Legal Document

405 U.S. 676 92 Supreme Court Reporter 1332 31 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 593 Jonathan O. COLE, Superintendent, Boston State Hospital, et al., Appellants,v.Lucretia Peteros RICHARDSON. Number 70—14. Argued Nov. 16, 1971. Decided April 18, 1972. Syllabus Appellee's employment at the Hospital was terminated when she refused to take following oath required of all public employees in Massachusetts: 'I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that & N Dec. Immigration and Nationality Decisions will uphold defend Constitution America Commonwealth Massachusetts oppose overthrow government or this by force, violence, any illegal unconstitutional method.' Appellee challenged constitutionality statute. A three-judge District concluded attack on 'uphold defend' clause foreclosed Knight versus Board Regents, 390 36, 88 816, 19 812, but found 'oppose overthrow' 'fatally vague unspecific' thus violative First Amendment. In response a remand from Court, case not moot, reinstated its earlier judgment. Held: The is constitutionally permissible. Pp. 679—687. (a) provisions Article II, § 1, cl. 8, VI, 3, are inconsistent with 681—682. (b) properly held clause, paraphrase constitutional oath, Pacific KF135 P2 683. (c) designed require specific action be taken some hypothetical actual situation assure those positions trust were willing commit themselves live processes our government. 683—685. (d) void for vagueness. Perjury, sole punishment, requires knowing willful falsehood, which removes danger punishment without fair notice; there no problem inflicted mere prosecution, as has been prosecution under statute since enactment nor planned. 685—686. (e) There protected right means, therefore requirement one who refuses Massachusetts' granted hearing determination other fact before being discharged. 686 687. Reversed remanded. Walter Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Mayo, III, Asst. Atty. Gen., Boston, Mass., appellants. Stephen Oleskey, appellee, pro hac vice, special leave Court. Mr. Chief Justice BURGER delivered opinion 1 appeal we review decision holding loyalty unconstitutional, 300 F.Supp. 1321. 2 Richardson, hired research sociologist Hospital. Appellant Cole superintendent hospital. Soon after entered duty Mrs. Richardson asked subscribe Massachusetts. follows: 3 violence method.'1 4 informed hospital's personnel department could ordered because her belief it violation Constitution. Approximately 10 days later appellant personally state law continue an employee unless subscribed oath. Again refused. On November 25, 1968, Richardson's paid through date. 5 March 1969 filed complaint alleged unconstitutionality statute, sought damages injunction against continued enforcement, prayed convocation court pursuant 28 Code KF62 §§ 2281 2284. 6 enjoined appellants applying prohibit working Hospital.2 first part 269 339 (S.D.N.Y.1967), aff'd, 812 (1968). But unspecific,' Amendment rights. requested denied claim damages. 7 Appeals then brought 1253. We remanded consideration whether moot light suggestion job had filled interim. 397 238, 90 1099, 25 275 (1970). remand, position hospital stood ready hire continuing project except unreported dated July 1970, Appellants again appealed, noted probable jurisdiction. 403 917, 91 2224, 29 694 (1971). 8 conclude permissible, prolonged litigation set forth reasoning greater length than previously. 9 cases put instant into context. have made clear neither federal may condition taking oaths impinge rights guaranteed Fourteenth Amendments respectively, example relating political beliefs. Law Students Civil Rights Research Council Wadmond, 401 154, 720, 27 749 (1971); Baird Bar Arizona, 702, 639 Connell Higginbotham, 207, 209, 1772, 1774, 418 (1971) (Marshall, J., concurring result). Nor conditioned engaged, engage, speech activities such following: criticizing institutions government; discussing doctrine approves certain forms supporting candidates office. Keyishian 385 589, 87 675, 17 629 (1967); Baggett Bullitt, 377 360, 84 1316, 12 (1964); Cramp Public Instruction, 368 278, 82 275, 285 (1961). Employment denying past, abjuring future, associational within protection; include membership organizations having purposes knows purpose shares intent promote purpose. Whitehill Elkins, 389 54, 184, 228 supra; Elfbrandt Russell, 384 11, 86 1238, 16 321 (1966); Wieman Updegraff, 344 183, 73 215, 97 L.Ed. 216 (1952). Thus, last Term Wadmond sustained inquiry bar applicant's only narrowly confined individual known violent whose shared. And, finally, so "men common intelligence must necessarily guess meaning differ application, (because oath) violates essential due process law." U.S., 287, S.Ct., 280. Concern vagueness especially great uncertainty oath's deter individuals engaging activity conceivably scope An underlying, seldom articulated concern running throughout these often reach back their past recall minor, sometimes innocent, activities. They 'the censorial business investigating, scrutinizing, interpreting, penalizing approving viewpoints' individuals. 192, 740 dissenting). 11 Several recently decided stand out among they upheld oaths, addressed promising support broad terms. These begun recognition itself prescribes comparable two articles. provides President shall he 'faithfully execute Office . best (his) Ability preserve, protect States.' officers bound 'to Constitution.' attorneys admission identically 'that States'; also attorney 'conduct (himself) uprightly, according law.' Bond Floyd, 116, 339, 235 (1966), involved Georgia's statutory legislators 'support States,' implicitly did undercut validity provisions. Although theory might invalidated provisions, approval amendment same included suggested strongly consistent. Court's consistency involve departure many decisions striking down infringed read Georgia calling simply acknowledgment willingness abide 'constitutional government.' 135, 349, 235. Accord, (1968) (without opinion). disagreeing points, supra, members agreed point. Marshall there, while dissenting 'The assuming responsibilities affirm endeavor perform his duties lawfully.' 740. 13 further need parrot exact language proper. Thus Ohlson Phillips, 317, 1124, 337 (1970), teachers 'uphold' "recognition ours laws men," affirmation 'organic law' rejection use force 304 1152 (Colo.1969). 14 recognized swears Constitutions Commonwealth, indistinguishable approved. Yet applied highly literalistic approach second strike down. view essentially first. 15 contains promise give dictionary 'oppose' raise specter vague, undefinable actively combat potential That reading understandably troubled what saw terms threats would constitute sufficient giver overthrow, exactly actions respect. Cf. F.Supp., 1154 n. 4. literal 'support' oaths. One make argument involves nebulous, undefined situations. As Harlan result case, 'Almost word phrase rendered ambiguous dissection semantic scalpel. (But approach) amounts little more verbal calisthenics. S. Chase, Tyranny Words (1959); W. Empson, Seven Types Ambiguity (1955).' 240, 1101, 18 rejected rigidly notions leading legislatures enact just Framers explicit create system, Here does situation. Plainly 'force, method' modifies 'overthrow' taker meet force. Just connotatively active interpreted mean commitment merely oriented negative implication notion; unprotected change system. expand obligation first; makes application particular issue. Such repetition, emphasis cadence, seems wont authors redundant ground down; charged correcting grammar enforcing constitution. face. cannot presume Legislature intended general 'uphold,' 'defend,' impose obligations specific, positive takers. Any construction serious questions amount denial process. Connally General Construction Co., 385, 46 126, 70 322 (1926); 280, 20 pointed 'no amenity.' 1100. It punishable perjury3 and, perjury vice warning occur here. See American Communications Assn. Douds, 382, 413, 674, 691, 94 925 (1950). here prosecution. 284, 279, 285. 1948 enactment, indication prosecutions planned begun. 'triggered possibility prosecution' Commonwealth. 241, 1101. Were confronted record harassment threatened prosecutions, faced different question. Those endless 'parade horribles' well bear mind hazards human existence can imagined circumscribed classic observation Holmes, prophecy dire consequences judicial action, 'while sits.' Panhandle Oil company Miss. ex rel. Knox, 277 218, 223, 48 451, 453, 72 857 (dissenting). 21 mounts additional program provide prior based refusal All discharge failure impermissible Slochower Education, 350 551, 76 637, 100 692 (1956) (not case), dismiss professor claiming Fifth privilege Senate committee hearing; State's invalid exercise draw rational inference disloyalty. relies Nostrand Little, 362 474, 80 840, 892 (1960), (1971), permissible basis termination. circumstances cases, hearing, showing evidence disloyalty, allowing opportunity respond develop concluding 22 Since system future. Therefore, 23 judgment reversed proceedings consistent opinion. 24 POWELL REHNQUIST took case. STEWART WHITE, concurring. 26 agree person Federal Constitutions, wholly valid Amendments. if 'defend' words suffer overbreadth, surely When before, expressed '(t) conscience belief, extent offend individuals.' (concurring agree. And individuals, clearly permits rather Mass.Gen.Laws, chapter 264, 14. join DOUGLAS, dissenting. 30 says plainly decisions. Education Barnette, 319 624, 634, 63 1178, 1183, 1628. Advocacy basic fundamental changes government, popularly described 'overthrow,' protection even restrictively construed. Brandenburg Ohio, 395 444, 89 1827, 430, involving criminal syndicalism, ruled 'forbid proscribe advocacy where directed inciting producing imminent lawless likely incite produce action.' Id., 447, 1829. idea somewhat Noto States, 367 290, 297—298, 81 1517, 1521, 836 'abstract teaching' contrasted 'preparing group steeling see Yates 354 298, 318, 77 1064, 1076, 1356. 32 present possible offense restrictive 33 views Black me expansive reading. condemned 'manifestation(s) national network aimed coercing controlling minds men. Test notorious tools tyranny. used shackle are, least should be, unspeakably odious free people.' 193, 220, (Black, concurring). Speiser Randall, 357 513, 532, 78 1332, 1354, 1460 (Douglas, said depend 'quality advocacy,' 'turns depth conviction.' 457, 1834 line between control ideas overt acts.' 456, 1834. leaves way wide open people favor, discuss, advocate, causes doctrines however obnoxious antagonistic rest us.' 344, 1090. This however, appellee indisputable advocate.1 majority concludes 'opposition'—exacted employment2—is redundancy impair appellee's freedom expression.3 34 suggested, portion sever clauses Even assumption, entire fall. should, course, base upon local where, doing, avoid deciding questions. Here, cited legislative separate governed Pedlosky Institute Technology, 352 Mass. 127, 224 North Eastern Reporter, 2nd 414 (1967), Judicial two-part test similar effect us.4 substance (was) declaration Constitutions. equally concern(ed) undertaking plaintiff faithfully assistant mathematics my ability." 128—129, N.E.2d, 416. Finding 'altogether too standard enforce judicially' 'whether enacted (it) (invalid) provision,' unable hold severable, unanimously struck 129, 35 follow lead Massachusetts—the final how statutes construed—and 36 literally Jefferson it, down, 1321, unconstitutional. 37 MARSHALL, whom BRENNAN joins, 38 discharged solely oath:1 39 40 She seeking declaratory injunctive relief enforcement employment.2 unconstitutionally appellee. now reverses sustains entirety. opinion, half overbroad. Accordingly, dissent. 41 requiring indicate constitutional. nothing traditional employment. 42 object. find impermissibly 43 'men (must) speculate peril meaning.' 59, 186, (1967). 391, Cline Frink Dairy 274 445, 465, 47 681, 687, 71 1146 (1927); Lanzetta New Jersey, 306 59 618, 619, 83 888 (1939). most prepositional verb noun 'overthrow.' affiant swearing governmental utilizing every means disposal, including specifically prohibited constitutions sworn support, accepted responsibility opposing overthrows. almost established compel citizen waive him order obtain See, e.g., Pickering 391 563, 1731, 811 (1968); Garrity 493, 616, 562 half. far intended. reasonable man certainly either way, offered binding clarification purport. 44 unconditionally adopted communicated prospective employees, still cured, left guidance assumed form, example, manifest opposition overthrow? At oral Commonwealth's asserted citizens three standards overthrows: 45 ordinary act extremis; larger obligation, larger.' 1322.3 conclusion '(t)he very varied enough condemn hopelessly vague.' 1323. Vagueness inherent affiant's action: threatened? chance success? 430 (1969); 1356 (1957); Dennis 341 494, 857, 95 1137 (1951). answers none questions, reason, other, stand. importance clarity precision kind underestimated. Chapter 14, Laws subject pains penalties perjury, specifies year prison and/or $10,000 fine. 49 rely (1964). considered Baggett, like assert conform future conduct criteria penalty perjury. White's explained detail inordinate difficulties attempting criteria. 371, 1322. While herein differs considerations both same, results same. 50 overbroad infringement expression conduct. 51 represent simple affirmative less suspect evil disaffirmance ties, affiliations, Compare (SDNY 1967), Hosack Smiley, 276 876 (Colo. 744, 1442, (Colo.1969), (1961); (1958); (1952); Garner Works, 716, 909, 1317 52 Yet, think plain loyalty, ones, connotations dangers. Asper, Long Unhappy History Loyalty Testing Maryland, Am.J.Legal Hist. 97, 104 Askin, Oaths Retrospect: Freedom Reality, 1968 Wis.L.Rev. 498, 502; Note, Oaths, Yale L.J. 739, 763 tolerated affirmations 'minimal Government.' 415, 692, indications 'in entirely familiar language, Council, Incorporated 53 precisely minimal, nominal allegiance 'which, law, understood owe sovereign,' 341, sustained. minimal intrusions officials think, speak, them constitutional; tolerated. contrary, each time attempt comprehensive demanding, cf. (1966). 54 'imminent danger,' governments able things ordinarily beyond authority mandate. But, emergency power cry compelling advance severely circumscribes symbolic gestures loyalty. West Virginia 1628 (1943). overbreadth tends infringe areas Constitution, believe Shelton Tucker, 364 479, 247, 231 (1960). 55 Because invalid, normally favor severing part. supra. However, strikingly us, portions severable. bow courts legislation. 56 Before concluding, add about general. become prevalent country few Americans another governments. employment, prerequisite entering military service, obtaining citizenship, securing passport educational loan countless offerings. Perhaps inundated variety tend ignore difficult issues present. judges, remain sensitive 'encourage casual upholding exclusion conscientious scrupulous regard undertakings.' 373—374, 57 pleasant history country. Whereas developed initially fostering confidence swell 'into instrument thought complete conformity.' 108 (1969). Within limits is, weigh utility dangers balance. people, always keep Black, 1354: 58 'Loyalty contemporary 'security measures,' stifle unorthodox unpopular thinking expression—the played vital beneficial role Nation. stultifying conformity end turn destructive society foreign agents ever hope be. am never secured proliferation 'loyalty' oaths; arise spontaneously hearts love respect full text relevant Oath affirmation; form; filing; exemptions 'Every employ commonwealth subdivision thereof, to, affirmation:— "I 'Such subscriber, employed state, secretary commonwealth, county, county commissioners, employe city town, clerk town clerk, prescribed section thereof physician nurse health care institution country.' C. 15. Violation 14; fourteen punished fine ten thousand dollars imprisonment year, both.' Cole, 1321 (Mass.1969). 15, punishes '(v)iolation fourteen,' 'presumably' punishing 'a 'live up' oath.' interpretation. punish comply directive aspects file employee. Section includes mentions it. come value routine 'worth candle' division engender. acts function evaluate wisdom decide 'we question' prosecutions.' Ante, 685. source livelihood If suffers infirmities, matters imposed refusing correct 'there means,' ante, 686, bearing What espouse advocate some. How honor exacting 'oppose,' unanswered. chides approach' 'giv(ing) (the 'oppose') reads 'negative th(e) notion' system' 'specific, 683, 684. Having emasculated word, labels 'redundant' 'repetition,' ibid., entirety, future.' 686. imprecise farreaching place 'chilling effect' expression. vice—readily apparent oath—is emphasized avoided majority's tortured route takes supposedly interpretation emphasizes given natural meaning. provided: Massachusetts, (insert name position) ability.' began reasons readily record. event, times. wages allegedly owed. paid. longer controversy. belated loss termination, discretion Rule Rules Procedure. affected conceded much brief below: '(I)n event arose (would) disposal thwart effort. range physical speaking downfall commensurate employee's ability, training, available time.' (Emphasis added.) Quoted sentence quotation evidences confusion confesses arguments make, impossible adds contend, contrary assertions duty. unsure extends, exist. extends share dismay legislation thrust statutes.

Classification Label: 2