Legal Document

458 U.S. 858 102 Supreme Court Reporter 3440 73 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 1193 UNITED STATES, Petitionerv.Ricardo VALENZUELA-BERNAL. Number 81-450. Argued April 20, 1982. Decided July 2, Syllabus Respondent was indicted in Federal District for transporting one Romero-Morales violation of 8 Code KF62 § 1324(a)(2), which prohibits the knowing transportation an alien illegally who last entered country within three years prior to date transportation. Two other illegal aliens—who, with Romero-Morales, were passengers car being driven by respondent and apprehended respondent—were deported after Assistant Attorney concluded that they possessed no evidence material respondent's prosecution. detained provide a nonhearsay basis establishing had violated 1324(a)(2). The denied motion dismiss indictment on asserted ground deportation deprived him opportunity interview them determine whether could aid his defense thus Fifth Amendment right due process Sixth compulsory obtaining witnesses. Following bench trial convicted, but Appeals reversed, holding although constitutional occurs only when "the alien's testimony conceivably benefit defendant," "conceivable benefit" test satisfied without requiring defendant explain what beneficial would have been provided alien—whenever, as here, eyewitness crime. Held: failed establish or Amendment. Pp. 863-874. (a) In cases like this, Executive Branch's responsibility faithfully execute Congress' immigration policy prompt aliens justifies illegal-alien witnesses upon Executive's good-faith determination possess favorable criminal addition satisfying such policy, is justified practical considerations, including financial physical burdens imposed Government detaining eyewitnesses. 863-866. (b) cannot Amendment, guarantees "in favor," merely showing their testimony. He must at least make some plausible how both defense. Cf. Washington versus Texas, 388 14, 87 1920, 18 1019. While relaxation specificity required materiality may be supported fact that, because deported, neither nor attorney information possessed, this does not afford wholly dispensing materiality. Roviaro States, 353 53, 77 623, 1 639. Moreover, present throughout commission crime, knew better than he said presence might bear past years. 867-871. (c) At same requirement obtains respect claim. order denial process, acts complained quality necessarily prevents fair trial. Such absence fairness made out Government's here unless there explanation material. Pacific KF135 P2 872. (d) Sanctions against are warranted if reasonable likelihood affected judgment trier fact. case, effort material, 872-874. 647 Reporter, 2nd 72, reversed. Carter G. Phillips, Washington, D. C., petitioner. Eugene Iredale, San Diego, Cal., respondent. Justice REHNQUIST delivered opinion Court. Respondent, citizen Mexico, Southern California That section generally transportation.1 found guilty trial, conviction overturned Ninth Circuit. court held action deporting two under Constitution law. We granted certiorari review Appeals' application these provisions 454 963, 501, 70 377 (1981),2 we now reverse. 2 * March 23, 1980, taken smugglers house Escondido, Rptr. (West’s) Six days later, exchange having pay bringing across border, agreed drive himself five Los Angeles. When driving approached Border Patrol checkpoint Temecula, agents noticed lying down inside motioned stop. accelerated through chased high speed approximately mile before stopping fleeing foot along passengers. Three agents. 3 arrest, interviewed investigators. admitted entry into explained reason checkpoint: "I people [and] & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions already it—too late—it done." App. 27. also each identified driver car. Id., 66. An prosecution aliens, Mexico. third, Enrique transported 4 moved indictment, claiming law claimed remaining Although allegedly activity, attempt assist proving did know preceding 5 evidentiary hearing motion, testified spoken during entire time together. offered, agreement respondent, stipulate none told illegally. and, following stipulated evidence, charged.3 6 reversed conviction. relied rule, first stated Mendez-Rodriguez, 450 (CA9 1971), violates Amendments it deports counsel has them. 73-75 (1981). id., 74, court's demonstrated will whenever eyewitnesses crime.4 Respondent's failure inapposite, to, active participants in, crime charged, strong possibility relevant concerning events constituting crime." 75. Accordingly, should II 7 think decision additional arguments support misapprehend varied nature duties assigned Branch Congress. imposes President duty "take Care Laws executed." U.S.Const., Article II, 3. One Branch, vitally important one, apprehending those statutes States. course example discharge responsibility. But charged dual confronted incidents resulted apprehension more persons laws enacted Congress; all subject may, therefore, find itself obligation prosecuting position charges, obligated deport involved event carry policies Congress enacted. 9 power regulate immigration—an attribute sovereignty essential preservation any nation—has entrusted political branches Government. See Mathews Diaz, 426 67, 81, 96 1883, 1892, 48 478 (1976). "The exception sustained 'plenary rules admission aliens.' " Kleindienst Mandel, 408 753, 766, 92 2576, 2583, 33 683 (1972) (quoting Boutilier INS, 387 118, 123, 1563, 1566, 661 (1967)). exercising power, adopted near border promptly. authorized statute warrantless arrests suspected "attempting enter . law," 1357(a)(2), directed examine "unnecessary delay" "there prima facie establishing" attempted entry. Regulations 287.3 (1982). Aliens whom exists immediate voluntary departure from country. 1252(b); 242.5(a)(2)(i) Thus, determined deportation, occurred constitutes most effective method curbing enormous flow our southern border.5 10 several considerations. During fiscal year 1979, almost one-half 11,000 inmates incarcerated federal facilities convicted offense. 18. average period detention exceeded days, many 20 days. 20. resulting overcrowded conditions forced detainees located outside state-operated jails. 21-22; Brief 19. substantial Government, mention human cost potential though addition, rule significantly constrains prosecutorial discretion. As States: 11 "Because budget limitations unavailability adequate facilities, simply impossible matter prosecute involving harboring large numbers where avoid dismissal even prosecution's case overwhelming. consequence, valid appropriate prosecutions foregone." 21-22. 12 It do, minimize dilemma statements "[t]he deny access witness hiding out. Freeman State Georgia, 599 65 (5th Cir. 1979) (police detective concealed location witness)." 35. considerations discussed above demonstrate good once charge. No onus, sense "hiding out" "concealing" witnesses, attached its obligations exercise manifold responsibilities judged standards offenses. III 13 Viewing conduct light, turn evaluation test. There seems us little doubt virtual "per se" requires part accused absent either similar test—phrased terms "that affect jury's verdict"—for determining prosecutor disclose defendant: 14 "If everything influence jury disclosed, way allow complete discovery files routine practice." Agurs, 427 97, 109, 2392, 2400, 49 342 15 So Given vagaries typical bold statement indeed say missing "conceivably benefited" To us, number situations satisfy limited imaginations judges counsel.6 16 recent dealing guaranteed suggests mere necessary right. 1019 (1967). Indeed, grant secure attendance witnesses: "compulsory favor." Amdt. (emphasis added). Clause arbitrarily "testimony [that] vital defense." U.S., 16, S.Ct., 1922 This language defense.7 17 loosely called area constitutionally Washington' intimation borne Brady Maryland, 373 83, 83 1194, 215 (1963), suppression request guilt punishment, irrespective faith bad prosecution." 87, 1196. emphasized inMoore Illinois, 786, 2562, 706 (1972), prevail claim "where punishment." 794, 2568. And supra, noted "[a] analysis indicates implicit concern suppressed outcome trial." 104, 2398. further explained: proper standard reflect overriding justice finding guilt. means omission evaluated context record. If about considered, justification new On hand, verdict questionable validity, relatively minor importance sufficient create doubt." 112-113, 2401-2402 (footnotes omitted). 19 Similarly, responsible delay loss accused, recognized prejudiced Marion, 404 307, 455, 30 468 (1971), example, pre-indictment claims governed Due Process speedy-trial guarantee Elaborating cases, materiality: "Nor appellees adequately Clause. actual prejudice alleged proved, intentionally delayed gain tactical advantage over harass them." 325, 466. 21 Five Terms Lovasco, 431 783, 97 2044, 52 752 (1977), summarized aspect Marion: 22 "Thus Marion makes clear proof element claim, inquiry consider reasons well accused." 790, 2048-2049. 23 "prejudice" applied postindictment delay. Barker Wingo, 407 514, 2182, 101 set forth factors considered speedy pretrial four Court, factor fully MacDonald, 435 850, 858-859, 98 1547, 1551-52, 56 (1978), "prejudice delay." 858, 1551. take form 'oppressive incarceration' 'anxiety accused,' 'most serious' consideration, analogous impairment ability mount ibid. 532, 2193). interests protected look degree incurred result governmental inaction. 24 principal difference between related areas criminally charged. contends show unreasonable light afforded possessed. while materiality, do affords showing. 25 closest point 639 (1957). decided claims, subsequent affirmation McCray 386 300, 1056, 62 (1967), confrontation differently actually Court's attention. 26 deals name informer-eyewitness, cast traditional privilege refuse disclosure identity. informer's identity highly relevant: 27 "This informer sole participant, transaction amplify contradict government [the informer] petitioner ever seen before. conclude circumstances, committed prejudicial error permitting withhold undercover employee face repeated demands disclosure." 64-65, 630. 28 "What unwilling impose absolute identity," 311, 1062, despite defendants otherwise informers possess. supports conclusion difficult task making one. circumstances possible avowal testify. testify, relevance 29 remembered knows him, presence, And, charge status course, remained available examination attorney. can assistance received witnesses.8 B Having borrowed much reasoning Compulsory difficulty treated fundamental very concept justice. declare fatally infected trial; Lisenba California, 314 219, 236, 280, 290, 86 L.Ed. 166 (1941). another setting, Jencks Act violations, wherein withholds rise level violations so infect "more spectacle ordeal disciplined contest." Augenblick, 393 348, 356, 89 528, 534, 537 (1969) (citations (1977); (1971). IV 31 summarize, A lost 32 Because deprives precisely possess, however, expected render detailed description not, concluded, relieve defense, ways cumulative based facts, legal argument rather submission facts. advance consistent facts known accompanied inconsistency view persuading defense.9 latter situation testimonial nature, verified oath Fed.Rule Evid. 603; Crim.Proc. 47. sanctions Giglio 405 150, 154, 763, 104 (1972). determination, courts leeway proffers itself. determinations often best adduced wish defer ruling motions until presentation evidence.10 34 Under principles today, therefore err denying indictment. 35 Reversed. 36 BLACKMUN, concurring judgment. 37 concur essentially Judge Roney, writing panel former Circuit, Avila-Dominguez, 610 1266, 1269-1270, cert. sub nom. Perez 449 887, 242, 66 113 (1980). "plausible theory" helpful offered. None advanced here; properly 38 O'CONNOR, 39 offer compel attendance, necessary, plain defendant's version decide truth lies." 19, 1923, 40 short, Today's decision, fear, protect encourage litigation Ante, 873. preferable approach accommodate interest need Through suitable standard, supervisory powers, accommodation reached increase litigation. 41 discount role regulation immigration.1 points out, Naturalization Service, agency decisions, response tremendous influx aliens. 864. correct legitimate reducing use Particularly never careful permit needless suffering excessive especially circumspect interfering congressional judgments. 42 Nevertheless, executed," 3, laws, lessen affording "fundamental fairness" inherent express "witnesses recognition importance, individual integrity system, deliberately putting beyond reach easily reconciled spirit 43 solution apparent conflict enforce impair rights put burden evidence. permits practice immediately, taking risk able interview, useful effect, extent conflicting obligations, selected resolution. 44 poses issue alternatives (1) require prejudice, (2) automatic deported. is, alternative unduly burdening defendant. brief interval counsel, somewhat Circuit's practice, originally described custody short period, appointment counsel. time, interviews, Magistrate ordered occasions nevertheless held, met dismissed 45 was, notes, ante, 866-867, virtually witness' formulation, 46 adopting extreme position. 1266 (1980), Circuit followed rationale concluding him. affirmed explaining 1270. stringent 47 propose amalgam approaches used Circuits.2 deportable If, requests certain magistrate hold deferred evidenced statistics procedures produced 30. Of abide occasional them, entitled indictment; prove prejudice—after all, Instead, agree sets theory readily suggestion proposed, BRENNAN, MARSHALL joins, dissenting. 50 flaunts transparent contradiction. recognizes right, production whose 867-869. holds immediately apprehension, them—thus depriving surest obvious witnesses' 872-873. Truly, giveth, taketh away. surely whisked prosecutor. today mockery dissent. 51 premise witnesses," 872; conditioned "good-faith determination" "no prosecution," up "responsibility" counterweight "apprehending States." 863. Thus presents "dilemma," 865, caught "dual responsibility," supposed "dilemma" pure figment imagination, repudiated precedents common sense. responsibilities, For imperative preserve national security. chooses law, incurs manifestly superior duties: namely, ensure receives heard argue infringed "other responsibilities": vast character accept accede rapid evisceration accused. 53 hardly novel 657, 1007, 1103 (1957), protection militate public documents possession." 670, 1014. noticed: 54 "[I]n causes, '. invoke privileges price letting go free. since prosecutes see done, unconscionable undertake then deprive anything .' 671, 1014-15, quoting Reynolds, 345 1, 12, 727 (1953). 55 quoted approval Second Andolschek, 142 503 (1944), Learned Hand said: "While lawful department suppress documents, help controversies third persons, include prosecution, founded dealings relate, criminality will, tend exculpate. far directly touch dealings, ends confidential possess; conducted open, lay bare matter. choose; leave transactions obscurity draw expose fully." 506.1 57 principle applicable case. policy. smallest "duty done" chosen prosecute. wishes pursue remedies "responsibilities" yield entitled. 58 indefinitely. inordinate us. long ago procedure Mendez-Rodriguez doctrine announced 1971.2 District's represents sensitive procedure, time—about days—after end bail hearing, pursuant 3149. intervening released 6-7; 13-14, adhered clearly discharged develop bearing contrast, adopt unilateral future opportunity. 59 "demonstrate materiality" 871. notion flatly rejected precedents. informer, "John Doe," petitioner.3 Roviaro, "present 871; 64 ("So [Roviaro] knew, John Doe alone unobserved crucial occurrence indicted"). refused say, "can testimony" seeks. Rather, Doe's "might 63-64, 629 60 "Doe helped played prominent it. His disclosed entrapment. thrown petitioner's package [of heroin]. lack knowledge contents 'transported' desirability calling witness, interviewing preparation decide." 64, 61 Like "played part" offense—if, indeed, they, Doe, "possible knowledge" respecting elements him.4 give Section 1324(a)(2) applies "[a]ny person" "transports, moves, attempts transport move," "any alien," "knowing alien] grounds believe less prior" person Other Courts slight variations See, e.g., Armijo-Martinez, 669 1131 (CA6 1982); Rose, (CA1 (CA5 1980); Calzada, 579 1358 (CA7 1978). joint appendix contains excerpts transcribed June Romero-Morales. testimony, proposed unusual step witness. 45. proceedings interrogated, inter alia, understanding various decisions litigating strategy cases. 63-64. unusual, bizarre; ordinarily strategies permissible opponent Public Defender opponent. conceivable stemmed Conversely, offense, assume defendant." F.2d, 74 (citation footnotes Appeals, "impose[s] misconduct negligence warranted. Nor specific caused eyewitnesses." Ibid. 1362, 'record completely devoid suggest more, helpful' defendants." 1269-1270 1971) (Kilkenny, J., dissenting)). effectiveness colossal problem presented entries notes million officials 1981. 19; U. S. Department Justice, Internal Audit Report, Management Mexican (Jan. 1981). n. 4, supra. reflected Rules Criminal Procedure. Rule 17(b) subpoena behalf indigent defendants, "upon satisfactory Isaacs 159 487, 489, 51, 52, 229 (1895); Crumpton 138 361, 364-365, 355, 356-57, 958 (1891). distinguishes Burr, Cases 1789:1880 187 (No. 14,694) (C.C.D.Va.1807), cited Chief Marshall Aaron Burr relevancy General Wilkinson's letter Jefferson, President's allegations treason based, read unaware contents. observed passengers, comments, aware influenced obtain securing 2402, (1976), here: "[T]he I, 8, cl. states shall "To uniform Naturalization." (1976) ("For valid, regulating relationship visitors Government"); Galvan Press, 347 522, 531, 737, 743, 911 (1954) ("that formulation [immigration] exclusively become firmly imbedded legislative judicial tissues body politic government"). hesitated administration McCarthy 394 459, 468-472, 1166, 1172-73, 418 (1969), district comply Procedure accepting plea, plea aside remanded plea. expressly Circuits, voluntarily 360 310, 313, 79 1171, 1173, 1250 (1959) (using "supervisory formulate apply enforcement courts" setting jurors inadmissible news accounts activities). Beekman, 155 580, 583-584 (CA2 1946). 187, 191 (CC Va. 1807) ("If likened civil subject. party produce books writings possession contain pertinent issue. [I]f disobeyed plaintiff, nonsuit him"); Nixon, 683, 709, 94 3090, 3108, 1039 (1974) ("To function needed defense"). 1971). represented jurisdiction. 309, 1061, concedes, 870, Confrontation brought fore. 860, lawfully enter, (3) (4) years, (5) acted willfully furtherance Gonzalez-Hernandez, 534 1353, 1354 1976). Since fourth statutory state mind, testify critical points.

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