Legal Document

369 U.S. 705 82 Supreme Court Reporter 1063 8 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 211 Frederick C. LYNCH, Petitioner,v.Winfred OVERHOLSER, Superintendent, St. Elizabeths Hospital. Number 159. Argued Jan. 15, 1962. Decided May 21, Richard Arens, Washington, D.C., for petitioner. Burke Marshall, respondent. Mr. Justice HARLAN delivered the opinion of Court. 1 This is a habeas corpus proceeding instituted in District by petitioner, presently confined Saint Hospital insane pursuant to commitment under D.C.Code, § 24—301(d), test legality his detention. The Court, holding that petitioner had been unlawfully committed, directed release from custody unless civil proceedings (D.C.Code, 21—310) were begun within 10 days court's order. Appeals, sitting en banc, reversed divided vote. 109 U.S.App.D.C. 404, 288 Federal Reporter, 2nd 388. Since petition certiorari raised important questions regarding procedure confining criminally Columbia and suggested possible constitutional infirmities 24 301(d) as applied circumstances this case, we granted writ. 366 958, 81 1936, 6 1252. 2 Two informations filed Municipal on November 6, 1959, charged with having violated 22—1410 drawing negotiating checks amount $50 each knowledge he did not have sufficient funds or credit drawee bank payment. On same day, appeared answer these charges plea guilty was recorded. He thereupon committed 24—301(a) General mental examination determine competence stand trial.1 December 4, Assistant Chief Psychiatrist reported petitioner's condition such then 'of unsound mind, unable adequately understand incapable assisting counsel own defense.' case continued while given treatment at 3 28, sent letter court advising 'shown some improvement time appears able against him, assist communication also noted it psychiatrist's 'was suffering disease, i.e., manic depressive psychosis, crime charged,' 'would be product disease.' As current condition, psychiatrist added 'appears an early stage recovery psychosis,' but 'possible may further lapses judgment near future.' stated advisable him period psychiatric hospital.' 4 Petitioner brought trial following day before judge without jury. record us contains no transcript proceedings,2 undisputed represented counsel, sought withdraw earlier plead both informations. refused allow change plea, apparently basis Hospital's report commission alleged offenses illness. 5 At one prosecution's witnesses, physician representing Psychiatric Division, testified, over objection, crimes result Although never claimed mentally responsible when presented evidence support acquittal reason insanity, concluded 'not ground offense.'3 ordered prescribed which reads: '(d) If any person tried upon indictment information offense, juvenile acquitted solely its commission, shall order hospital ill.' 7 There can doubt effect provision respect defendant who has asserted defense insanity point during trial. By plain terms directs confinement criminal 'acquitted ground' offense irresponsible, forecloses exercising discretion regard. Nor does statute require finding jury, medical board, accused's health date acquittal. sole necessary bringing compulsory into play found because 'at commission.'4 contend misinterpreted respects. maintains, however, illegal variety other reasons, among assertion 'mandatory commitment' provision, accused protests sane illness, deprives so situated liberty due process law.5 We find unnecessary consider claims concerning fairness proceeding, since read 24—301(d) applicable only affirmatively relied one, like maintained committed.6 9 decisions repeatedly warned dangers approach statutory construction confines itself bare words statute, e.g., Rector, etc., Holy Trinity Church versus States, 143 457, 459—462, 12 511, 512—513, 36 L.Ed. 226; Markham Cabell, 326 409, 66 193, 195, 90 165, 'literalness strangle meaning,' Utah Junk company Porter, 328 39, 44, 889, 892, 1071. Heeding principle conclude construe applying defendants interposed more consistent general pattern laws governing ill Columbia, congressional policy impelled enactment mandatory than would literal reading section. That finds rule should interpreted, if fairly possible, way free insubstantial doubts. E.g., Jin Fuey Moy, 241 394, 401, 658, 659, 60 1061; International Assn. Machinists Street, 367 740, 749, 1784, 1789, 1141. Such doubts might arise Government's accepted. I. To requiring court, proceedings, automatically commit who, present competently advisedly tendered incompetent out harmony awareness Congress otherwise shown safeguarding those suspected incapacity improvident confinement. 11 Thus, must commence filing verified supporting affidavits. 21—310. followed preliminary staff Hospital, hearing Commission Mental Health, another jury being demands one. 21—311. hearings representation guardian ad litem necessary. Dooling Overholser, 100 247, 243 825, construing §§ 21—308, burden proof party seeking commitment, trier fact 'satisfied insane,' 'for best interests public person.' 21—315.7 Likewise, afforded protection 'from observations, prima facie submitted * (to be) mind properly 24—301(a). In 'reasonable period' authorized permit observation examination. shows 'commit Government objects.' (Emphasis added). there judicial determination health, 'if trial' permissible. Hence denies ill, entitled state despite board's certification mind. And rests prove 'then mind.' 13 Considering background, slow our attribute purpose compel throughout suggests is, ever was, irresponsible.8 kept contrast between nature required kinds proceedings. all federal courts, 'is specific if, evidence, reasonable whether capable law committing crime.' Davis 160 469, 484, 16 353, 356, 40 499. See, Isaac 34, 284 168. Compare Leland Oregon, 343 790, 72 1002, 96 1302. Consequently, reach verdict even responsibility raises sanity. taken apply situation, anomalous disparity what s commands forbids. hand, posttrial suggestion objection merely introduced sanity committed. prohibit pretrial accused, although contained affirmative prove, preponderance 14 Of course presupposes act charged, whereas antedates guilt. But pleaded that, overcoming established constitutes strong could imperil 'the preservation peace.' It rationally justifies indeterminate institution past cogent jeopardy rights persons property' commitment. note 7, supra. 15 Moreover, urged here quite keeping underlies elaborate procedural precautions included provisions. seems Congress' intention insure need dangerous are confined; existence abnormality surely odds policy. chooses claim irresponsible different position. true avoid ordinary penalty submitting enough abnormal raise offense. thought, successfully punishment, bear proving longer subject produced acts. Alternatively, considered appropriate provide invoke discourage false pleas insanity. go say differentiating considerations pertinent ascertaining intended provision. II. 17 1955 direct standard wrought Durham 94 228, 214 862, 45 American Law Reports, 1430. decision provoked re-examination insane. 'Apprehension flood acquittals fear immediately set loose led agitation remedial legislation.' Krash, Rule Judicial Administration Insanity Defense 70 Yale L.J. 905, 941 (1961). A Committee Disorder Criminal Council Enforcement inquire substantive bearing disorder prosecution.' S.Rep. 1170, 84th Cong., 1st Sess. (1955); H.R.Rep. (1955). Among recommendations subsequently enacted 24—301(d). existing discretionary statute9 customary executive official assurance allowed large until their illness definitely established: 18 'No recent cases come attention where treatment. Nevertheless, know every disease defect, hospitalization guard imminent recurrence original.) 'The believes add much public's peace safety, impairing accused. Where crime, fact, just Committee's once established, presumed continue recovered.' added.) 19 significant 'impairing accused' 'just (the accused) recovered,' Report, embraced reports Senate House committees bill, spoke entirely 'has Certainly confidence hardly vouchsafed stoutly denied incompetence time. straining things assume this, presumably rare.10 20 24-301(d) requires will hospitalized rather jail. Simultaneously 24—302, permits transfers convicts penal institutions hospitals. pleads assistance, transferred sentence. 21 Finally, accept effectuate basic concern, passing legislation, reassuring public. Section provides though competent trial, nonetheless committable section 'prior imposition sentence prior expiration probation,' believe him.' staff, ill.'11 inquiry, therefore, limited trial; consider, well, mind.12 inquiry undertaken sentence,' available after returns 22 light foregoing make when, here, disclaims reliance irresponsibility. mean, course, absolute right accepted court. provided 11, Fed.Rules Crim.Proc., U.S.C.A., 9, D.C.Munic.Ct.Crim.Rules, refuse enter behalf decide done defendant, assertions sanity, apply. warranted, accomplished either resorting 301(a) recourse provisions Title D.C.Code. 23 Appeals remanded opinion. ordered. Reversed remanded. 25 FRANKFURTER took part case. 26 WHITE consideration 27 CLARK, dissenting. 28 Eighty-seven years ago, Waite speaking function said: 'Our province declare be. wrong, ought changed; power us.' Minor Happersett, Wall. 162, 178, 627 (1875). long line preceded. Today me do long-established interpretation With sophisticated frankness admits District's statute1 '(b)y regard.' Despite 'plain terms' writes exception, applies 'only *.' made contention Indeed, two bad checks, attempt appeal refusal offense.' After six months, application. Today's action setting makes last doctor's psychosis recovery' states today risks end. 29 therefore presents complex challenging problem incompetency people plagued. adopted meet called 'serious imbalance favor public' created 1430 (1954). S.Rep.No.1170, my view, designed protect humanitarian affording utmost importance community. counterpart varying degrees system many affected decision. view undermines purposes statutes; places premium they acted, pro se through attorneys; thereby forces conviction innocent persons. face admitted mandate guise Court's Columbia.' & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions believe, adopting said meant said. regret seen fit repeal write law. Especially deplore constitutionality. chimerical. Finding myself reference Mrs. Gummidge, 'a lone, lorn creetur' think (about it) goes contrairy me,' respectfully dissent. 30 well first involved here. First, attempts force parties. providing safeguards D.C.Code 21—310 clearly acted exhibited proclivities. protecting less caution. See Overholser Leach, 103 289, 291, 257 667, 669, Kenstrip Cranor, 39 Wash.2d 403, 405, 235 Pacific 467, 468. held event principles needed. procedures statute. procedure, simple effective, certificate recommending sufficient. doctor refuses certificate, inmate seek corpus. Here, made. 31 involve 301(a). largely speedy acquitted. delay effectuation rights. Congress, safeguards, object consequent here—under already 32 fallacy position apparent justify practical grounds says sentenced thereafter prison assurances thus afforded. short suffer addition fate suffers deference, most cruel hopes jail stigma permanently record. During released end cured still 24—302; Code KF62 4247, Annotated KF65 U5 4247. III. 33 generally acknowledged justice punishing certain disorders acts offending offenders menace society reluctance impose blame individuals release. community interest antisocial recognized themselves others restrained safety rehabilitation, nothing proscribed greater demonstrated risk society. deal problems, 301(d), ill. 34 Commitment novelty. common law, 1800, detention insanity.2 Hadfield, attempted regicide 1800 insane, English future 'absolutely society,' How.St.Tr. 1281, 1354. Parliament responded automatic felony Geo. III, chapter 94, misdemeanor England 1883. 46 47 Vict., 38. An Massachusetts sheriff 1810, Commonwealth Meriam, Mass. 168, convinced 'it extremely large,' 1835, Lawrence, Fed.Cas.No.15,577. 1901, Statutes-at-Large 1189, 1340, judge, hearing, forward defendant's name administrator, discretion, again Most acquited rule.3 statutes Virgin Islands Columbia.4 Six judge.5 Eighteen continues6 discharge peace.7 Puerto Rico, follows jury8 second jury.9 three standards met.10 Only Tennessee cases.11 Many means new see tabulation Glueck, Law, 394—399 (1925), very few exceptions upheld courts attacks.12 Model Penal Institute ALI Proposed Final Draft 1, 4.08. comments id., Tentative Page 199. practice, several jurisdictions 'nearly always' Note, 68 293. IV. 35 deny commission. argues, inconsistent whole scheme hospitals Congress. unlike State ex rel. Smilack Bushong, 159 Ohio 259, 111 North Eastern 918, itself, or, conceded it. adjudication, admission, serves explain and, opinion, individuals. 667. Whether drawn distinction question; suffices untenable treasonably And, insofar guilty, so. wanted entertained doubt. V. agree response substituted McNaghten question 'unlawful defect.' U.S.App.D.C., 240—241, F.2d, 874—875. amending 'to immediate unconditional 3, 3; 101 Cong.Rec. 9258, 12229. danger release, crucial eyes inhibited adoption available. Sauer 640 (C.A.9th Cir.); Smith, U.S.C.M.A. 314, 329, C.M.R. 329; Currens, Cir., 290 KF105 F3 751, 776—777, dissenting opinion; Sobeloff, Law: From Durham, Beyond, 41 A.B.A.J. 793, 879 37 say, includes rehabilitation Ragsdale 108 308, 312, 281 943, 947. permitted 1901. desire satisfy original authorizing institution. amendment, attack, strengthen intervening rule. better served imprisonment incompetent. While, points out, transfer sentence, mandatory, interrupted completion patient free. Almost newspaper depredations unfortunately prevent occurrence neither proves nor affects guilt effective option limits statute's public, unfortunate choice attorneys appointed represent defendants, them 943. procedures, disagree mentioned, supra, insufficient involved. criterion 24—301(d)—merely offense—is far cry proven satisfaction actually requirement adjudged creates serious turned unsuspecting carry check-writing proclivities perhaps worse. His example inevitably follow wake today. VI. 38 granting guilty. contra concept fair administration exemplified Rules lifted verbatim Procedure.13 explicitly '(t)he guilty.' prohibits acceptance 'first determining voluntarily undertanding charge.' acknowledges hands doctors remains emphasizes check 'he irresponsible.' not; preferred period. based punished. decided disposition entry questioned. often held, mere moderator, governor assuring proper conduct Quercia 289 466, 53 698, 77 1321 (1933); Glasser 315 60, 82, 62 470, 86 680, (1942). late revered Learned Hand, administered, duty cannot remaining inert.' Marzano, 149 923, 925. resort, aside findings indication justified, require, rejection unquestionably prosecutor introduce testimony function, Berger 295 78, 88, 55 629, 633, 79 1314, representative controversy, sovereignty whose prosecution win done. such, peculiar definite sense servant twofold aim escape innocence suffer.' none this. Yet, stresses concedes pleading supports this; thought crazy findings. VII. issue. Its failure 'disingenuous evasion,' borrow phrase Cardozo Moore Ice Cream Rose, 373, 379, 620, 622, 1265 (1933). not, said, rewrite upholding easily parried objections. uphold details, short, choose instead hospitalization. renders invalid but, it, reasonably prefer offered too strict, placing man admittedly passed authorize failing error refusing issue matter, improperly motivated. Release illusory. 25% released. remembered constitutionality issue, wisdom enactment. So meets overturned. faced reconciliation opportunity vital interest, deference views institutional authorities decent regard cure balance struck essential requirements process. 42 event, now sane. effort secure cured. Surely asking strike down ground. heavy, opening doors fitting shifting necessity hesitated use similar device area. Coppedge 438, 917, 21. create loophole doing, badge afford benefit treatment, safeguarded unfortunates do. chosen reverse proof; doing 43 reveal action. absence record, respecting contested rely facts admitted. judgment. Similar Islands, England. Colo.Rev.Stat.Ann. (Supp.1957) 39—8—4; Ga.Code Ann.1953, 27—1503; Kan.Gen.Stat.Ann.1949, 1532; Maine Pub.L.1961, 310; Mass.Ann.Laws 1957, 123, (murder manslaughter); Mich.Stat.Ann.1954, 28.933(3), Comp.Laws 1948, 766.15c (murder); Minn.Stat.Ann. 631.19; Neb.Rev.Stat.Ann.1943, 29—2203; Nev.Rev.Stat.1955, 175.445; N.Y.Sess.Laws 1960, 550, 1—3; Rev.Code (Baldwin 1953) 2945.39; Wis.Stat.1958, 957.11; V.I.Code Ann.1957, Tit. 5, 3637. Trial Lunatics Act, 38, s. (1883). Statutes are, distinguishable. focus turns aspect comparable Similarly, leaves full liberty. essence compels warrant charged. buttressed conjunction rigorous release-from-confinement 24—301(e) 24—301(g) construed 667; formal plea. Crim.Proc. governs Courts, enumerated pleas, including insanity,' jurisdictions. D.C.Munic.Ct.Crim.Rule identical 11. making whenever relies, way, police officer arrest detain belief 'permitted remain unrestrained property jeopardized imperiled rendered probable.' 21—326. However, 48 hours apprehension, involuntary filed, machinery motion. 21—311, par. 3. eight effect, indicate accused: Colorado ('in involving insanity'); Georgia trials wherein insane'); Nebraska (accused 'may derangement'); Nevada ('where defendant'); New York ('when insanity"); Wisconsin ('no received arraignment'); ('if defendant'). referred nature, interpose sustained. provided: 'If certify Security Administrator, estate expense 59 311. told four arising Court: Trembley, D.C. 28343—60; Taylor, 4774—59; Kloman, Crim. 383—58, —- F.Supp. —-; Strickland, 374—59, —-. provides: '(a) Whenever arrested, indicted, information, probation, appear defense, designated care hospital. If, observation, superintendent hospital, chief incompetent, objects, competency 4244, Greenwood 350 366, 76 410, 412, relates 'mental trial.' 4246, 'until pending disposed according law.' Code. Williams, Part (2d ed. 1961), 456; Releasing Defendants Acquitted Committed Because Insanity: Need Balanced Administration, 293 (1958); Weihofen Mentally Ill, Tex.L.Rev. 307, 328. cases, nevertheless, 392—393. (1961); Colo.Rev.Stat., 1957 Supp. 1961, 301; Me.Laws Mass.Gen.Laws manslaughter only; 278, 13, satisfied insane); 1961 28.967, 767.27, determines continuing insanity); Minn.Stat.Ann.1961 Neb.Rev.Stat.1956, Nev.Rev.Stat.1961, N.Y.Code 454, amended Laws 550; Ann., 1954, 3637; Wis.Stat.Ann.1958, 957.11 ('rehearing' request, 51.11). Ark.Stat.Ann.1961 59—242 ('shall probable cause'); Conn.Gen.Stat.1961 54—37; Del.Code Ann.1960 Supp.Tit. 4702 (on motion Attorney General); N.M.Stat.Ann.1953, 41—13—3; Purdon's Pa.Stat.Ann.1930, 19, 1351; S.C.Code 1952, 32—927 'question' act). Mandatory: Ala.Code 1958 recompilation, 429; Burns' Ind.Stat.Ann.1961 9—1704a (or 'highly probable'); 77—24—15; Michigan murder, Hawaii, Rev.Laws 1960 258—38, show recovery. California, determined act. 'unless court' recovered, procedures. Cal.Penal 1956, 1026. Discretionary: Ky.Crim.Code Practice 268 (after hearing); W.Va.Code Ann.1961, 6198 experts); Alaska Ann.1949, 66—13—78; Ore.Rev.Stat.1961, 136.730. Fla.Stat.1961, 919.11 (must confine remand friends' care); Iowa Ann.1950, 785.18; N.H.Rev.Stat.Ann.1961 607:3; N.C.Gen.Stat.1958, 122—84 'his care, security it'); N.D.Century 12—05—03; R.I.Gen.Laws 26—4—7 (Governor judge's certification); S.D.Code 34.3672; Vt.Stat.Ann.1958, 4805; Va.Code, replacement, 19.1—239. Ill.Rev.Stat.1961, 592 (not recovered); Md.Code Article 59, (still Miss.Code Ann.1956 2575 dangerous); Mo.Stat.Ann. Vernon 546.510 N.J.Stat.Ann.1953, 2A:163—3 Okl.Stat.Ann.1958, 22, 1161 (dangerous discharge); Vernon's Tex.Code Crim.Proc.Ann.1961 932b, Wash.Rev.Code 1951, 10.76.040 recurrence). Idaho 19—2320 Mont.Rev.Code Ann.1947, 94—7420 (same); Rico Ann.1956, 823 (same). call Arizona, Crim.Proc.1956, 288, A.R.S., Wyoming, 7—242, filed. Louisiana, Rev.Stat.1950, 28:59, 'in manner provided' 28:53. Presumably compliance Apparently likewise common-law Dove State, 50 Tenn. 348, 373 (dictum). obstacle instituting Tenn.Code Ann.1961 502, ed., 33—512. re Slayback, 209 Rptr. California (West’s) 480, KF135 P2 769; Bailey 210 Ga. 52, South 511; Clark, Kan. 539, 121 492, L.R.A., N.S., 680; Beebe, 92 1026, 142 269; Hodison Rogers, 137 950, 491. 88 1080; Burris, 169 La. 520, 125 Southern S69 580; People Dubian, 304 Mich. 363, Western 99, 145 886; Peabody Chanler, 133 App.Div. 159, 117 Supplement 322; Brown, Wash. 160, 552, L.R.A.,N.S., 540; Saffron, 146 202, 262 970; Gleason Inhabitants West Boylston, 136 489; Yankulov 80 App. 497, 88. Brown Urquhart, 139 846 (C.C.W.D.Wash.); Boyett, N.C. 415, Southeastern S6 789, 67 L.R.A. 972; Underwood People, 1. Urquhart matter overturned Boyett abolition corpus, adequate stand, Dubina, 'A consent nolo contendere. understanding charge. corporation fails appear,

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