Legal Document

385 U.S. 323 87 Supreme Court Reporter 439 17 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 394 Z. T. OSBORN, Jr., Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES. James R. HOFFA, Petitioner, versus UNITED Duke Lee LEWIS, Nos. 29, 32 and 36. of the December 12, 1966 Mr. Justice STEWART delivered opinion Court. 1 The petitioner, a Nashville lawyer, was convicted in District for Middle Tennessee upon one count an indictment under 18 Code KF62 § 1503, which charged him with endeavoring to bribe member jury panel prospective federal criminal trial.1 conviction affirmed by Appeals, 350 Federal Reporter, 2nd 497. We granted certiorari, 382 1023, 86 644, 15 538, primarily consider whether rests unconstitutionally acquired evidence, although petitioner also presses other claims. 2 In late 1963, Hoffa awaiting trial charge court Nashville, as Hoffa's attorneys, engaged preparing that trial. connection these preparations hired man named Robert Vick make background investigations people listed on from members were be drawn. police department whom had employed similar investigative work another same defendant year earlier. What did not know Vick, before applying job met several times agents agreed report them any 'illegal activities' he might observe. 3 we now review 'during period or about November 6, up including 15, * unlawfully, knowingly, wilfully corruptly endeavor influence, obstruct impede due administration justice *' 'did request, counsel direct D. contact Ralph Atlantic Elliott, who was, known said Osborn be, petit hear (Hoffa) scheduled drawn, offer promise pay Elliott $10,000 induce vote acquittal, if should selected sit trial.'2 primary evidence against this consisted Vick's testimony, tape recording conversation between admissions made during course disbarment proceedings. 4 testified discussion at latter's office 7, mentioned knew some jurors. At this, according 'jumped up,' said, 'You do? Why didn't you tell me?' two then moved outside into adjacent alley continue conversation. There, testified, told jurors, his cousin, visit see what arrangements could case. meetings 8 11, when falsely, visited found 'susceptible money hanging jury,' responded offering $5,000 became additional 'when hung jury, but would have go all way, assure alone, there jurors there.' I. 5 No claim is case testimony petitioner's incriminating statements inadmissible evidence. Cf. States, 293, 408, 374; Lewis 206, 424, 312. challenged introduction conversations specifically took place 11. played written transcript it introduced are asked hold been excluded, either constitutional grounds, Weeks 232 383, 34 341, 58 L.Ed. 652, exercise our supervisory power over courts. McNabb 318 332, 63 608, 819. 6 There no question accuracy recording. 'substantially correct' reproduction can doubt, either, recording's probative relevance. It provided strong corroboration truth petitioner.3 means device concealed person 11 meeting. thus deal here surreptitious surveillance private outsider, cf. Silverman 365 505, 81 679, 734, but, Lopez 373 427, 83 1381, 10 462, use party accurate record later testified. Unless disregarded, therefore, cannot prevail.4 7 But need rest decision broad foundation Court's Lopez, because evident circumstances obtained fall within narrower compass concurring dissenting opinions. Accordingly, appropriate set out precision were. Immediately after meeting which, possibility approaching juror first discussed, reported agent Department Justice. requested put form statement oath, did.5 following day sworn shown government attorneys judges Court, Chief Judge Miller Gray. After considering affidavit, authorize Bureau Investigation conceal recorder order determine recordings further affidavit true. judicial authorization ultimately led question.6 9 issue here, permissibility 'indiscriminate such devices law enforcement,'7 using most precise discriminate circumstances, fully 'requirement particularity' necessary.8 situation faced they presented 8, motivations prompted their reflected words Miller. As it, 'The contained information seriously bar court, practiced my ever since & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions bench. decided action taken correct false. serious problem sweep rug.' So that, response detailed factual alleging commission specific offense directly immediately affecting jointly authorized narrow particularized purpose ascertaining affidavit's allegations. district recognized, imperative integrity being undermined, highly undesirable determination hinge inconclusive outcome testimonial contest only world truth—one informer, lawyer previous good repute. hardly clearer example "the procedure antecedent justification magistrate central Fourth Amendment" 'a precondition lawful electronic surveillance.'9 12 facts permissible, consequently itself properly admitted II. 13 defense entrapment, renews contention motion acquittal entrapment established matter law. agree. 14 validity depended transpired recorded According initiated idea making corrupt approach October 28, resisted suggestion tried discourage carrying out. conceded acquiesced scheme, 'weakness' exhausted overwork, never intended actually carry plan Elliott. version happened stated above, quite different, determine.10 Masciale 356 386, 78 827, 859. Surely 'trap unwary innocent,' Sherman 369, 372, 819, 820, 848, truthfully, cousin. And more went him, effort get 'on side.' most, afforded 'opportunities facilities' offense, far cry entrapment. supra, S.Ct., 821; Sorrells 287 435, 441, 53 210, 212, 77 413.11 III. Finally, argument even admissibility accepted, must aside conduct constitute violation 1503.12 basis fact approached do so, part impossible accomplishment. 16 reject argument. Whatever continuing doctrine 'impossibility,' its subtleties, may attempt,13 body inapplicable here. statute makes proscribed 'endeavor.' almost 50 years ago pointed significance word: word section 'endeavor,' got rid technicalities urged besetting 'attempt,' describes essay accomplish evil enacted prevent. directed success corrupting juror, 'endeavor' so. Experimental approaches corruption section.' Russell, 255 138, 143, 41 260, 261, 65 553. If endeavored instructing Affirmed. 19 WHITE consideration 20 DOUGLAS dissented. APPENDIX TO OPINION OF THE COURT. 21 Transcript Vick-Osborn 1963: 22 'Girl: You now. 23 'Vick: O. K. honey. Hello, Osborn. 24 'Osborn: Hello Bob, close door, friend, let's what's up. 25 How're doing? 26 good. 27 Oh, pretty want talk here? 28 How go? 29 Well, far. 30 Maybe we'd better 31 say. Don't difference me. (Inaudible whisper.) 33 I'm comfortable, er, chair sits good, we'll take off to, Did him? 35 Huh? 36 37 Yeah. down Springfield Saturday morning talked er. 38 Elliott? 39 40 42 Is chance you? 43 That will me FBI? course, there's always chance, wouldn't thought very, very great. 44 (Laughed.) 45 understand that. 46 (Laughing.) Yeah, know. Old Bob first. 47 That's right. worry. gonna care old know, depending anything, anything goes wrong. 48 am. certainly. 49 Er, coffee previously it's son. is? 51 Yes, father. 52 son Alden father Donnal. er—Marie, that's Ralph's wife killed herself. her maiden name, Alden, see? Anyway, he's week, 54 55 anway, brought so talking last hung, guy refused hang see, crazy, should've just discreetly, really playing thing slow, reason wanted handle cause play easy. 56 less people, better. 57 slow easy myself anyway, something five thousand later, did, (sic) how things like don't suspected why drop blue socially, We're friends, kin, cousins, ordinarily just, fraternize, seemed receptive later. Now, back fine! point won't running forth. 59 60 Then deal. 61 It's what? do—when gets date, tomorrow rules us, well week comes. has certain on, he'll nobody else.— 62 Social strictly. Oh yeah. 64 I've story fixed where come. 66 er 67 And, when. 68 yourself? 69 Uh huh. You're yourself. 70 Vick: All ready, think ready thousand. right? 71 Well no, panel, once jury. Provided panel. 72 now, number one. 73 74 75 suppose challenges 76 see. Where then? 79 80 here's thing, Tommy. He's CWA, Teamsters, they'll knock off. Naw, won't. They've fight 82 everything looks perfect. favor, that'll favor. 84 'Osborne: anxious accept him. 85 would, too. to. suspicion frankly think, through been. Now Fred, 88 either. 89 Fred (pause), too suspicious enough. 90 you've sized exactly 91 92 promised fella nothing 93 94 time already checked Miller's court. ahead 95 96 'Osborn:—church affiliations, background, occupation sort those touch them. investigate Gray's 97 'Well, Soon damn thing's over, they're kick ** probably Fred's So, can. way look it. wrong Tennessean anybody past, Cause Kennedy's. 98 right, leave you. your next wants deal, 99 O.K. 100 depends accepted 101 seated. 102 103 He expect 104 Immediately. 105 hung. 106 now! 107 stay way? 108 way. 109 swing. swing discussed before. 110 Of guided own b—, leaves question. stick crowd. maybe count. 111 Oh. going previously, reassure keep getting panicky, believe 112 100%. 113 fears have, 114 Tell least others 115 ask does John anything. originally knowing. 116 thing. 117 doesn't 118 He'll come recommend man—and I'll say let 119 all? 120 Nothing. 121 hasn't seen When came 122 'Osborn:—We'll secret. safe knows me—where 123 reckon, there. See, tonight. Sunday Monday, yeterday. notion yesterday night again 124 until date. 125 doing till 126 happen give call whenever run 127 apt call, 128 circumspect. 129 haven't definite clearly understands. might, joking or, 130 131 132 —- 133 134 135 136 137 wait two. 138 would. 139 Before seem 140 141 See later.' 142 DOUGLAS, States; CLARK States. 143 These cases present important questions concerning privacy citizens breach agents. involves home posing different role obtaining homeowner convict crime. raises Government induced friend insinuate himself entourage, serve Government's eyes ears presents compound invasion hidden suspect secret agent. 144 Thus various aspects right privacy. Privacy, though expressly Constitution, essential rights guaranteed recently Griswold State Connecticut, 381 479, 484, 1678, 510: 145 '(S)pecific guarantees Bill Rights penumbras, formed emanations help life substance. Various create zones association penumbra First Amendment *. Third prohibition quartering soldiers 'in house' peace without consent owner facet explicitly affirms 'right secure persons, houses, papers, effects, unreasonable searches seizures.' Fifth Self-Incrimination Clause enables citizen zone force surrender detriment. Ninth provides: enumeration rights, shall construed deny disparage retained people." 146 rapidly entering age privacy, everyone open times; secrets government. aggressive breaches increase geometric proportions. Wiretapping 'bugging' rampant, effective legislative control. 147 Secret observation booths offices closed television circuits industry, extending rooms, common.1 Offices, conference hotel bedrooms (see Irvine People California, 347 128, 381, 561) 'bugged' convenience Peepholes men's rooms catch homosexuals. Smayda Cir., 352 251. Personality tests seek ferret man's innermost thoughts family life, religion, racial attitudes, national origin, politics, atheism, ideology, sex, like.2 often 'wired' persons (Lopez 462) transmitted recorders blocks away.3 Food Drug Administration spy church organization.4 Revenue gone disguise Coast Guard officers.5 They broken entered homes obtain evidence.6 148 Polygraph employees industry rampant.7 dossiers mount size. computers pressing button miserable, sick, suspect, unpopular, offbeat Nation instantly identified.8 149 examples many demonstrate alarming trend whereby dignity whittled away sometimes imperceptible steps. Taken individually, each step little consequence. viewed whole, begins emerge society unlike seen—a intrude regions will. 150 Columbia squads officers public buildings trying homosexuals solicit Beard Stahr, 200 F.Supp. 766, 768, judgment vacated, 370 41, 1105, 321. Undercover 'special employees' narcotics divisions city, state, actively sales narcotics. generally U.Chi.L.Rev. 137, Yale L.J. 942. Police instructed pander weaknesses craven motives friends acquaintances suspects, inform. Harney Cross, Informer Law Enforcement 33—44 (1960). crime yet committed. undercover enter suspect's search mere indeed instigator of, active participant in, crime—an provocateur. solicitation amount prosecution fails. 413; 848. 'dirty business' (Olmstead 277 438, 470, 564, 575, 944 (Mr. Holmes dissenting)) begin end Entrapment merely much broader problem. Together illegal seizures, coerced confessions, wiretapping, bugging, represents lawless indicative philosophy ends justify means.9 151 concerned manner homes. appeared customer. Tomorrow policeman disguised grocery deliveryman telephone repairman, health inspector.10 Frank Maryland, 359 360, 804, 877; Ohio ex rel. Eaton Price, 364 263, 1463, 1708. 152 Gouled 298, 306, 264, 647: 153 '(W)hether entrance representative branch subdivision stealth, social acquaintance, guise business enters, seizure subsequently secretly absence, falls scope 154 Entering another's 'search' bring protective features Amendment. believing possessed narcotics, warrant obtained.11 155 Almost every used purposes than eating, sleeping, activities. Are sanctity stripped business? 'mom pop' store living quarters rear? garment workers piecework home? saddle makers shoemakers shops homes? proprietors customers matters? insurance works shattered sells there? candidate holds political conferences Or house-holder consults attorney accountant transformed places occasionally not. A still sanctuary, however owner's include house limited classes people. invites acquaintance home, opens spy. 156 This mean sanctuary invasion-proof Constitution lawfully invaded, warrant. Where, enough allow short-circuited. 157 downgrade forgive noncompliance mandate easier methods thrive. 158 householder admits agent, knowing such, waives One 'friend' takes, risk tattle disclose confidences wheedle me, however, plays ignoble 'planting' one's room uses fraud deception practices war standards parts choicest tradition. 159 formula approved today 374, possible willy-nilly, father, nephew uncle, undermine confidential conversations. takes position 'placed' Partin councils immaterial. planted victim misplaced confidence dismissed 'verbal controversy unnecessary issues.' 295, 410. But, real differences underlie controversy.' turn police. person's entourage case, willing recipient supplied fickle friend. other, encouraged participated sending followed, unlawfully enters crawls window, breaks surreptitiously, alleged trickery fraud. therefore join opinion. 160 agree Clark petition improvidently granted. lower courts entourage. findings erroneous. 161 found: 'I find witness defendants' midst placing midst, rather knowingly voluntarily placed defendants.' Appeals held finding supported substantial 349 20, 'A law, is, correction errors finding, undertake concurrent below absence obvious exceptional showing error.' Graver Tank Mfg. company Linde Air Products Co., 336 271, 275, 535, 672. undercut fact.12 280, 540 (concurrence); Gonzales 59, 66, 1554, 1558, 1569 (dissent); Blau Lehman, 368 403, 408—409, 451, 454—455, 403. difficulty 162 true state involving careful lest rule claim. Norris Alabama, 294 587, 590, 579, 580, 1074; Hooven Allison Evatt, 324 659, 870, 874, 1252; Watts Indiana, 338 49, 51, 1347, 1348, 1801; Napue Illinois, 360 1173, 1178, 1217; Haynes Washington, 503, 515 516, 1336, 1344—1345, 513; Jacobellis Ohio, 378 184, 187—188, 1676, 1677—1678, 793. usually intertwined, e.g., confession 'voluntary,' book 'obscene' like. Here factfinders thether 'planted' confidence. conclusion' 'drawn uncontroverted happenings, conclusion incorporates criteria themselves decisive rights.' 1348. apply legal CHIEF JUSTICE, found. original open-and-shut support stand. 163 Once surveillance, added techniques snooping sophisticated developed, face stark reality walls tools handed bureaucracy platter. pays lip service danger approve done reason. Osborn, fateful advance use.13 overlooks warrants probable cause. clause reads: 164 violated *.' 165 Boyd 616, 524, 746; validly executed necessarily ensuing seizure. 166 'It breaking doors, rummaging drawers, constitutes essence offence; indefeasible personal security, liberty, property, forfeited offence,—it sacred underlies Lord Camden's judgment. (Entick Carrington, HowSt.Tr. 1029.) Breaking opening boxes drawers aggravation; forcible compulsory extortion papers forfeit goods, condemnation regard fourth fifth amendments other.' Id., 630, 532. 167 accordingly U.S., 309, 265, 'may gaining access solely penal proceeding' contraband articles unanimous 1921, Clarke. view followed (United Lefkowitz, 285 452, 465, 420, 423, Harris 331 145, 154, 1098, 1103, 1399; Rabinowitz, 339 56, 64, 430, 434, 653) result respects procedural proprieties nonetheless unconstitutional 168 indicated, clear barriers erected strictly honored, invasions result. Encouraging 'bug' complusion meaning allowing accused will, letter accused's '(I)llegitimate footing silent slight deviations modes procedure.' 635, 535. officer answer. credibility witnesses raised. voices compulsion and, subject 'rigged,'14 nigh conclusive proof. 169 adhere wiretapping device. dangers posed strike heart democratic philosophy. free based premise large except unusual circumstances. noted provisions contain aura First, Third, Fifth, Amendments.15 Fourth, expressed provision citizen's pursuant warrant, cause, describing objects sought. 'objects' instrumentalities proceeds invariably involve 'seized' particularly described; intercepted. confined particular time, weeks months. completely unaware extends acquaintances—to anyone happens range Their intercepted; shattered. Such lay dragnet indiscriminately sweeps scope, nature conversations, participants. authorizing general prohibit. 170 damaging effect society. sanctioned, indication spread. sure future time; fear longer own, belong Government; intimate eager, prying ears. comes, gone. invaded free? evaluated, afraid enjoys freedom speech? recorded, associates purloined, association? conditions obtain, utter safest orthodox thoughts; associate acceptable Freedom envisages vanished. 171 reverse dismiss Hoffa. 1503 provides follows: 'Whoever corruptly, threats force, threatening communication, endeavors intimidate, witness, commissioner committing magistrate, grand serving examination proceeding discharge duty, injures property account attending having attended officer, commissioner, testifying pending therein, verdict assented performance official duties, influences, obstructs, impedes, obstruct, impede, justice, fined imprisoned years, both.' charging offenses respect earlier defendant. counts, acquitted other. reproduced Appendix argued offered officer. assuming otherwise distinction, enforcement officer—a department. relevant portion 'On Osborn's results investigation. aware investigating assigned William E. Gray, Jr. list Polk, investigator Polk three discussing assumed suggested discuss further. left walked onto street Springfield, Tennessee, best did. 'Go away. Sit side. jury.' financial 'Good, away." operate occasion occurred lawyers Miller, conditions: second occasion: proper supervision, faked precaution fair manner, bottom was.' share Brennan fantastic advances field communication great individual; indiscriminate grave Amendments; considerations impose heavier responsibility supervision fairness procedures system. However, result, unfair methods.' 1389 (concurring Justice). 463, 1401. requirements inflexible, obtusely unyielding legitimate needs enforcement. 'the Amendment,' 272, 1468, 1708 (separate opinion); McDonald 335 455, 191, 193, 153; Abel 362 217, 251—252, 683, 703, 668 (dissenting opinion), surveillance. 464, 1401 Brennan). resolve. argues, defense, instructions erroneous respects, rebuttal improperly received. judge committed error failing instruct Count (charging 1962 trial), determining guilt 1. requested. Rule 30, Fed.Rules Crim.Proc. Moreover, settled raised, prior tending show defendant's predisposition commit admissible. 216, 413. argues erroneously means. judge's language, neither, apparently, counsel, objection given. instruction favorable judge, denying suppress, ruled obtained. permitting introduce judges. who, instigation Government, early 28. n. 1, supra. Compare Jaffe, 185 N.Y. 497, Northeastern KF135 N59 169, L.R.A., N.S., Gardner, 119, 1003, L.R.A. 699. Wechsler, Jones Korn, Treatment Inchoate Crimes Model Penal American Institute: Attempt, Solicitation, Conspiracy, Col.L.Rev. 571, 578—585 (1961). generally, Hearings Subcommittee Administrative Practice Procedure Senate Committee Judiciary, Invasions 89th Cong., 1st Sess. (1965). House Operations, Special Inquiry Invasion (1965); Constitutional Psychological Tests Rights, Procedure, pt. 2, 389. 783. 3, 1356. 1379, 1415. Use Polygraphs 'Lie Detectors' By 88th (1964). Computer Sess., July 26, 27, 1966. Committees tactics gargantuan scale become callous citizens. attitude investigated fewer currency: 'Senator LONG. am curious principles, standards, privileges OCD involved ordinary taxpayer involved? 'Mr. WILSON. fire fire. degree feeling working organized words, not? No, act though, right.' 1477 raids welfare inspectors recipients eligibility flout Reich, Midnight Welfare Searches Security Act, 1347 (1963). Lewis, operator grill, grounds Agent Cass activities Boston area June 1963. acquainted Gold, petitioner,* learned marihuana petitioner. Cass, representing 'Jimmy Pollack,' telephoned stating ours grass (marihuana).' Petitioner replied, 'Yes, you, Pollack believe, Jimmy, you.' needed bags, gave address directions, over. On decisions certainly sufficient issuance Yet none sought '(W)hen narcotic trafficker purchase drugs credentials good—almost impeccable. Usually considered vouches category informer supply entree attained. Working cover, embarrassed informer's fulsome description rogue qualifications.' 18—19 Pritt, Spies Informers Witness-Box (1958). dealing contrary Fourteenth Amendment, weighs undisputed facts. Ashcraft 322 153, 921, 925—926, 1192; Malinski New York, 401, 404, 781, 783, 1029; Thomas Arizona, 390, 402 885, 891—892, 863; Rogers Richmond, 534, 546, 735, 742, 760. recent regulation Communications Commission bans monitoring 'unless parties engaging conversation' (31 Fed.Reg. 3400) applicable air waves used; 'operations conducted authority.' Ibid. read context decisions, majority unless penetrates wall home. Section 605 Statutes-at-Large 605, governs interception communications 'by wire radio' reaches message disclosed (Nardone 302 379, 314; 308 338, 266, 307), practice itself. Though protects radio,' 343 747, 754, 967, 972, 1270, wearing combination broadcast stationed outside. 'Petitioner (the suspect) wires wireless. interference facility entitled use. messages system Act.' stands, protection intercepted banned new rule. Rigging expert. Dash, Eavesdroppers 367—371 (1959): '* edited machine instantaneously stopped passage occurs deleted, stopped, piece containing unwanted cut out, loose spliced. inserted whole somewhere else. Sentences rearranged. dubbed impersonator sounds words.' 369. skilfully detected equipment readily available.' 371. ninth amendment permitted occupy rightful reminder exist eight amendments. preserve underlying theory Convention individual independently government, negate Federalist imply forfeiture others. simply construction, entire constitution.' Comment, Uncertain Renaissance 814, 835 (1966).

Classification Label: 0