Legal Document

463 U.S. 354 103 S.Ct. 3043 77 L.Ed.2d 694 Michael JONES, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES. No. 81-5195. Argued Nov. 2, 1982. Decided June 29, 1983. Syllabus Under the District of Columbia Code, a criminal defendant may be acquitted by reason insanity if his is affirmatively established preponderance evidence. He then committed to mental hospital and within 50 days thereafter entitled judicial hearing determine eligibility for release, at which he has burden proving evidence that no longer mentally ill or dangerous. The Code also provides acquittee every six months establish release. Petitioner was charged in Superior Court with attempted petit larceny, misdemeanor punishable maximum prison sentence one year. found petitioner not guilty him hospital. At subsequent 50-day hearing, court constituted danger himself others. A second release held after had been hospitalized more than year, period could have spent convicted. On basis demanded released unconditionally recommitted pursuant civil-commitment procedures under including jury trial clear convincing proof Government illness dangerousness. denied request reaffirmed findings made continued commitment. Appeals ultimately affirmed. Held: When establishes crime insanity, Constitution permits Government, on judgment, confine institution until such time as regained sanity society. Pp.361-370 (a) verdict sufficiently probative dangerousness justify commitment purposes treatment protection Such an act constituting offense, because illness. It unreasonable Congress these constitute adequate hospitalizing dangerous person. fact person found, beyond reasonable doubt, certainly indicates Nor it conclude acquittal supports inference continuing assures prompt opportunity obtain recovered. Pp. 363-366. (b) Indefinite acquittee, based only evidence, comports due process. Addington v. Texas, 441 418, 99 1804, 60 323, government proceeding must demonstrate individual However, concerns critical decision—based risk error might mere "idiosyncratic behavior"—are diminished absent case acquittees do require same standard both cases. Proof result eliminates being idiosyncratic behavior. 366-368. SC2Q!]] (c) An merely incarcerated length particular offense variety considerations, retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation. convicted, punished. purpose treat protect society from potential There simply necessary correlation between acquittee's hypothetical recovery. 368-369. 432 A.2d 364 (D.C.App.1981), Silas J. Wasserstrom, Washington, D.C., petitioner. Joshua I. Schwartz, respondent. Justice POWELL delivered opinionof Court. 1 question presented whether petitioner, who upon served 2 * In "affirmatively evidence." D.C.Code § 24-301(j) (1981).1 If successfully invokes defense, 24-301(d)(1).2 statute several ways obtaining Within 24-301(d)(2).3 fails meet this subsequently released, approval, certification recovery chief service. 24-301(e).4 Alternatively, 24-301(k).5 3 Independent its provision acquittees, adopted procedure, likely injure 21-545(b).6 demand proceeding. 21-544. Once committed, patient any §§ 21-546, 21-548. pa ient first 90 days, 6-month intervals, gain 21-547; see Dixon Jacobs, 138 U.S.App.D.C. 319, 328, 427 F.2d 589, 598 (1970). II 4 September 19, 1975, arrested attempting steal jacket department store. next day arraigned charge 22-103, 22-2202. ordered St. Elizabeths, public ill, determination competency stand trial.7 March 1976, psychologist submitted report stating competent trial, suffered "Schizophrenia, paranoid type," petitioner's alleged "the product disease." Record 51. ruled trial. decided plead insanity. did contest plea, entered into stipulation facts 12, Elizabeths 24-301(d)(1). 5 May 25, required 24-301(d)(2)(A). testified behalf that, opinion staff, suffer schizophrenia "because still quite active, others." Transcript 9. Petitioner's counsel conducted brief cross-examination, evidence.8 defendant-patient illness, time, constitutes Id., 13. returned Elizabeths. obtained new and, following some procedural confusion, February 22, 1977. By date standards 21-545(b), Elizabeths.9 6 appealed Appeals. panel affirmed Court, 396 183 (1978), but granted rehearing reversed, 411 624 (1980). Finally, heard en banc judgment (1981). rejected argument "that [petitioner] received determines when civil Title 24 D.C.Code." 368. various statutory differences were justified equal component Fifth Amendment. 371-376. 7 We certiorari, 454 1141, 102 999, 71 292 (1982), now affirm. III 8 "commitment significant deprivation liberty requires process protection." 425, 1809, 323 (1979). Therefore, State "a constitutionally confinement." O'Connor Donaldson, 422 563, 574, 95 2486, 2493, 45 (1975). determined should indefinitely See H.R.Rep. 91-907, pp. 73-74 (1970); Jones United States, A.2d, 371 ("[T]he scheme insane criminals . regulatory, prophylactic statute, legitimate governmental interest protecting rehabilitating patients"). does Government's authority commit institution, rather contends indefinite commitment." Brief 14. 9 rests principally supra, Due Process Clause U.S., 426-427, S.Ct., 1809-1810. met finding present evidence.10 concludes conceivably justification automatic ensure escape confinement entirely, can most Because year prison, asserts District's procedures.11 10 turn two facts: (i) (ii) 91-907,supra, 74 (expressing fear "dangerous criminals, particularly psychopaths, [may] win acquittals serious charges grounds insanity" yet "escape commitment"); S.Rep. 1170, 84th Cong., 1st Sess. 13 (1955) ("Where [the] accused pleaded defense crime, was, fact, just Committee's once established, presumed continue automatically confined shown recovered"). cannot say therefore unconstitutional make determination. 11 dangerousness.12 Lynch Overholser, 369 705, 714, 82 1063, 1069, 211 (1962) (The "strong imperil 'the preservation peace' "). Indeed, concrete generally least persuasive predictions about proceeding.13 agree suggestion requisite non-violent against property. This never "violence," however term defined, prerequisite constitutional commitment.14 12 we common sense someone whose sufficient lead remain need treatment. precise evidentiary force acquittal, course, vary case, classifications fit degree relevance. Marshall 414 417, 428, 94 700, 707, 38 618 (1974). provided commitment, there assurance argues whatever value lacks committing introduce consider strong avoiding conduct de novo acquittal—a demanded, 21-544, bears Instead focusing recovered, would relitigate much These problems accent important Mathews Eldridge, 424 348, 96 893, 909, 47 18 (1976). foundation B 14 compared Addington's requirement equating situations, ignores class candidates differing proof. expressed concern members "some abnormal behavior perceived symptomatic emotional disorder, range acceptable." 575, 2493. view concern, deemed inappropriate ask "to share equally error." Addington, 427, 1810. But since 24-301(d)(1) follows advances proves illness,15 good error.16 More important, behavior," definition "within 15 our decision are acquittees. Accordingly, adopting "[D]ue flexible calls protections situation demands." Morrissey Brewer, 408 471, 481, 92 2593, 2600, 33 484 (1972). acquittees.17 C 16 remaining nonetheless "requires nature duration bear relation committed." Jackson Indiana, 406 715, 738, 1845, 1858, 32 435 like individual's recovered 575-576, 2493-2494; 372, n. 16; And impossible predict how long will take given recover—or indeed ever recover—Congress chosen, respect leave indeterminate, subject periodic review patient's suitability 17 light congressional underlying think clearly errs contending limit incarceration chosen reflect society's proper response commission considerations See, e.g., Gregg Georgia, 428 153, 183-186, 2909, 2929-2931, 49 859 (1976) (opinion Stewart, POWELL, STEVENS, JJ.); Kennedy Mendoza-Martinez, 372 144, 168, 83 554, 567, 644 (1963); Williams New York, 337 241, 248-249, 69 1079, 1083-1084, 93 L.Ed. 1337 (1949). punish convicted even satisfied unlikely further crimes. Differ nt underlie acquittee. As punished.18 His Thus, matter contrast, less remains severity irrelevant commitment.19 IV 19 hold holding accords widely reasonably special treated differently other commitment.20 observed before "[w]hen undertakes areas fraught medical scientific uncertainties, legislative options especially broad courts cautious rewrite legislation. ." 706, admonition context efforts deal raised defense. 20 21 Affirmed. BRENNAN, whom MARSHALL BLACKMUN join, dissenting. 22 begins posing wrong question. issue motion suppress allegedly coerced confession murder murderer go free.1 us "not insanity," itself, involuntary, psychiatric hospitalization. 23 None precedents directly addresses meaning involuntary commitments persons primarily cases dealing commitments: (1975), "right liberty" abridge confining treating unless addition harm others released. 573-576, 2492-2493; id., 2500 (BURGER, C.J., concurring). Then, carefully evaluated proceedings. Applying analysis 335, 903, (1976), "due state substantial evidence," 1810, specifically "clear 433, 1813.2 core balance three factors: isolating those dangerous; difficulty disproving court; massive intrusion psych atric hospitalization entails. struck greater ordinary governed Addington. While conceding reasons definite without carrying prescribed Addington,3 minimum 25 obvious difference Columbia, implies doubt charged. Bethea 365 64, 93-95 (D.C.1976); 24-301(c) Conceivably, them their acts, disclaims interest, rely it.4 event, impose alternative penal sentencing legislature authorized punishment committed. Humphrey Cady, 405 504, 510-511, 1048, 1052-1053, 31 394 defined additional facts, limits Double Jeopardy Clause, notice defendants they punishment. Specht Patterson, 386 605, 610, 87 1209, 1212, 329 (1967); re Winship, 397 358, 361-364, 1068, 1070-1072, 368 26 relying rationale, holds "is Ante, 363. First, declares "[t]he dangerousness." Ibid. Second, decides "[i]t treatment." 366. Despite superficial appeal, propositions support Court's disposition case—that excused each elements period. 27 1. Our contexts inconsistent past benefits associated importantly evidence.5 dispute engaged wide assaultive prosecute him. 420-421, 1806. Similarly, (1972), robberies, follow wished strictly limited 729-730, 1853-1854. indicates, ante, 364, perhaps distinguishable ground although violent acts jury. That objection, however, leveled Baxstrom Herold, 383 107, 86 760, 620 (1966), supra. 28 assault sentenced during certified physician. expiration sentence, involuntarily substantially protective used 108-110, 761-762. 112-113, 763. principal admission, intrinsic plea product" Humphrey, importance distinction. 29 contributing delinquency minor, "probably motivated desire sexual excitement," "need" hearing. 506-507, 1050-1051. crime—as year—and end renewed five years 507, 1051. almost precisely identical 1977 hearing—the connection disorder received. anything, Jones; borne "release hearing," ibid., recommitment time. Nevertheless, Humphrey's challenge renewal order merit, commitment.6 30 2. interests involved O'Connor, Baxstrom, —isolation, protection, may, through fault own, cause himself. Whenever possibility, accurate, efficient decisions accuracy impaired persuasion autonomy burden. single, nonviolent substitute i.e., dangerousness, bearing persuasion. backward-looking, moment past, while future. jurisdictions, notably federal trials, mean defendant's causal relationship condition crime. Davis 160 469, 353, 40 499 (1895). recognized subtleties nuances diagnosis render certainties virtually reach situations." 430, 1811. "government face uncertainty," 365, 13; everyone can. Rather, whether—in uncertainty condition—the rest life error," 1810.7 worth examining what known possibility predicting set facts. Although body research suggests consistent pattern purely statistical standpoint, indicate certain likelihood violence future,8 validity far perfect individuals Commentators researchers acknowledged best attempts identify specified inaccurate roughly two-thirds always side over-prediction.9 clinical basis, health professionals diagnose confidence, institutional biases err attempt consequence obviously control.10 Research practically nonexistent behavior, shoplift, future know statistically valid predictor similar risks self Even so repeated passage diminishes repeat it.11 Furthermore, frequency prior element violence.12 gainsaid crimes indicative Subject misdemeanors "dangerous," room single shoplift string brutal murders accurate permanent predictors dangerousness.13 conditions satisfy "mental disease" persist extended period—thus traditional inclusion "temporary 34 Close reading reveals utter emptiness finds unproblematic. Today's overrule implication. not, purport followed Baxstrom.14 clear, therefore, separate criminality Baxstrom. careful phrasing much: "someone 366 (emphasis added). relies unique verdicts insanity." Yet relevance connection, opposed components, "common sense." available itself distinguishes behaviors thos not.15 completely display rate "dangerous" activity higher committees arrest records, later ill. formulations universally include social sound determining 35 Given close similarity highly imperfect "fit" I process.16 36 3. considering requirements process, often inquired interests, cost, accomplish state's objectives. 903; Stanley Illinois, 645, 657-658, 1208, 1215-1216, 551 (1972); Bell Burson, 402 535, 542-543, 91 1586, 1591, (1971). many account condition, thereby vindicate decisions, depriving protections. Certain aspects Columbia's already embody restrictive alternatives: all initial 24-301(d), testimony hearings informed experience patients familiarity current research. insanit adduced admissible hearings. 37 addition, requiring States Brown, 155 402, 408, 478 606, 612 (1973); American Psychiatric Assn., Statement Insanity Defense (1982); cf. 1858; McNeil Director, Patuxent Institution, 407 245, 249, 2083, 2086, 719 submits extends imposed point Addington.17 4. ones stake, furnish Constitution, considered final analysis, disregards different stronger happen done violent, things, theory "there error" acquittal. 367. 39 "risk according subsumes risks. notes concerned, part, observes outside " 'range acceptable.' 367, citing proved dangerous, "unacceptable," subjected curtailment freedom repeatedly pale acceptable regard level furnishing stake.18 "[a] raises necessarily stigmatized itself," involve stigmatization entail. 16. cynical argument. true Vitek Jones, 445 480, 100 1254, 63 552 (1980), large labeled 426, 1809; 492, 1263. Avoiding stigma, recognizing retain 2493; Other affect immediate ways. 41 respects, intrusive prison. Inmates institutions, prisoners, deprived unrestricted association friends, family, community; contend locks, guards, detailed regulation daily activities. extent lose right enjoyed withhold consent Youngberg Romeo, --- ----, 2452, 2456, 73 (1982) (involuntary committee's restraint guarantee professional exercised). treatments physical restraints straightjacketing, well electroshock therapy, aversive conditioning, psychosurgery. Administration psychotropic medication control common. ("Greater emphasis placed psychopharmacological management person."). approved practice, possible inmate needs individualized therapy.19 Mills Rogers, 2442, 2448, Rennie Klein, 653 836, 845 (CA3 1981) (en ). presume compelling having keep institutionalized carefully, manner preserves personal autonomy. 42 petitioners entails relieving responsibilities 43 related purported rationales justifies 24-301's departures deferring specifically, carry evidence—for only, indefinitely. 44 larceny Beyond period, kept O'Connor. custody either Correctional Center. benefit standards, provide reverse 46 character causes relevant permissible detention. my opinion, guilty, fixed conduct, course fair prove surely shoulder appropriate. BRENNAN demonstrates, dictated What written lends permissible, conclusion entitlement law. respectfully dissent believe shoplifter presumptively fre dom Section provides: "Insanity shall attorney proceeding, enters permit, files serves prosecuting intention No regardless issue, "If tried indictment information solely commission, eligible subsection (e)." provision, p. (1962). 24-301(d)(2) part: "(A) paragraph (1) waived, custody. (B) person, counsel, ten begun, issues conclusions law thereto. custody, conditional unconditional, enter appear appropriate." specify proceedings 24-301(e) show (1981) banc). "Where (d) section, superintendent certifies sanity, (2) superintendent, others, (3) unconditional hospital, certificate filed clerk tried, copy thereof Attorney Corporation Counsel whichever office prosecuted accused, authorize fifteen said above; discretion objection shall, notice, submitted, psychiatrists weigh find, 24-301(k) "(1) conditionally provisions claiming change relief concerning move jurisdiction grant relief. motion, relief, (5) entertain 2nd successive section months. months." 21-545(b) allowed liberty, indeterminate believes public." Nelson, 1233 (DC 1979) (reading convincing" proof). 24-301(a) authorizes "order General Hospital designated court, examination observation care staff hospital." seemed concerned transfer wing 11-12. "A nconditional 301(k) Three later, terms recommended Elizabeths' allowing daytime overnight visits community. admitted division though disruptive retransferred forensic division." 368, 6. apparently arguments arguing irrational deny bore eviden e. 371. Both acknowledge essentially duplicates is, safeguards rational distinguishing Reply 22-23; 55. agree, address Clause. raise stands own. hearings, permitted infra, 363-366, comparison absence offense." 373. note case. sought appellate 1976 remained indeed, record hearing—a asked decide constitutional. noted above, 357-359, basic insanity: difference, groups. civilly service, whereas 24-301(e). Neither challenged neither adequacy nor disparity persons. 373, 19. incompetent incompetency. affirmative otherwise attacking predictive complains enacted scheme, cite empirical indicating future." acts. 13-14. Congress' power legislate area depends "uncertainty field tentativeness judgment. thing knowledge therapy regarding disease science reached finality Greenwood 350 366, 375, 76 410, 415, 412 (1956). Estelle Smith, 451 454, 472, 101 1866, 1878, 68 359 (1981); 429-430, 1811-1812; Powell 392 514, 535-537, 88 2145, 2155-2157, 1254 (1968) (plurality opinion). lesson drawn uncertainty, pay deference judgments. Overholser O'Beirne, 112 App.D.C. 267, 302 852, 861 (1961) (Burger, J.) ("[T]o describe theft watches jewelry 'non-dangerous' confuse violence. Larceny usually assault, policy both.") (footnote omitted). frequently victim property police apprehend fleeing criminal. relative "dangerousness" individual, consideration context, noteworthy part independent larceny. December officer reported "has history suicide." 87. transferred back 9, advises below, emergency weeks unrelated original 18. stipulated significance deprivation. stigma "can very impact individual." 1809. thus little respect. Leland Oregon, 343 790, 799, 72 1002, 1007, 1302 (1952). hardly wants imposition supported "[s]ociety excuse invoking defense." 369. prisoner problems, candidate (1966). none suggested noncriminal excess inherent fallacy sanction therapeutic manifested failure suggest guidelines deciding For example, sentences sentences. explain taken availability parole. avoids entirely apply speculate imprisonment, imprisonment parole, death penalty. recent survey statutes jurisdictions methods Note, Commitment Following Acquittal, Harv.L.Rev. 605-606, nn. 4-6 Nineteen tates appears sentence. Conn.Gen.Stat. 53a-47(b) (Supp.1981). "released" formalistic word. Realistically, probably recommitted, assuming regular discusses 14, assessed standard. "preponderance evidence" preserve fundamental fairness 1810; Santosky Kramer, 455 745, 766-770, 1388, 1401-1403, 599 (1982). evidence—i.e., doubt—would unduly impair large. 427-431, 1810-1812. period—as forbids willing concede purposes, us, rather, indefinitely, 24-301 provides, number countenanced full periods institutionalization. E.g., (1975) (acknowledging State's become foreseeable "for time"); 249-250, 2086-2087, (1972) (accepting legitimacy short-term evaluation); 510, 1052, (commitment sex offender, sentence); 111, 762, (1966) inmates term). Parham J.R., 442 584, 617-629, 2511-2517, 61 (1979) (wards State); Stan.L.Rev. 425 (burden commitment). Punishing undoubtedly implicate concerns. questionable pass muster appropriate traditionally viewed premised notion punishing blameworthy objects deterrence. A. Goldstein, (1967). mens rea relationship, fully plumbed. 536-537, 2156, MARSHALL, J.); 800, 1008, (1952); Mullaney Wilbur, 421 684, 1881, 508 Many Equal Protection Fourteenth Amendment as, instead of, Bearden 2064, 2068, 221 (1983), "[d]ue principles converge cases," understanding clauses focus considerations. With exception arg ment receive 16, forms seeks theories. Cf. 362-363, 10. claim erred refusing certify probable appeal dismissal habeas corpus petition. 506-508, remanded today's ruling, difficult somehow Colorado's pre-1972 "mentally disordered offender" statute. designed therapy. unlike applied permanently places forcing lion's risk. Monahan, Clinical Prediction Violent Behavior 71, 80-81 (NIMH 1980) (Monahan); see, Cocozza, Melick & Steadman, Trends Crime Among Ex-Mental Patients, Criminology 317 (1978) (Cocozza); Pasewark, Pantle Plea York State, 51 N.Y.St.B.J. 186, 221-222 Task Force Report Aspects Individual (1974) (APA Report); Monahan 44-61; Diamond, Dangerousness, 123 U.Pa.L.Rev. 439, (1974); 57 N.Y.U.L.Rev., 298-299. Megargee, Dangerous Behavior, Crim. 3, ("Whatever sample clinician selects, secret assessment techniques perfect, too satisfactory."). APA 25; Cummings, Dangerousness Function Perceived Consequences, J.Crim.Justice 239 strongly bias. post-commitment others," explained "[w]e work him." 52, 72; Rubin, Mentally Ill Criminals, Archives Psychiatry 397, 401-406 Quinsey, Baserate Problem Dangerousness: Reappraisal, J.L. 107. Cocozza et al.'s study showed ex-mental slightly general population responds "crimes violence." do, to, dispositive actual resist evade arrest. generalization Addington-O'Connor 723-730, 1850-1854; Waite 154 281, 475 606 (1973). 2086-2087. sources cited 8-10, To date, disorders. 30; 330; Rabkin, Criminal Discharged Mental Patients: Critical Appraisal Research, Psych.Bull. Note institutionalization effectively deprives economic wherewithal judgments receives using drugs eliminate characteristic signs symptoms schizophrenia, docile engage bizarre institutionalized, "cure" allow drugged. 15-16 relied responsive positive way goes on" active participant informal activities Ward" contention 7-9. amount receiving, anything. 18, infra. interest" this. mentions Petitioner, argued because, lacking jail existing convenient accord fewer requires, efficiency. 384-386. states trial." accepted event latter settled issues. 377-380. instructed find own welfare "clear, unequivocal 421, sufficient, instruction corresponded 1813. Th chilling example: Several arrest, court. disclosed 400 milligrams Thorazine (a drug) daily, 48-51. Approximately Dr. Gertrude Cooper, another 900 8. (Shortly she indicated receiving 1000 plus tranquilizer. 54.) her words, "this sort heavy dose medication." Cooper's why doubled needed trial; specific worsening

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