Legal Document

447 U.S. 649 100 Supreme Court Reporter 2395 65 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 410 William WALTER, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES. Arthur Randall SANDERS, Jr., et al., Petitioners, versus UNITED Nos. 79-67, 79-148. Argued Feb. 26, 1980. Decided June 20, Syllabus When an interstate shipment of several securely sealed packages containing 8-millimeter films depicting homosexual activities was mistakenly delivered by a private carrier to third party rather than the consignee, employees opened each packages, finding individual film boxes, on one side which were suggestive drawings, and other explicit descriptions contents. One employee or two boxes attempted without success view portions holding it up light. After Federal Bureau Investigation notified picked agents viewed with projector first making any effort obtain warrant communicate consignor consignee shipment. Thereafter, petitioners indicted federal obscenity charges relating transportation certain in shipment, motion suppress return denied, convicted. The Appeals affirmed, rehearing denied. Held : judgments are reversed. Pp. 653-660; 660-662. Certiorari dismissed part; 5th Cir., 592 Reporter, 2nd 788 597 63, Mr. Justice STEVENS, joined STEWART, concluded that even though nature contents indicated descriptive material their containers, Government's unauthorized screening constituted unreasonable invasion owner's constitutionally protected interest privacy. It search; there no warrant; owner had not consented; exigent circumstances. Cf. Stanley Georgia, 394 557, 569, 89 1243, 1250, 22 542 (STEWART, J., concurring result). 653-660. 1 (a) fact FBI lawfully possession did give them authority search An officer's possess package is distinct from his examine its contents, when books materials arguably First Amendment, basis for seizure disapproval message contained therein, especially important Fourth Amendment's requirement be scrupulously observed. 654-655. 2 (b) Nor does more been before they acquired excuse failure warrant. Even some circumstances—for example, if results plain turned over Government—may justify re-examination materials, Government may exceed scope unless has right make independent search. Here, actually films, prior could only draw inferences about what films. Thus, projection significant expansion previous therefore must characterized as separate search, supported exigency have easily obtained. 656-657. 3 (c) cartons wrapped markings indicating character unexpectedly intended thus uncovering labels alter consignor's legitimate expectation privacy merely frustrated part strip remaining unfrustrated portion all Amendment protection. 658-659. 4 WHITE BRENNAN, judgment, agreed warrantless infringed petitioners' interests party, but disagreed suggestion open question whether would parties projected turning Government. notion searches insulate scrutiny subsequent governmental same lesser inconsistent traditional principles, this action Government, still required them. 5 MARSHALL concurred judgment. 6 W. Michael Maylock, Los Angeles, Cal., petitioner Walter. 7 Glenn Zell, Atlanta, Ga., Sanders, others. 8 Elliott Schulder, Washington, D. C., respondent both cases. 9 STEVENS announced judgment opinion, STEWART joined. 10 Having dozen pictures, law enforcement officers reels projector. Labels obscene pictures. screened 11 Only few bizarre facts need recounted. On September 25, 1975, 12 large, 871 shipped St. Petersburg, Fla., Ga. addressed "Leggs, Inc.,"1 substation suburbs where "L'Eggs Products, Inc.," regularly received deliveries. Employees latter company film. They examined light.2 Shortly thereafter, called agent who October 1, 1975. record indicate exactly at least until months after taken shipment.3 13 April 6, 1977, A convicted multiple counts violating 18 Code KF62 §§ 371, 1462, 1465. Over Judge Wisdom's dissent, Fifth Circuit 788, 63 (1979). We granted certiorari, 444 914, 227, 62 168,4 now reverse. 14 In concurrence 542, expressed opinion picture unconstitutional noting case present defendant's home pursuant wagering paraphernalia, wrote: 15 "This course lawful came upon contraband, criminal activity, evidence view. For makes clear determined mere inspection. . them, spent 50 minutes exhibiting means appellant's another upstairs room. then downstairs arrest appellant. 16 "Even much-criticized Rabinowitz, 339 56, 70 430, 94 L.Ed. 653, emphasized 'exploratory cannot undertaken warrant.' Id., 62, S.Ct., 434. This presents bald violation basic constitutional rule. To condone happened here invite government official use seemingly precise legal ticket get into man's home, and, once inside, launch forth unconfined indiscriminate seizures armed unbridled illegal power general 17 "Because seized Fourteenth Amendments, inadmissible trial." 571-572, 1251 (footnote omitted). cases us involve notwithstanding these we nevertheless persuaded exhibition 19 perfectly obvious agents' reason viewing determine guilty offense. sure, gave probable cause believe commerce offended code. But sufficient support conviction mentioned indictment. Further investigation—that say, films—was necessary order used trial. 20 Ever since 1878 Field's Ex parte Jackson, 96 727, 24 877, established mail warrant, settled contents.5 See Arkansas 442 753, 758, 99 2586, 2590, 61 235; Chadwick, 433 10, 97 2476, 2482, 53 538. observed.6 21 has, course, Burdeau McDowell, 256 465, 41 574, 1048, wrongful conducted violate such wrongdoing deprive lawfully. Coolidge New Hampshire, 403 443, 487-490, 91 2022, 2048-2050, 29 564. nothing acquisition examination extent already parties. Since uncovered labels, obscene, argues limited justified unlimited That argument fail, own cause. properly authorized—whether consent issuance valid warrant—the terms authorization.7 Consent garage implicitly authorize adjoining house; stolen refrigerator opening desk drawers. Because "indiscriminate under 'general warrants' immediate evils motivated framing adoption Amendment," Payton York, 445 573, 583, 1371, 1378, 639, requires every authorized particularly described.8 23 If particular authorization, kind strict limitation applied party's person's surely cases, Prior films.9 previously exigency, obtained.10 claims, however, because thereby exposing longer reasonable invade Amendment. expected except recipient either project sealed, contents.11 There why ordinary locked suitcase.12 part.13 simply protection.14 additional justification, violated 25 conclude rationale STEWART's applicable 26 so ordered. 27 concurs 28 WHITE, whom BRENNAN joins, & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions agree despite party.1 write separately, disagree STEVENS' ante, 657, n. 9. principles. follow our recognition 1048 (1921), 564 (1971), proscribes action.2 30 "nothing wrongful" opened, saw exposed No implicated conduct attributed considered search.3 As noted supra, 489, produced inspection, "it incumbent police stop her avert eyes." 31 mean, subsequently implicating interests. contrary permit personal property whenever exists result held, searching suspect's luggage contains contraband. 235 (1979); 538 (1977). product comply requirement. recognizes, possessed Unlike destroyed observers, Thus independent, regard 32 concur 33 BLACKMUN, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, POWELL, REHNQUIST join, dissenting. 34 preserves integrity rule specifically recognized long ago (1921). effect action, apply seizure, one, effected acting participation knowledge official. 35 opinion's parsing cases' "bizarre facts" see 651, reach facts, indeed unusual, convince me that, time 36 via Greyhound, carrier, fictitious addressee, shipper fictitiously identified. L'Eggs Inc., Greyhound innocently asked pick revealed sexual nature. drawings describes "suggestive," he refers "explicit." Ante, 652. containers clearly 793-794, (CA5 1979). acknowledges "there parties." 656. FBI's "projection party," seems conveniently overlooked films' public. 37 conclusion reached Appeals' majority: 38 "Under circumstances, fully ascertained contacting authorities, find movies 'change search' subject requirement." F.2d, 793-794.1 39 apparently based sealing proverbial "plain brown wrapper," "frustrated" "in part," 659, earlier search.2 ignores partial frustration subjective directly attributable actions. District described well ruled: 40 "And me, circumstances case, shipping causing suffering common namely, Bus Lines, name given amounts relinquishment abandonment "Or, stated way, reasonably foreseeable those occurred occur. substantial likelihood misdelivered fall hands privacy, any, invaded." App. 37-38, quoted 791. 42 Given conclusions thereon, help wonder concession "if gun remain private." 12. state different hypothetical FBI. Their "the condition package," 658, 12, purely implicate Moreover, actions made likely fails explain, my satisfaction, (with resulting protection safeguards action), controls inquiry. Any undone event, abandoned shunning property, months.3 43 tend occasionally strain credulity spin thread thin depart commonsense approach situation. beyond limits sound precedent exclude crimes face "bizarre" developments transpired here, brought themselves. strange ones. margin reversal narrow, rest assured precepts will survive reaches today. 44 affirm Appeals. Inc." "Leggs" nickname woman employed companies. pay carrier's terminal Atlanta. Each reel eight millimeters width. Petitioner Walter informs excluding three sprocketing millimeter border, itself four wide. Brief Number Page 30, 8. scenes depicted within frame necessarily minute, easy understand successfully naked eye. meanwhile request return, told inquiries whereabouts. petition certiorari 79-67 presented questions, 79-148 questions. Except respect issues discussed text, improvidently granted. dismiss questions briefed argued. purposes decision, accept delivery "seizure" "In th[e] [of regulations transported mails], distinction between kinds matter,—between kept free letters, letter postage; newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, printed matter, purposely left examined. Letters guarded outward form weight, retained forwarding domiciles. guaranty people secure papers against extends papers, closed wherever be. Whilst mail, can like issued similar oath affirmation, describing thing seized, subjected one's household. Congress place officials connected postal service secrecy letters mail; adopted matter subordination great principle embodied fourth amendment Constitution." U.S., 732-733. And later Field again "regulations enforced way require postage, prohibited matter. ." 735. history prompted less years remark '[t]he adjunct system suppression objectionable publications new.' Marcus Search Warrant, 367 717, 724, [81 1708, 1712, 1127]. 'This was, intellectual matrix fabric shaped. Bill Rights fashioned background unrestricted also instrument stifling liberty expression.' 729 1714]. DOUGLAS put it, 'The commands (as prohibitions Fifth) reflect teachings Entick Carrington [19 How.St.Tr. 1029 (1765)]. These amendments closely related, safeguarding self-incrimination "conscience human dignity freedom expression well." ' Frank Maryland, 359 360, 376 [79 804, 813, 877] (dissenting opinion). short, indispensably teaches warrants describe 'things seized' accorded most scrupulous exactitude 'things' books, ideas contain." Stanford Texas, 379 476, 484-485, 85 506, 511, 431. Roaden Kentucky, 413 496, 501, 93 2796, 2799, 757. Although titles. five titles prosecution, presumed obscene. "The shall things impossible prevents another." Marron States, 275 192, 196, 48 74, 76, 72 231. Warrant Clause expressly provides issue "particularly searched, persons seized." done projector, occasion decide dispensed necessity never needed. Contrary post, 665-666, 3, impracticalities vitiate inability serve searched execution unlawful. ALI, Model Pre-Arraignment Procedure § 220.3(4) (Prop. Off. Draft 1975). Obviously, render unnecessary supra. reason, deem consented unexposed explicit. prompt claim fairly regarded preserving events demonstrated, precipitate proceedings. equate unwillingness prosecution voluntary cartons. defendants number attempts locate agents. carton measured assume arrived destination. private, cf. 764-765, 13, 2593, enclosed suitcase, expect respected. dissent asserts, 665, "[a]ny search." difficult how altered obviously unaware. automatically total invasion. Learned Hand somewhat context: "It true arrested office, invaded; interest, lost, altogether protecting rummage, customarily grouped together parts 'right privacy.' " 176 732, 735 (CA2 1949), rev'd, 653. Hand's ultimately vindicated Chimel California, 395 752, 768, 2034, 2042, 685, disapproved Court's decision Rabinowitz. 1251, 653-654. arguable inspection "private memoranda, etc." complete re-examines materials. 470, 1048. screen done, needed accomplish objectives. having "lawfully acquired" 654, 656, note 4, divided. 792-793, 800-802 Likewise, do address question. Neither McDowell nor Hampshire supports proposition scrutiny. held illegally seizing turns "no anything petitioner's [i]t manifest security afforded whatever wrong act individuals taking 475, 576. Similarly, wife's husband's guns clothing constitute government. 2048-2050. package's "could materials," 14. noted, 794, placed reliance on, observations Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Webster dissenting Haes, 551 767 (CA8 1977): "Can seriously argued receiving suspected book magazine freight publication peruse pages law? Would magnifying glass mechanical aid identify object vulnerable object? think not. concealing something else. looking through pictures manner viewed." 772-773 stronger ones recognizing legality posed. aware contrast, am loss explain WHITE'S 662, "a them." All reinforced impose insist should obtained viewed. might inquire, served? Surely, wanted wish speedy good riddance. shippers, purposefully concealed identities.

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