Legal Document

402 U.S. 62 91 Supreme Court Reporter 1294 28 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 601 UNITED STATES, Appellant,v.Milan VUITCH. Number 84. Argued Jan. 12, 1971. Decided April 21, Samuel Huntington for appellant. Joseph L. Nellis and Norman Dorsen, New York City, appellee. Mr. Justice BLACK delivered the opinion of Court.* 1 Appellee Milan Vuitch, a licensed physician, was indicted in District Columbia producing attempting to produce abortions violation D.C. Code Ann. § 22—201 (1967). Before trial, district judge granted Vuitch's motion dismiss indictments on ground that abortion law unconstitutionally vague. 305 F.Supp. 1032 (DC 1969). The appealed this under Criminal Appeals Act, 18 KF62 3731. We postponed decision jurisdiction hearing merits, 397 1061, 90 1497, 25 683, requested parties brief argue specified questions issue. 399 923, 2235, 26 789. hold we have statute is not reverse. 2 * first question whether Act entertain direct appeal from Columbia. That Act1 gives us over appeals court judgments 'in all criminal cases dismissing any indictment where such based upon invalidity which founded.' dismissal law, were based, This statute, D.C.Code 22—201, an Congress applicable only suggested holding unconstitutional appealable directly Act. literal wording plainly includes even though it applies District. A piece legislation so limited nevertheless 'statute' sense duly enacted into by both Houses signed President. And contains no language purports limit or qualify term 'statute.' On contrary, authorizes Government courts 'all cases' judgment founded. 3 An examination legislative history its amendments suggests reason why should depart Act's meaning exclude (hereafter sometimes D.C.) statutes coverage. committee reprots floor debates contain discussion indicating does include Columbia.2 therefore conclude 4 Our Brother HARLAN has argued dissent do appeal. He result supported versus Burroughs, 289 159, 53 574, 77 L.Ed. 1096 (1933), policy underlying canon construction governing be strictly construed. 5 It difficult see how Burroughs lends much force his argument, since case held 'district court' Appeal did thenexisting Id., at 163—164, S.Ct., 576—577. goes suggest construed light congressional purpose avoiding 'inconsistent enforcement laws.' Post, 92. would served our refusing decide now after been orally argued. In last several years, laws repeatedly attacked as vague state federal with widely varying results. number these are pending docket. refusal accept here compound confusion doctors, their patients, officials. As makes abundantly clear, ruling validity can contribute great disparities laws. Finally, my HARLAN'S also appears rely fact never accepted involving statute. 93. Since either rejected appeal, complete absence precedent weight whatever argument. Neither previous nor behind provides satisfactory those 6 One other procedural problem remains. asked could Circuit 23—105 (Supp.1970), and, if so, refuse matter sound judicial administration. provision states: 7 'In prosecutions shall same right given defendant *.' relationship between section considered Carroll States, 354 394, 411, 1332, 1342, 1442 (1957), concluded: 8 '(C)riminal categories set forth 3731 (the Act), although type covered special jurisdictional explicit directions will prevail general terms (D.D.Code (Supp. 1970)).' 9 concluded above seem follow provisions control taken Appeals. Although seems dispositive, may Sweet, 517, 1958, 770 (1970), some suggesting empowered take 23—105, when proper 518, 1959. elaborate suggestion. once properly consider because might another court. II 10 turn merits. Vuitch 22—201. part: 11 'Whoever, means instrument, medicine, drug whatever, procures produces, attempts procure miscarriage woman, unless done necessary preservation mother's life health direction competent practitioner imprisoned penitentiary less than one year more ten years 12 Without waiting Judge dismissed view, out substantially full below,3 two principal reasons: 13 1. proved physician 'is presumed guilty remains jury persuaded acts woman's health.' 14 2. presence 'ambivalent uncertain word 'health." 15 concluding places burden persuasion proved,4 relied Williams 78 U.S.App.D.C. 147, 138 Federal Reporter, 2nd 81 (1943). There prosecution required prove part chief operation preserve health. 149, F.2d, 81, 83. indicated established had performed 'to come forward evidence without sufficient create reasonable doubt guilt.' 150, read proved, persuading legal (i.e., health) cast physician. Whether correct reading Williams, believe erroneous interpretation Certainly outlawed category but 'presumed' guilt whenever mere established, very least present serious constitutional problems Court's decisions interpreting Fifth Amendment. Tot 319 463, 63 1241, 87 1519 (1943); Leary 395 6, 36, 89 1532, 1548, 23 57 (1969). But course possible uphold constitutionality. 16 outlaw abortions, competent, guide exception incorporated enacting clause plead within exception. When passed 1901 amended 1953, expressly authorized physicians perform 'life Because restrictive circumstances change must represent desirable women able obtain needed theirlives health.5 highly anomalous legislature authorize then demand doctor, pain years' imprisonment, bear proving he fell category. Placing proof doctor peculiarly inconsistent society's notions responsibilities medical profession. Generally, doctors encouraged expectations, strictures malpractice own professional standards give patients treatment unable intended innocence. 'necessary 17 contention 'health' imprecise fails inform charge against him offends Due Process Clause Constitution. See, e.g., Lanzetta Jersey, 306 451, 59 618, 83 888 (1939). not. trial apparently felt there indication degrees mental well physical 305F.Supp., 1034. true guidance refers patient's state. introduced form. House Report6 bill Senate report. Nor found prior shed question. decision, however, issue Doe General Hospital Columbia, 313 1170 1970). Waddy permit 'for reasons patient defects.' 1174 1175. followed further proceedings case. 140 149 153, 434 423 427 (1970). followed. consruction accords usage modern understanding 'health,' psychological well-being. Indeed Webster's Dictionary, accord common usage, defines '(s)tate being body (or) mind.' Viewed light, presents vagueness. Indeed, particular obviously called make routinely surgery considered.7 vague, erred ground. affirmed. Essentially, arguments Griswold Connecticut, 381 479, 85 1678, 510 (1965). reference below, simply void vagueness failed court's 'give certainty due process considers essential statute.' KF105 F3 Supp. reach here. Borden Co., 308 188, 60 182, 84 181 (1939); Petrillo, 332 1, 67 1538, 1877 (1947); Blue, 384 251, 256, 86 1416, 1419, (1966). 19 reversed remanded opinion. 20 Reversed. 21 WHITE, concurring. 22 & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions join judgment. facial few additional words. comes unilluminated facts record. face proscribes except average person understand permitted prohibited. surely puts everyone adequate notice mother, phrase means, standard. absolutely clear free request considering requires it. No intelligence dictated considerations legal. Thus standard agree case, reaches class irrelevant arise. not, course, know cases. Until claims fail. Cf. National Dairy Corp., 372 29, 594, 561 (1963). DOUGLAS, dissenting part. 24 While Part think meets requirements process. felony 'unless physician—within limits expertise—would say time designated 'preservation' her judgment, subjective, dependent training insight what 'necessary' 27 answers differ, Those trained conventional obstetrics answer; deeper psychiatric another. Each answer If making determination conclusive, subject review jury, simple, STEWART points out. violence statutory scheme beyond range revised manner, Hence Court, requiring submission physician's decision. What say? prejudices jurors customarily care challenges cause peremptory challenges. introduces element uncontrollable. Are concepts offenders safe guidelines action? them gloss drawn predilections prejudices? Is easy manipulate good-faith standard, juries nonetheless felons them? 29 said 453, 619, 888, 'statute forbids doing act men necessarily guess differ application violates law.' 30 three-judge evaluating Texas attempted saving mother' said: 31 'How likely death be? Must certain performed? enough woman undergo birth ascertainably higher possibility normally case? threatened suicide How imminent having child shorten years?' Roe Wade, D.C., 314 1217, 1223. 32 Scott, 321 1385, struck down Illinois sanctioned life.' People Belous, 71 Cal.2d 954, 80 Cal.Rptr. 354, 458 Pacific 194. 33 remove appendix far advance rupture order prevent risk materialize. May similar way statute? 34 unmarried who want avoid 'stigma' illegitimate child? bearing factor? Only isolated cases? Or unmarried? 35 unwanted pregnancy factor source anxiety? 36 thought family unduly tax well-being work forced her? 37 Would violating added expense drain resources, leaving anxious mother insufficient budget buy nutritious food? 38 fate plight born relevant 'health'? 39 Holmes, 'unreasonable' restraint trade criminality, Nash 229 373, 377, 780, 781, 1232, 'the instances man's depends estimating rightly, is, subsequently estimates it, degree. wrong, incur fine short here; penalty death.' 40 wrote context economic regulations restrained few, any, guarantees. 41 Where, guarantees implicated, exacting. 42 Winters York, 333 507, 514, 519, 68 665, 669, 672, 92 840, made crime print stories 'so massed incite crime,' regulatory trenched First Amendment rights press. 43 'sacrilegious' used accordion-like infringe religious protected Burstyn, Incorporated Wilson, 343 495, 505, 72 777, 782, 96 1098. 44 requirement 'narrowly drawn' regulation touches (Cantwell 310 296, 311, 900, 906, 1213; Thornhill Alabama, 88, 100, 736, 743, 1093) facet void-for-vagueness problem. 45 Herndon Lowry, 301 242, 732, 1066, extremely ban publications insurrection suffer vice vagueness: 46 'The applied appellant's furnish sufficiently ascertainable guilt. 47 'Every attacks existing conditions, agitates form government, ought foreseen utterances measure future forcible resistance government convicted offense inciting insurrection. thus construed, licenses each case.' 261, 262, 263, 741 (Italics added.) 48 imposed triers 'a power invade imperceptibly (and unreviewably) realm constitutionally personal liberties.' Note, Void-For-Vagueness Doctrine 109 U.Pa.L.Rev. 67, 104 (1960). 49 Abortion intimate affairs family, marriage, sex, 510, involve associated express summed up privacy.' They procreate (Skinner Oklahoma, 316 535, 1110, 1655), marry across color line (Loving Virginia, 388 1817, 1010), familial relations children parents (Meyer Nebraska, 262 390, 625, 1042; Levy Louisiana, 391 68, 71—72, 88 1509, 1511, 436). compelling interest marital privacy limitation size. side belief many fetus, formed, member human inconvenience cannot justify fetus' destruction. powerless legislate abortions. Yet trench they easily colsely confined. 50 deal conduct heavily weighted teachings ethical concepts.1 Jackson spoke 'treacherous grounds tread undertake translate ones, Jordan De George, 341 223, 703, 713, 95 886 (dissenting opinion). difficulty danger compounded religion adds layer prejudice.2 end condemn personally disapprove. 51 abortions—like obscenity3—is most inflammatory ones Court. instantly sides public, whom drawn, mind before interests fetus opposed. State throw weight? volatile; resolved moral code individual has. choose, while left operate outside law. Unless stable narrow bounds, wide reliable guideposts. words health' become free-wheeling concepts, too taking juror's prejudices. 52 affirm leave experts drafting laws4 protect practitioners treacheries HARLAN, BRENNAN, MARSHALL, BLACKMUN join, jurisdiction. 54 violations (1967), pretrial terms, 1907, 3731, relying allowing '(f)rom setting aside, information, thereof, information founded.'1 contested that, provides: 55 be, defendant, including exceptions: Provided, error rulings during verdict favor aside.' 56 today-relying generic 'statutes' text exclusion Columbia—concludes rather appellate route disagree. historical development Government's throughout Nation surveyed (1957). Section 935 1901. Statutes-at-Large 1341. Prior To remedy situation, Representatives. practically tracked Cong.Rec. 5408. accompanying Report described follows: extend (§ 935) districts States.' H.R.Rep. 2119, 59th Cong., 1st Sess., (1906). House, Committee Judiciary approach extending rest Nation; instead substituted narrowly enumerated specific substantive allocated Supreem Courts according allocation civil 1891. S.Rep. 3922 Sess. See supra, n. 11, 1337. Even narrowed pass Senate; provoked extended debate opponents focused potential abuse arising repeated proceedings, delays appeals, restraints freedom prosecuted generally Sisson, 267, 2117, 608 upshot Senator Nelson, bill's manager Senate, agreed variety defendant's release recognizance. 2818—2825.2 58 point Clarke Arkansas offered amendment limiting arresting insufficiency 'Mr. President, object constitutionality proceeding. enlarged addition clause, committed, notwithstanding respects proceeding remain intact. broad concede persons view defects recent disclosed, go necessities developed procedure. recently occurring attention circuit determine invalid, submitted tribunal Constitution settle wider mischief disclosed. advantages arraigned court, paragraph perfected behalf, provide authority uniformity practice ready say, promptly, valid 61 'So expression proposition defect disclosed preceding procedure; adversely decided wherever unconstitutionality pronounced promptly submit dispose uniform entire States. 'This have, discussed distinguished Wisconsin Minnesota (Mr. Nelson), probably meet defect.' 2819—2820. 2819—2822. 64 disagreed amendment, yielded conference. conference H.R.Conf.Rep.No. 8113, (1907). explanation report exclusive route. 65 draw materials following propositions: (1) definitely advertent existence Governmental District; (2) explicitly simple (3) supporting relatively precise defect, i.e., debilitating effect conflicting interpretations; (4) substitution explained, perfectly compatible goal achieving nationwide, wholly unnecessary resolution constructions local statutes, Circuit. 66 overlap routes available dealt (1933). defendants Corrupt Practices nationwide applicability. successfully demurred grounds: sufficiency pleading. took certified 3731-type challenge joined disposed inapplicable D.C.Code: naming employs courts'; 'courts States,' exercising courts.' need embrace tried effect. deals comprehensively instance confers seeking courts. hand, affects classes courts, repealing territorial conferred quite Law construe impliedly system created purpose. Implied repeals favored, reasonably presumption earlier force. *' U.S., 576—577.3 (Emphasis separation schemes cases; essence rationale implied repeals. 69 1942, convictions exists. 271. new included intermediate tribunals appeal;4 addition, Judicial establishing Cases 272. latter Circuit.5 Ibid. 70 1942 offers explication intent Act.6 generates recognized situation amendment: 'It concluded, then, today statute) That, however leaves open III 73 After wished effectuate displacement pre-1907 manifestation required. acted cases, presume intended, procedures 74 completely silent record flies principle creating Swift company Wickham, 382 111, 128—129, 258, 267—268, 194 (1965); Florida Lime Avocado Growers Jacobsen, 362 73, 92—93, 568, 579—580, 568 (1960) (Frankfurter, J., dissenting). And, 1907 impact provision, especially inappropriate justification encompassing statutes. 75 plausible 'based statute' excluding statutes: put intention remedying lack constitutes resolving interpretations judges Columbia.7 brings applicability, achieve 76 original proposition, brought consistent Clarke's strict statutes.8 position displace pre-existing extent so; significantly, involved Subsequently, indicate alternative displacement, think, measured Clarke: avoidance theory purpose—combined affirmatively route—yields statutes.9 IV little dispense adopted worth noting adherence principles absurd waste resources Waters, 127, 175 340, 335 869, 168, 93 413 (1948), 8, avoided exercise governmental discretion choosing routes. Carroll, acceptable underpinning definition excludes turned Of elimination removes greatdeal incentive continue stringent respect traditionally prevailed stage game, produces ironic greater expenditure energies assessing remainder deciding Nonetheless, Term intend adhere rules evolved long tortuous Weller, 401 254, 602, (1971). 79 response argues jurisdictions attack grounds. opinion, 65—66. Surely Brethren subscribe views expressed recognize (a) duplicated jurisdictions, (b) jurisdictions. proffered therefore, truly rather, Dr. claim spite prerequisites legitimize power. V Having follows utilize remand reroute However, jurisdiction, analogous exists procedure, vacated entry fresh decree timely tribunal. Rockefeller Catholic Medical Center Brooklyn Queens, 820, 1517, 806 instant prosecution, consideration situation: anxiety caused virtue choice But, empower transfer still save made, defendant. Accordingly, disposition vacate pursuant 105. VI Notwithstanding above, speaking myself, BLACKMUN's separate concur 82 STEWART, stated merits controversy, share doubts about correctly out, 'statutes constitutionality.' reasoning logical conclusion. legalizes 'under medicine' Under medicine performing For consists things which, says, 'whether considered.' follows, exercised abortion, has, hypothesis, violated way, performance entrusted exclusively overhanging incurring liability hands second-guessing lay jury. hold, immune charged commission ways, DOUGLAS clear. candid service doubt.' Rumely, 345 41, 47, 543, 546, 97 770. BLACKMUN. conclusion majority, holds otherwise. five Justices constituting divided feels (1967) lacks indictments. Three error. inability jurisdictional-issue majority feel obligated Screws 325 91, 134, 1031, 1051, 1495 (1945) (addendum Rutledge); Jorn, 400 470, 487 488, 547, 558—559, 543 (1971) (statement Black Brennan, JJ.); Mills 214, 222—223, 1434, 1438—1439, 484 (1966) (separate Harlan, J.); Kesler Department Public Safety, 369 174, 179, 807, 819, 822, 641 (1962) (Stewart, concurring part, Warren, C.J., Assuming, BLACK'S THE CHIEF JUSTICE, WHITE Park states pertinent 'An behalf instances: 'From count H.R. Conf.Rep. Sess.; H.R.Rep.No.2119, H.R.Rep.No.45 S.Rep.No.868, 77th 2052, stated: ('as health') precise; interpreted, improperly carrying responsibilities; interfere childbirth reason. defined careful placed particularly unconscionably inadequate prevailing. early Peckham 312, 226 (1955), cert. denied 350 912, 195, 100 800, 153 American 1213 (1943), committed shifted acts. words, These holdings, offend Constitution, interpreted (1969), Gainey, 380 63, 754, 658 (1965), emphasize precision jury's acceptance nonacceptance doctor's ambivalent stands felony, facing imprisonment. His good faith challenged. knowledge delineates degree combination conducted illegal Code. 1032, cited dealing discuss allowed preserving pregnant W. Abert baron Lovejoy, Compiled Statutes chapter XVI, 15, Page 159 (1894). H.R.Rep.No.1017, 56th fear convict evil. merely well-established methods use themselves prejudice: continuances, changes venue, prospective voir dire, motions aside verdicts produced prejudice. always find doubt. 'There murder. insoluble, philosophy fact. murder avail conviction bound identical conviction. hangs like threatening cloud issues one-sided. psychoanalyst Erik Erikson deadly sins mutilation child's spirit.' nothing destructive spirit unwanted, disruptive love motherhood.' Right Abortion: Psychiatric View, 218—219 (Group Advancement Psychiatry, Vol. 7, Pub. 75, Clark wrote: 'Throughout wielded vital influence attitude regarding abortion. perhaps frequently debated aspects At center ecclesiastical concept 'ensoulment' 'personhood,' becomes organism. Reverend Donseel Fordham University admitted exact moment occurs, aborting place. Many Roman Catholics soul gift God conception. leads amounts God. Others, Catholics, until baby viable, support itself womb. balancing evils, evil destroying outweighed social evils childbirth.' Religion, Morality, Constitutional Appraisal, Loyola U.L.Rev (L.A.) obscenity Dyson Stein, 200, 204, 769, 772, 781 Ginzburg 383 476, 942, 950, 31. Clark, 2, 10—11. York's effective July 1970, N.Y.Penal 125.05, subd. (Supp.1970—1971): abortional justifiable female consent acting life, twenty-four weeks commencement pregnancy. female's herself she advice or, believes pregnancy.' Hall, Truth About Forum, Winter 18; Schwartz, Laws, Ohio St.Med.J. sustaining bar, jeopardy. thereof provided section. thirty days rendered diligently prosecuted. 'Pending foregoing instances, bail 'If taken, section, hear instance. certify thereupon Court.' noted (1971), 14(a) Omnibus Crime Control Stat.1890. begun affected. 255 604. require days. 2193 2194. characterizes 'held then-existing Columbia.' Ante, 65. italicized portion above-quoted passage, decide, implication, repeal references omitted 1949, 97, altered conform changed nomenclature 225 (1940 ed.); 272 398 5, 1335. focus lay. H.R.Rep.No.45, (1941); S.Rep.No. 868, (1941). application, §§ 1111—1112 (punishing homicide '(w)ithin maritime States'); 1151—1165 (regulating offenses Indian territory). Brief 15—16. punishable application; risks disuniformity cure exist. suggests, Supplemental Memorandum 6—7, scope 'anomalous consequence' allow motion-in-bar concerned. E.g., alleged 'anomaly' here, either. Certainly, Sweet foreclose result. event, offering regard clearly expressed; address himself provision—which, all, received prolonged Senate—hardly justifies expansive relies principally Shapiro Thompson, 394 625 4, 1322, 1326, 600, 2282, requests injunctions 'any Congress' relief are, 1253, Shapiro, 'Section 2282 Congress.' Acts pertaining 1326 (emphasis original). First, despite assertion arguably broader 'statutes.' chose 'any' Second, challenged precedential value, note case; context, Third, importantly, litigation involved; reflect crucial comity sovereigns among branches Government. Currie, Three-Judge Litigation, U.Chi.L.Rev. (1964). notion alleviate circumstances, fair yield 'inert language' 92, 579,

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