organization disobeyed challenge based. finding jurisic tion, here: 26 'As rule, unconstitutional absolute nullity basis legal proceedings, yet unconstitutionality judicially declared appropriate person observance decree disregard immunity charge court; proceedings appeal *.' 590, So.2d, 180. 27 These precedents put by-pass judicial Any entrapped misled wholly unfounded, conclusion confirmed record jail. 28 reflects belief justice man can own exalted station, righteous motives, irrespective race, color, politics, religion.16 ignore procedures carry battle streets. sympathize impatient commitment cause. small price pay civilizing hand alone abiding meaning freedom. 29 Affirmed. APPENDIX TO OPINION THE COURT. 30 'TEMPORARY INJUNCTION— 31 1963. 32 'A verified Bill Complaint above styled having me 10th 1963 9:00 O'Clock P.M. 33 'Upon consideration Captain G. V. Evans George Wall, welfare, requiring hereby considered, ordered, adjudged decreed peremptory prayer petition. 34 therefore complainant entering sufficient bond conditioned sum Twenty Hundred Dollars ($2500.00), Register emporary respondents identified Complaint, agents, members, employees, servants, followers, attorneys, successors active concert participation continuing act hereinabove designated particularly: in, sponsoring, inciting like demonstrations trespass owner possession mobs, establishments buildings Jefferson County, performing acts calculated conspiring unlawful processions, boycotts, trespasses, Statutes doing designed consummate conspiracies parading, demonstrating, boycotting, trespassing acts, customarily known 'kneel-ins' churches wishes desires churches. 35 'W. Atlantic Jenkins, Jr., Circuit Tenth Judicial Equity Sitting.' B 36 'In our struggle anchored faith hope rightness moral laws universe. 37 'Again again judiciary priviledges (sic) Amendments sacred trampled machinery government power. abided forthright leadership establishing principle integration land. 38 'However now confronted recalcitrant forces Deep will perpetuate unjust illegal system racial separation. 39 'Alabama determination defy Most officials, legislative body many enforcement agents openly desegregation feel morally responsible equal citizens. sameness legal. However ussuance blatant difference 40 'Southern agencies demonstrated utilize force misuse process. 41 'This raw order. conscience unjust, undemocratic desrespect highest law. evade chaotic anarchy. Just laws, courts. 43 believe morality. Out great love desire purify risk critical move awareness possible consequences involved.' 44 Chief WARREN, whom BRENNAN FORTAS join, dissenting. 45 contend convicted undr face submits Amendment rights speech peaceful assembly unfettered discretion officials. unconstitutionally used prohibit whose political viewpoint opposed. dispute holds nonetheless sent patently copied injunction—issued parte Commissioner Public Safety—forbidding limitation time. & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions dissent fundamental protections meant so easily evaded, 'the law' hampered slightest enforcing 46 salient facts briefly. Negro ministers express concern discrimination For obvious reasons, significance particular dates. representative went Hall 'to see permits, picketing, demonstrating.' She directed Safety Connor, denied her terms left doubt circumstances. 'He said, 'No you get picket. Jail,' repeated twice.' second, telegraphic summarily denied, telegram signed 'Eugene 'Bull' Connor,' added information full Commission, three-man consisting Connor others.1 According offer proof, purposes uniformly groups clerk bureau department, Connor's direction. approval Commission obtained group. 47 Understandably convinced authorize circumstances, despite orders. evening, seeking recited series 'part massive forcibly integrate establishments, churches, institutions' city, result department strained resources threatened. particularly menacing planning presence wanted. city's dogs lives. Faced recitals, requested, effect ordered refrain unlimited time carrying course, unobtainable; one. 48 various times Thursday Friday. Unable broadly drawn restraint valid, ahead planned weekend. Monday, promptly contempt, waived 49 lend charges presuming judges flee refuse appear Having submitted themselves test parroted. essentially position then defend prosecution grounds. thought indicated disrespect legislature violator always unconstitutional. contrary, cases establish standing sue.2 submit one's willingness penalty valid. concedes '(t)he provisions.'3 Ante, Page 316. concession well-founded minimal. Our decisions conis tently expression protected Amendment, subjected 471 (1965); Edwards Carolina, 372 229, 680, 697 (1963); Thornhill 310 88, 736, 1093 (1940). Although regulate manner sidewalks keeping open movement traffic, unbridled decide shall allowed not. 'Wherever title parks rest, immemorially trust mind, assembly, communicating thoughts citizens, discussing questions. Such has, ancient times, privileges, immunities, rights, privilege citizen communication views national questions regulated all; absolute, relative, exercised subordination confort convenience, consonance order; not, regulation, abridged denied.' Hague C.I.O., 496, 515—516, 59 954, 964, 1423 (1939) (opinion Roberts). totally proposed demonstration 'public health, decency, order, morals convenience,' invited censors public.4 compounded, convincing fact deny organizations dislike.5 hardly suggests motivated prohibiting overwhelming problems. understand permitted demonstrate selected minimize difficulties. circumstance find justify anything than per curiam reversal foresight included impossible hearing, forbidding world (insofar knew order) consent potent magic transformed command impregnable barrier, challengeable what likely protracted entirely superior meantime 51 giving Court's seal gross lead greater more protection freedoms. long odious history country, susceptibility too apparent weapon strikes, proved effective hands friendly employers Congress forced take drastic step removing district labor disputes.6 fell disrepute largely abused precisely Judges sympathetic union broad restraining addressed numbers forbiddding legally permissible or, illegal, better course prosecution. dissolved, strikes crippled occasion concerted activity passed.7 discredited weapons activities, new life Respect increased injunction.8 52 Nothing decisions, doctrine party tepo rary competent normally requires affirm convictions majority rests single precedent, undermined subsequent decisions. 550 (1922), adopted Industrial Relations Act, purpose provide compulsory arbitration disputes neutral administrative tribunal, 'Court Relations.' Pursuant investigate perhaps improve conditions coal mining industry, 'Court' subpoenaed leaders testify. addition, prevent strike 'Court.' subpoena Act proceeding. proceeding, upheld determination. 53 Insofar interpreted approve punishable greatly re Green, 369 689, 82 1114, 198 (1962), arguably National Labor Board hence regulation. deals Board, fortiori grounds.9 54 necessary Mine Workers10 supports enable dispute. Workers District anti-strike preserve existing Government complex difficult enormous importance economy. questionable legality, reasonably tribunal controversy considerable tme . involves situation. practical merely signature preexisting need ability dispute, demonstrating already accomplished that. point fact, reason it: punish thus immunize attack. regret strategy successful. 55 set involving violations Amendment. scope doctrine, plainly intended nullify simple incorporating decrees. respectfully dissent. 56 DOUGLAS, CHIEF JUSTICE, BRENNAN, concur, 57 sit functioning primarily referee system. function coming us sure tribunals work Since flouted reverse judgment. 58 Picketing methods abridgment. 235—236, 683—684, 697; 546—548, 459—461, involve implicate accommodation like, demonstrations. State, 160—161, 150—151, 405—406, 766—767, 1105. grounds petitioning redress grievances. See 963—964, 1423; 163, 151—152, 765, Valentine Chrestensen, 316 52, 54, 62 920, 921, 1262; Jamison Texas, 318 413, 415—416, 63 669, 671—672, 869. rich buy advertisements newspapers, purchase radio television time, rent billboard space. Those less affluent restricted handbills (Murdock Commonwealth Pennsylvania, 319 105, 108, 870, 872, 1292) petitions, meetings. 'right peaceably assemble, petition grievance,' applicable (Edwards supra, 235, 683), here. for. Mrs. Lola Hendricks, Christian Movement Human Rights, authorized president, Reverend Shuttlesworth, 3, poic e permits. office Eugene told 'we came up getting 'asked refer to, permit.' replied, 'No, Jail.' 5, requesting 6. message normal rules picketing' observed. day, wired back reply stating individually 'insist(ed) your start Alabama.' Petitioners' efforts division cut off. circumvent requirement. Rather diligently attempted obtain rebuffed concluded attempts fruitless. basic scheme. Even speech, deliver sermon, picket, parade, honored Lovell Griffin, 303 444, 452—453, 666, 949; 97, 741 742, 1093; Jones Opelika, 584, 602, 1231, 1241—1242, 1691, rehearing, 103, 104, 890, 1290; Cantwell Connecticut, 296, 305—306, 900, 904, 1213; Thomas Collins, 323 516, 65 315, 89 430; Staub Baxley, 355 313, 319, 78 227, 280—281, 302. By reason, arbitrarily pursue expensive route remedy. cases. remedy speak, desired needed futile pointless. 64 states procedures. Workers, 330 258, 293—294, 67 677, 695—696, 91 884. exception jurisdiction' 'frivolous substantial.' Id., 293, 695, 696. Moreover, se involved. 198, bordered domain pre-emption. collision issue. related, applications turned down. trial, counsel offered prove through division. answer describe thepr actice granting objection raised sustained. published governing reads have, think, solely skin color popular. agency lacks do. 'State' deprive 'liberty' due 'state' sense (Shelley Kraemer, 1, 14—18, 836, 842—845, 1161), much police, prosecutor, legislature, Governor himself. An applied—is enforces itself. citizens law,' language. 'constitutional freedom' speaks won honor Under cover exhortation 'respect process,' empties Supremacy Clause primacy elevating letting loose devastatingly destructive suppression cherished freedoms heretofore believed indispensable maintenance society. distortion hierarchy values beyond vehicle convictions. I. 70 Ministers. municipal symbol implacable hostility gain peacefully sought. publicize dramatize grievances people. procession issuable 'unless require refused.' Attempts tried aborted sustained objections testimony. appear, Rights (ACMHR) hall inquire future trial: 72 'I (Police) He Two om missioner behalf ACMHR dates 'against injustices segregation discrimination.' replied insist frustrated granted, 74 6—7 9—10, Negroes arrested Late immediately Notice 11.1 tracked wording except still broader pervasive. enjoined: 75 '* Birminghan, 76 statements indeed, blatantly 77 place, beginning church section hall. notified advance march, blocked area excluded white area. Approximately marched, led Martin Luther King, Ralph Abernathy, Shuttlesworth. outside remained separate procession. blocks stopped arrested, jailed, most marchers, including leaders. conducted. notice, church. hundred assembled emerged began walking peaceably. stopped, persons, arrested. participants every orderly; episode violence, according inspector, rock throwing arrested; thre throwers taken custody police. 79 15, moved initiated week later, County first. urged impermissibly restraints discriminatorily applied. limited questions: stands prima facie execute same.' guilty sentenced fine. adopting reasoning 884, orders, affirmed, 493. II. 80 affirmance rest criminally although faces assumed, decision, assessing affirmance, successfully sustain (into inquire) facially excessively noted, elaboration, sound assumption: Appeals, 'void consequently meaningless, standards processions,' enforced discriminatorily. Ala.App. 68, 180 114 (1965). However, claims, refusal here involved.2 81 Like premise adopt courts' 550.3 mean valid admit vital interests. Surely proposition citation infringes plain less. Alabama's adherence abridgment assemble,' grievances.' See, e.g., Stromberg California, 283 359, 532, 1117; De Jonge Oregon, 299 353, 255, 278; Special considerations deemed attend interests vindication results exercise,4 regulation overbroad manner,5 gives limit individual individuals.6 To 'breathing space survive,' NAACP Button, 371 415, 433, 328, 338, 405, traditional prematurity. Dombrowski Pfister, 380 479, 1116, 22. molded substantive remedies varied conflicting conform overriding insulate 'chilling effect' generated vagueness, overbreadth exercise. vitality result, measure chances himself restraints, armed seeks penalize expression. striking examples speak peculiar moment group, dd license. 302, accused, prosecuted soliciting contended contingent restraint—the contention regard Georgia 94 Ga.App. 18, 375, '(h)aving license defendant 318, adequate nonfederal stating, 281: 'The failure violates preclude Smith Cahoon, 553, 562, 582, 585, 1264; 452, 949. constitutionality, yielded demands.' 1242, dissenting opinion, 1290.' 556—557, 465—466, Yet inscrutable legerdemain secured precaution append recites words statute. neatly insulates legislation challnge mere incorporation identical stifling, pervasive invisibly stage darkened lest scrutiny affected. officer exercising equitable powers glorified presumably carefully hopelessly invalid, mandates branch. expect ultimate safeguard freedoms, tool far dangerous remember stern lesson taught context represents devastating activities. Today, complete invulnerability acute. Were paraded later. stamp copy barred challenging potentially stifling unconsidered embodied religious deference Workers' stark contrast approach 198. picketing. union, advised tested hearing. hed Green allowing 'whether trenching domain.' 692, 1116. remanded enjoined 'arguably' jurisdiction. rejected blind effectuation State's compliance 'arguable' policy. affirms willing assume repugnant wonder odd inversion policy assumedly patent interference high scale described 'delicate vulnerable, supremely precious society.' 405. 88 conducting processions. argument violation. events, resort absence duration Freedman Maryland, 51, 734, 649. Rule leaves timing untrammeled discretion. shifting lawfulness contrary principle, settled Speiser Randall, 357 513, 526, 1332, 1342, 1460, 90 knows bring forth proof persuade necessarily steer wider zone bear burdens. operation, device produce directly. deterrence makes free.' suggestion muffled pending outcome dissolution measurable inappropriate setting Critical First, marches program arouse community assault there. cessation short period, crippling blow efforts. Second, dramatization cause, ministers, chose protests hoping attention attract. received 11. beliefs themselves. Ex Jackson, 96 727, 733, 877; Grosjean American Press Co., 297 233, 248—250, 448—449, 660; flagrant guarantees balance away name process.' preach 'respect' all. today lets infringement jealously safeguarded benefit persuasion us. fears 'riots' 'civil disobedience' slogans 'Black Power' divert stake—not control insulation impermissible arming 'contempt' otherwise Constitutional restrictions abridgments equally executive Convictions invalidly abridge condemned thing. text reproduced Appendix opinion. § 1159 Code, provides that: hold, assist holding, ways unless therefor 'To written commission, probable number vehicles animals engaged demonstration, over, demonstration. prescribing therefor, refuse. paragraphs, funeral processions.' thereof fine exceeding fifty dollars, imprisonment, days, both.' Ala.Code, Tit. 13, 143. id., §§ 126. dismissed several insufficient evidence. improperly incident claiming wre indication willful deliberate. quashed 64, 504. dearth knowledge defective Thompson Louisville, 362 199, 624, 654. recitation issue, supported record, foundation. familiar elements circumstantial Bullock Cir., 265 683, cert. sub nom. Kasper 360 932, 1452, 1546. Brougham Oceanic Steam Navigation 205 857; Trickett Kaw Valley Drainage Dist., 851, 278 26, 544; O'Hearne App.D.C. 285, 933, 290 120, 589; Locke 157, 298 644, 1681; McCann Stock Exchange, Leibell, 603, 444; McLeod Majors, 102 128; Brittain, 245 92, 834, 46. Rowland, 104 604, 861; Ayers, 123 443, 164, 216; Burrus, 136 586, 850, 500; Shipp, 203 563, 165, 319; Ohio Relying pre-emptive hear Green's unlike vacating agreed testing Ala.Const., Article 6, 144; 7, 1038—1039. n. testified 3: office, Commissioner's Building. door. asked, 'May help you?' him, 'Yes, sir, askedif 5: 'Under provisions code responsiboity Safety.' processes unreasonable opportunity pass capricious App., Sup.Ct.Rule 47. 114. presently certiorari 1904, noted evident distinction improvidently irregularly Old Dominion Telegraph company Powers, 140 220, 226, Southern KF135 S69 195, 197. Revenue Covington Merrill, 193 521, 971. Reversed 248, 360, 311. 92. There, school Clinton, Tennessee, desegregate. 'arrived somewhere East,' campaign run school.' interfering desegregation. harangued His Appeals Circuit. injunctional obeyed,' whatever seeming invalidity, citing 550. certiorari, uncontradicted testimony relating rebuffs footnotes prevented ruling introducing intransigence toward injustice. attitude litigation. 176 376 339, 795, 766 (1964); 262, 1130, 335 Gober 374, 1311, 419 35, 551, 548 (1962). Civil abuse protesters dogs, clubs, firehoses. Report (Government Printing Office, 1963). self-proclaimed supremacist (see Nation 1945—1964:A Review Politics Postwar Years 1604 (Congressional Quarterly Service, 1965)) secret personal vowed come wore button inscribed 'Never' advertise vow. indulges speculation enough applications. America Mitchell, 75, 86—94, 556, 562—567, 754 (1947). speculate saved 'a scope,' 1049 (1941), 1105 (1953). ignores licenses gatherings obtained. safty , involved perfectly statutory applicants 'with conserve convenience.' 575—576, contrast, repealing 302 (1958); 280 (1951); Niemotko 268, 325, 267 1213 town views, all.' 580, 469, (1965) Black). Norris-LaGuardia 1932, Statutes-at-Large 70, Code KF62 101—115. Frankfurter Greene, Injunction Materials Law 101—107 puts matters part, dissatisfaction resentment caused, first, recognize redressed damages, expansion simple, enveloping conduct, absorbing, en masse, functions affecting livelihood, multitudes. Especially zealous unimpaired prestige observed how decrees vast phrases surmount undermines esteem reign depends. Not government, 'government injunction,' characterized safeguards, challenged.' 200. footnote distinguish nothing alter flatly enter pre-emption.' 1117 (footnote omitted). concurring rely void. Nor regards important, court. 884 aware challenged. Because disposition reach Thus extent control. afforded appellant merit. circumstance, F.2d, 96, review. integrity rule. ec essary status quo conversion indefinite duration, unrelated determining relief.' related restrain proceed attending safeguards. Near Minnesota, 697, 713 720, 625, 630—633, 1357; 57—60, 738—740, Keyishian Regents, 589, 675, 629; Baggett Bullitt, 377 373, 1316, 1322—1323, 377; Cramp Instruction, 368 278, 287—288, 275, 285. 302; 1213.

Classification Label: 2