Legal Document

127 S. Ct. 2588 (2007) Charles WILKIE, et al., Petitioners, v. Harvey Frank ROBBINS. No. 06-219. Supreme Court of United States. Argued March 19, 2007. Decided June 25, *2592 Gregory G. Garre, for Petitioners. Laurence H. Tribe, Respondent. Paul D. Clement, Solicitor General, Washington, D.C., Cambridge, MA, Pamela Karlan, Stanford, CA, Karen Budd-Falen, Marc Stimpert, Budd-Falen Law Offices, LLC, Cheyenne, WY, Amy Howe, Kevin K. Russell, Howe & P.C., DC, Thomas C. Goldstein, Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer Feld LLP, Peter Keisler, Deputy David B. Salmons, Assistant to the *2593 Barbara L. Herwig, Edward Himmelfarb, Petitioner. Justice SOUTER delivered opinion Court. Officials Bureau Land Management stand accused harassment and intimidation aimed at extracting an easement across private property. The questions here are whether landowner has either a action damages sort recognized in Bivens Six Unknown Fed. Narcotics Agents, 403 U.S. 388, 91 1999, 29 Ed. 2d 619 (1971), or claim against officials their individual capacities under Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), 18 U.S.C. §§ 1961-1968 (2000 ed. Supp. IV). We hold that neither is available. I A Plaintiff-respondent Robbins owns operates High Island Ranch, commercial guest resort Hot Springs County, Wyoming, stretching some 40 miles territory. ranch patchwork mostly contiguous land parcels intermingled with tracts belonging other owners, State National Government. Its natural resources include wildlife mineral deposits, its mountainous western portion, called upper Rock Creek area, place great beauty. In response persistent requests by environmentalists outdoor enthusiasts, tried induce ranch's previous owner, George Nelson, grant public use over South Fork Owl Road, which runs through serves as main route area. For while, Nelson refused from fear would disrupt his guests' activities, but shortly after agreeing sell property Robbins, 1994, signed nonexclusive deed giving States right maintain road along stretch return, agreed rent right-of-way different section it federal connects otherwise isolated parts Robbins's holdings. May conveyed who continued graze cattle run drives reliance on grazing permits Special Recreation Use Permit (SRUP) issued Bureau. But knew nothing about Nelson's had failed record, upon recording warranty took title free easement, operation Wyoming law. See Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 34-1-120 (2005). When Bureau's employee Joseph Vessels[1] discovered, inaction cost he telephoned demanded replace Nelson's. indicated consider granting one return something. later meeting, Vessels allegedly told "`the Federal Government does not negotiate,'" talks broke down. Brief Respondent 5. says next several years defendant-petitioners (hereinafter defendants), *2594 current former employees Bureau, carried campaign forcing him regrant lost easement. B concedes any single offensive sometimes illegal actions might have been brushed aside small imposition, aggregate amounted coercion extract should be redressed collectively. substance claim, degree existing remedies available were adequate, can understood assessed only getting down details, add up long recitation.[2] summer fruitless telephone conversation June, wrote permission survey area desired said no, waste time do without first reaching agreement him. went ahead anyway, trespassed land, boasted Robbins. Not surprisingly, given lack damage property, did file trespass complaint response. Mutual animosity grew, however, employee, Parodi, was superiors "look closer" "investigate harder" possible trespasses permit violations App. 128-129. Parodi also heard colleagues make certain disparaging remarks such referring "the rich SOB Alabama [who] got [the Ranch]." Id., 121. became convinced mistreated described conduct volcanic point" decision retire. 133. supervisor, defendant Wilkie, demand threat cancel reciprocal maintenance negotiated. budge, canceled right-of-way, citing refusal failure even pay rental fee. appeal cancellation Interior Board Appeals (IBLA) seek judicial review Administrative Procedure (APA), 5 702. August 1995, brought water source neighbor, LaVonne Pennoyer. An altercation ensued, Pennoyer struck her truck while riding horse. Plaintiff-Appellee's Supp.App. 04-8016 (CA10), pp. 676-681 CA10 App.); Pl. Exh. 2, Record 164-166; 35a, id., 102-108. Defendant Gene Leone fielded call regarding incident, encouraged contact sheriff, himself placed calls sheriff suggesting charged trespass. After claims him: "I think finally way get [Robbins's] out business." 125, 126. October claimed various changed Ranch's 5-year SRUP subject annual renewal. According losing disrupted ranching business, owing resulting uncertainty drives. declined administrative review, *2595 part because process lengthy suspended until IBLA reached decision.[3] Beginning 1996, defendants charges land-use violations. false, others unfairly selective enforcement, all them effort retaliate refusing continuing demands He contested number these charges, them, administratively. spring 1997, reach portions impassable. repair matters into own hands fixed himself, though permission. fined trespass, offered settle charge entertain application renew old right-of-way. Instead, appealed IBLA, found admitted unauthorized repairs when sent bill reimbursement. upheld fine, re 146 I.B.L.A. 213 (1998), rejected trying "`blackmail'" providing easement; "[t]he record effectively shows ... intransigence tactic [the] BLM." 219. IBLA's decision. July Teryl Shryack colleague entered claiming terms fence authority. unlawful entry, tore written instrument, ordered off Later month, meeting issues officials, Michael Miller, law enforcement officer, questioned advance notice counsel incident Shryack. upshot two counts knowingly forcibly impeding interfering violation 111 IV), crime penalty year prison. jury acquitted December, deliberating less than 30 minutes. 179 F.3d 1268, 1269 (C.A.10 1999). news story, jurors "were appalled government" "Robbins could railroaded worse if worked Union Pacific." 852. then moved attorney's fees Hyde Amendment, 617, 2519, note following 3600A, arguing position vexatious, frivolous, bad faith. trial judge denied motion, too late. F.3d, 1269-1270. 1998, lawsuit now before us, there further vexation come. SRUP, based accumulation penalties levied appealed, affirmed, 154 93 (2000), review. Then, August, revoked *2596 violated kept passing lands. stayed revocation pending resolution appeal. Order Management, 2000-12 (Nov. 10, 1999), 1020. stay held years, despite periodic friction. Without forced redirect away mountain pass unmarked boundaries. 2000, Darrell Barnes Miller catch trespassing driving corner administered From nearby hilltop, they videotaped guests during drive, sought privacy relieve themselves. That afternoon, alleges, lodge, left trash inside, departed closing lodge gates. summer, Wallace spoke Preston Smith, Indian Affairs manages lands southern border, pressured impound cattle. Smith more. Finally, January 2003, tension actually cooled point settlement that, among things, established procedure informal future disputes 16 appeals view ultimate dismissal, provided violate regulations 2-year period. came apart, 2004, began formal proceedings unilaterally voided agreement. enforce court, district court relief affirmed February 2006. 438 1074 (C.A.10). C this (brought, we said, 1998), asks compensatory punitive well declaratory injunctive relief. Although originally included defendant, voluntarily dismissed Government, pressed forward RICO charging repeatedly extort him, similarly grounded Fourth Fifth Amendment rights. Defendants filed motion dismiss qualified immunity state District granted, holding inadequately pleaded APA Tort Claims (FTCA), 28 1346, effective alternative precluded Tenth Circuit reversed both grounds, 300 1208, 1211 (2002), although specified those "constitutional committed unrelated final agency action," 1212. On remand, again immunity. As motion; Bivens, what malicious prosecution due violations, retaliation exercise exclude *2597 refuse interest compensation. limited discovery, summary judgment adhered earlier denial. This time, dealing collateral order jurisdiction interlocutory denial immunity, 433 755, 761 (2006) (citing Mitchell Forsyth, 472 511, 530, 105 2806, 86 411 (1985)). It clearly exercising 765-767, explained go "engag[e] lawful intent [a landowner] rather merely carry regulatory duties" commit extortion within meaning Hobbs Act, 1951. 768. defense Government's legal entitlement disputed easement: "if official obtains authority obtain, so wrongful manner, constitutes Act." 769. "Robbins'[s] allegations involving permitted Bivens." 772. defendants' request "to determine remain precluded," asked out. Ibid. granted certiorari, 549 ___, 722, 166 559 (2006), reverse. II question devise new retaliating ownership rights, addition discrete like employees.[4]Bivens, 619, victim officers damages, more nonstatutory remedies, employment discrimination Due Process Clause, Davis Passman, 442 228, 99 2264, 60 846 (1979), second Eighth prison Carlson Green, 446 14, 100 1468, 64 15 (1980). freestanding remedy constitutional represent best implement guarantee; automatic no matter means may vindicate protected interest, most instances unjustified. accordingly applying model First employers, Bush Lucas, 462 367, 103 2404, 76 648 (1983), harm military personnel *2598 activity service, Stanley, 483 669, 107 3054, 97 550 (1987); Chappell Wallace, 296, 2362, 586 denials Social Security disability benefits, Schweiker Chilicky, 487 412, 108 2460, 101 370 (1988). seen case extending agencies, FDIC Meyer, 510 471, 114 996, 308 (1994), prisons, Correctional Services Corp. Malesko, 534 61, 122 515, 151 456 (2001). Whatever conclusion, our consideration follows familiar sequence, assumption constitutionally adversely affected employees, recognize require steps. place, alternative, protecting amounts convincing reason Judicial Branch refrain damages. Bush, supra, 378, 2404. absence judgment: courts must kind remedial determination appropriate common-law tribunal, paying particular heed, special factors counselling hesitation authorizing litigation." factually plentiful case, assessing significance step begin categorizing difficulties experienced separated four groups: torts tort-like injuries inflicted unfavorable actions, behavior falling outside three categories. Tortious includes Vessels's terrain entry each instance, civil Understandably, learning survey, doubtless annoying physically damaging. chose pursue tort remedy, prove allegations. Cf. Corp., 72-73, 515 (considering availability remedy). series fine criminal same year. opportunity contest charges; fight (but all) citations, challenged far take advantage tribunal.[5] exercised *2599 complaints, rapid acquittal tended support baseless (egged employees), presided thin enough justify awarding fees, judge's reflect facts dissuaded bringing state-law prosecution, unavailable see Blake Rupe, 651 P.2d 1096, 1107 (Wyo.1982) ("Malicious official").[6] charge, event, defend good position. opportunities, let pass; mixed success, heard. conventional 1995 favor (originally unrecorded benefit); reduce five one; termination 1999; Each fault, available, APA. decisions, stopped denial, obtained permit. Three events elude classification. horse primarily involved never charges. videotaping 2000 doubt thoroughly irritating unlawful, depending, location people photographed. Restatement (Second) Torts 652B (1976) (defining intrusion seclusion).[7] Even committed, unclear guests, proper plaintiff, chargeable (as distinct employees) FTCA, cf. Carlson, U.S., 19-20, 1468 (holding FTCA "parallel, complementary causes action" preempt latter). Wallace's 2001 attempt pressure impounding likewise air. legitimacy impoundment occurred presumably depended where lands, impounded any. *2600 sum, administrative, ultimately judicial, vindicating virtually complaints. suffered wrongdoing (and, recoup consequent expense, wanting). And action, canceling permits, example, open realized, gives intuitively meritorious recognizing cause plainly answer it. Like combination around ranch, forums redress patchwork, assemblage federal, benches regulations, statutes common rules. hard infer Congress expected Judiciary hand, equally clear lesson ought spawn claim. Compare 2404 (refusing create faced "an elaborate system constructed step, careful attention conflicting policy considerations"); Schweiker, 426, 2460 ("Congress specific forms levels protection rights persons affected"), 397, 1999 (finding "no explicit congressional declaration injured [in way] recover money agents, instead remitted another Congress"). This, then, two, weighing reasons creation judges always done. Here, competing arguments boil side: inadequacy discrete, incident-by-incident remedies; difficulty defining limits legitimate zeal public's behalf situations bargaining back-and-forth between interests engage every day. 1 incidents examined one, situation creating want vindication, unlike plaintiffs cases claims: thought plaintiff none officials. Davis, 245, 2264 ("For `it nothing'" (quoting 410, (Harlan, J., concurring judgment))); 23, ("[W]e cannot relegated respondent exclusively remedy" Government). argument looks course whole, simply many incidents, force metaphor invokes, "death thousand cuts." 40. thing threatened loss prosecuted, one's broken into, something else subjected period six *2601 bent making life difficult. Agency appeals, lawsuits, money, endless battling depletes spirit purse. whole greater sum parts. 2 side ledger workable action. describes wrong standing owner keep (by replacement lost), mention brings tailwind longstanding recognition speech Rankin McPherson, 2891, 315 (1987), rank, see, e.g., Lefkowitz Turley, 414 70, 94 316, 38 274 (1973) (Fifth privilege self-incrimination); Jackson, 390 570, 88 1209, 20 138 (1968) (Sixth jury). closer look, fails fit prior cases. Those turn allegation impermissible purpose motivation; concern fired, need "prove issue protected, substantial motivating factor termination." Comm'rs, Wabaunsee Cty. Umbehr, 518 668, 675, 116 2342 (1996). defense, respond firing speech, "it taken conduct." short, outcome turns "what for" questions: fired anyway? Questions definite answers, methods identifying presence illicit (in competition others), race characteristics. McDonnell Douglas 792, 1817, 36 668 (1973). resolved answering two. All agree intended convince easement.[8] punishing someone speaking perfectly purpose: landowner, have, instance valid access neighboring thus ready conduct. challenge, therefore, object seeks achieve, used necessarily illegitimate; rather, much far. soon framed way, line-drawing creates immediately apparent. "too much" liability standard (if reliable guide *2602 subsequent standard, this. impossibility fitting simple framework demonstrated, repeatedly, recalling complains about. Most strictly enforcing rules conditions tactics designed improve negotiating Just frustrated neighbor's stubbornness press cow wanders line authorities report violation, firm power protect interests. Though protests negotiating, slippery case; offering buy valuable things offer exchange, favorable (at least discretion).[9] true ordinary immense economic power, role trustee public, cater segments (like recreational users remote tracts), wide discretion bring actions. ways, deals neighbors rest (albeit powerful one). benefits others, deal insisting anything return. potential contracting party, neighbor entitled drive bargain, acknowledges, Tr. Oral Arg. 31-32. That, all, flatly recompense, So withhold withdraw confirmed time), plain willingness give how complaisant letter.[10] *2603 few allegations, going beyond bargaining. If coercive acts charged, avoid problem fairly describing alleged illegality attempting obtain nothing, fair body according improper "regulatory powers" essential 21. (Of course, simpler actionable general furnish weakest generally *2604 tort.) Rather, bulk own, fall power. concerns just expressed change conceptual gears abstract concept retaliatory undue rights; looking eliminate degree, raise balk high level generality, resist impositions invite sphere governmental affecting interests, tax settlements Occupational Safety Health Administration regulations. Exercising value enjoyment regime, enormous swath litigation hover devising employee's factfinder's conclusion.[11] deny overreach, do, done true. reasonable cure disease. acting name (and given) control wanted bargained capitalizing discretionary terms, truculence apparent sides. One defendants, least, crossed breaking serious garden-variety successfully defended ways previously enjoyed. hand variety injuries. proposal, nonetheless, collectively theory exclude, unjustifiably burdening raises identify illegitimate legitimately endlessly knotty work out, provision tortlike unduly zealous pressing onslaught push *2605 benefit come better, legislation. "Congress better evaluate impact species litigation" act behalf. 389, tailor perceived, lessening risk raising tide suits threatening initiative employees. ("[Congress] inform itself factfinding procedures hearings courts"); Harlow Fitzgerald, 457 800, 814, 102 2727, 73 396 (1982) (recognizing danger being sued will dampen ardor resolute, irresponsible unflinching discharge (internal quotation marks brackets omitted)). III RICO, "[a]ny person business [18 1962]." 1964(c). Section 1962(c) makes "any employed associated enterprise engaged in, activities affect, interstate foreign commerce, participate, directly indirectly, enterprise's affairs pattern racketeering activity." defines "racketeering activity" indictable under" ..., punishable imprisonment year." 1961(1)(A)-(B) ed., finally, criminalizes interference commerce extortion, attempts conspiracies, 1951(a), defined obtaining another, consent, induced actual force, violence, fear, color right," 1951(b)(2). violating wrongfully right, reply independent reasons: apply beneficiary extortionate acts; complete extortion. Because contention, second. speak explicitly efforts leaves contention conception "extortion," presume meant incorporate passed 1946. Scheidler Organization Women, Inc., 537 393, 402, 123 1057, 991 (2003) (construing term "extortion" reference meaning); Evans States, 504 255, 259, 112 1881, 119 57 (1992) (same); Morissette 342 246, 263, 72 240, 96 288 (1952) ("[W]here borrows art accumulated tradition centuries practice, knows adopts cluster ideas attached borrowed word taken"). "At law, offense *2606 pretense virtue office." Scheidler, 1057 4 W. Blackstone, Commentaries Laws England 141 (1769), 3 R. Anderson, Wharton's Criminal 1393, 790-791 (1957); internal omitted). "[e]xtortion rough equivalent describe `taking bribe.'" Evans, 260, 1881. Thus, certainly correct immune 43, focused corruption, sale favors gain, caused overzealous Government.[12] importance beneficiaries completely barren example undertaken sole See, McCormick 500 257, 273, 1807, 307 (1991) (discussing circumstances official's receipt contributions right); 1881 (Hobbs accepted cash exchange votes rezoning application); Gillock, 445 360, 362, 1185, 63 454 (1980) senator blocking defendant's extradition introduce legislation); Deaver, 14 F. 595, 597 (W.D.N.C. 1882) (under "technical [of extortion] [t]he officer unlawfully corruptly receive article advantage"). More tellingly even, cited entire 60-year exclusive Of usually somewhere provides comfort musters understanding which, addressed care: People Whaley, 6 Cow. 661, 1827 WL 2284 (N.Y.1827), Willett Devoy, 170 A.D. 203, 155 N.Y.S. 920 (1915). Whaley justice peace litigant compensation party fee court. illegally third proposition alone *2607 Willett, New York, construed State's Public Officers Law. statute overcharging officers, Birdseye's Consol. N.Y. 67, p. 4640 (1909), court's draw distinction "on ground keeps himself," A.D., 204, N.Y.S., 921. single, two-page intermediate appellate 1915 indication adopted 1946 spacious cover states. There plumbing obscurity. points 350 415, 420, 522, 494 (1956), "extortion [Hobbs Act] depends having direct conferred property." infers prohibit entities unions, ignore 47-48. very that; drawing prevents (not recoveries) whose jobs owed So, Congress, assume (let RICO) expose Internal Revenue Service, Office Comptroller Currency (OCC), agency, whenever claims. Sinclair Hawke, 314 934, 944 (C.A.8 2003) (OCC "do become racketeers aggressive regulators"). suggested, face real requiring proof shield well-intentioned liability. judgments, treble starch regulators supposed bargain vigorously public. text say preoccupation embrace expansive notion urges us. falls back Wyoming's blackmail statute, 6-2-402 (1977-2005),[13] separate predicate purposes assuming "chargeable year," 1961(1)(A), qualify suit unless *2608 "capable generically classified extortionate," 409, 1057; accord, Nardello, 393 286, 89 534, 21 (1969). given, traditional definition survive derivation. * nor enquire merits asserted reversed, remanded consistent opinion. ordered. THOMAS, whom SCALIA joins, concurring. correctly concludes supply case. therefore join write separately extend reasoning logically applied "Bivens relic heady days assumed powers action." 75, (2001) (SCALIA, joined concurring). Accordingly, my view, progeny precise involved." 515. GINSBURG, STEVENS dissenting part. (BLM) made careless error. They privately owned Ranch. purchased knowing owner. Under BLM realizing mistake, for propose payto carelessly lost. Their demand, nonnegotiable. directed provide else. follow instruction, mounted seven-year relentless in. Robbins' unfounded privileges, interfered operations, invaded commenced end incessant endured. Amendment's Takings Clause forbids government calculated acquire coercively cost-free. urged dishonor obligation owner's resistance uncompensated taking. relief, relied (1971). *2609 recognizes "remedy" confine Robbinsa challenge offending occursis inadequate. ante, 2600 40). Nevertheless, rejects fears consequences. Allowing suit, maintains, floodgates host unworthy "in interests." Ante, 2604. "hard bargaining," ibid., bureaucratic arrogance. "vindictive price. animated desire "get him." sufficient minimize Court's concern. Village Willowbrook Olech, 528 562, 565-566, 120 1073, 145 1060 (2000) (BREYER, result) (citations Taking true, stage litigation, presents question: Does check abuse harassing owners surrender compensation? resounding "Yes." acknowledges proceedings, viewed light 2594, n. 2. full complaint, quite captured restrained account rendition saga sparked order. Upon discovering mistakenly allowed Ranch expire, manager contacted home shaky ground. regulation authorized seeking land. 43 CFR 2801.1-2 (2004). (the did), cites commanding BLM's neglect one. unwilling capitulate unilateral demands, negotiate Wyoming. it: "This you're do," 325 App.). range technician office, testified beginning, referred Trouble started almost immediately. Shortly conversation, ask establish contours refused, believing reached. conducted chuckled 325-327. At face-to-face bridled one-sided proposed. adamant: "The negotiate," declared. 326. Over *2610 reported, Vessels' attitude towards "professional" "hostile," "just worse." 124. Other shared animosity. notable alleged, agent provoked violent encounter cattle, warn lookout. unfamiliar territory possibly misled BLM, drove onto Pennoyer's creek. showed truck, yelling, blowing horn, bumping cows. Realizing cows revved engine straight riding. 49; 331-332, 676-681; dust-up, boasted, [Robbins'] local Pennoyer, so. 331-332. ground, suspend recreation lead drives, primary revenue 49. too. Undermining authenticity experience followed trucks, participants. suggests surveillance document suggestion, hardly explains why, occasion, female 506-507. instructed [he] find anything, it." 129, 130. testified, relation instructions problems Robbins: regarded willful, promptly raised. 124, 127. maintains be" infractions, doubt. 2602. wasn't [to do]," Leone's projections exceeded mission BLM," 128. About Vessels, "[i]t solid convictions amuck [is] saw happening." 125. Eventually, defy "there war, war [BLM] outlast out-spend 132. treatment disturbing "It's somebody willfully busting government," *2611 "as man rights." 35C, 41. story illustrative replete accounts vindictive cancellations unjustified Indeed, content arrows quiver. enlist agencies harass troubling petitioner (BIA) asserting "a character" "something need[ed] [him]." 359. request, observing BIA disconcerting, evidence, recognized, false officer. prosecutors cause, minutes.[1] reported commenting devastating business. typical accommodate spread result harassment, able organize guests. 507-508. addition, reports spent "hundreds thousands dollars costs fees" fend BLM. 9, 6. To put alleging cost-free, measures proceed sue. relies 619. essence liberty consists laws, receives injury." Marbury Madison, Cranch 137, 163, (1803). drew venerable principle *2612 form "Historically," observed, "damages invasion personal liberty." 395, 1999. decisions underlying confined 248-249, equal component Amendment. "[U]nless [constitutional] precatory," stated, "litigants allege violated, judiciary invoke protection." 242, 2264. Soon again, gain violation. announced exceptions Bivens' rule. [applies] demonstrate affirmative Congress." 18, 396, show declared substitute recovery Constitution effective." 18-19, (emphasis original). Prior invoked bar contexts.[2] 368, workplace. servant, recourse elaborate, comprehensive scheme" Civil Service Commission, challenges "fully cognizable." 385, 386, lest interfere Congress' carefully calibrated system. similar reasons, 414, 424-429, (1988), Act's scheme void filled Likewise, occasions, concluded unique disciplinary structure Military Establishment" service. 679, (1987) omitted); 304, (1983). Some Members dated precedent. 2608 (THOMAS, concurring) ("Bivens *2613 concurring))). core holding: Absent command counseling hesitation, "victims conferring right." 1468. regime Chappell, recognizes, torment alleges. True, harassment. But, circumstances, piecemeal forestall shoes, nothing." judgment). Despite awareness lacks nevertheless bars suit. finds, before. says, "would actions," 2604, interests," "floodgates" today embraces rehearsed emphasized, "deluging [Fifth discrimination] claims." 248, citation disagreed, turning Harlan's explain why. Harlan inundating unsatisfactory: "[T]he appears rank scale social values compared with, stockholders defrauded misleading proxies. resources, am aware, increasingly scarce days. Nonetheless, automatically close courthouse door solely basis, implicitly express comparative classes legally 410-411, (citation attributing heavy weight veers sound counsel. poses inordinate imposing vigilant courts, pleading "fails [Court's] cases." 2601. "Those cases," "turn[ed] [an] motivation." *2614 (1973); (1968)). claim: far" achieve objective "[a]ll agree" "perfectly legitimate": "trying [Robbins] use." 2601-2602. Developing test gone far," asserts, "endlessly knotty" task; attendant uncertainty, fears, "tide suits," inducing undesirable timidity 2604-2605. assertion acted legitimate" objective, 2601, dubious characterization "bury" accept outset, agents motivated secure officials' blunder, business.[3] permissible throughout pursued goal "legitimate tactics," 2601,[4] amenable resolution. Impermissible involve service objectives. (1996), county board commissioners cross unconstitutional fires contractor members terminating criticism practices promote objectives (e.g., maintaining relationships trust services purchased). 674, 2342. Court, furthermore, background allows terminate will, carte blanche *2615 677, 2342.[5] here: penalize trespasses, selectively, right.[6] concluding present "knotty" mine-run "we fashion. (resisting sans compensation), so, harassed him.[7] driven "fear" cure" "worse disease." seems me exaggerated. predicated agents' motive, element minimizes everyday overreaching fare litigation. 566, 1073 ("In [vindictive action] transforming run-of-the-mill zoning right."). securely forecast flood pass. Courts "perceive deluge," because, 42 1983, [was] already petitioner's occur law." sideglance cast here. believe *2616 respectful 1983 controlled experiment. numerous eventuate Robbins', encountered endeavors mount 1983. Appeals, 767 2006); Petitioners 48; 31. Harassment seems, exceedingly rare. result).[8] assume, arguendo, projects, unqualified prompt "claims shutting plaintiffs, roughed badly measure extreme. Hein Freedom Religion Foundation, ___ 1, 2553, L.Ed.2d. 2007 1803960, *33 (dissenting opinion) ("To meritorious, compelling heard."). ensure interactions citizens right. judgment) ("I possibility frivolous warrants Courthouse doors situation. short coping lawsuits." Sexual jurisprudence helpful guide. Title VII, held, epithet remark. "For sexual actionable, sufficiently severe pervasive alter condition victim's abusive environment." Meritor Savings Bank, FSB Vinson, 477 57, 106 2399, 49 (1986) marks, alterations, citations Railroad Passenger Corporation Morgan, 536 101, 115, 2061, 153 (2002) (hostile environments develop "over perhaps and, contrast acts, own"). Adopting "lesse[n] employees." 2605. Discrete episodes oppressive entitle duration rough-and-tumble expects strenuous negotiations, remedy. *2617 trouble standard.[9] IV conclude sue briefly address employees' resolving judgment, questions. First, "[t]aken injury, officer's right?" Saucier Katz, 533 194, 201, 121 2151, 150 272 And, established, known unlawful. 201-202, 2151.[10] instructs "private [shall] use, compensation." Const., Amdt. argues confers insist taking surely correct. Correlative compensated submit offing. Dolan City Tigard, 512 374, 2309, 129 304 (1994) (invalidating constituted taking); Nollan California Coastal Comm'n, 825, 3141, 677 (same). impermissibly burdened nothing. Once mistake failing demanded, authority, cede point, eminent domain (assuming so), attempted unnecessarily applied, notably, freedoms guaranteed 674-675, 686, (freedom speech); O'Hare Truck Inc. Northlake, 712, 716-720, 2353, 135 874 (1996) association); Sherbert Verner, 374 398, 403-406, 83 1790, 10 965 (1963) religion). deployed guarantees, including self-incrimination, 82-84, jury, 581-583, travel, Memorial Hospital Maricopa 415 250, 254-262, *2618 S.Ct. 1076, 39 306 (1974). guarantee worthless punish landowners read forbid Viewing coercion. closest afoul Constitution. "dispositive inquiry determining confronted." Saucier, 202, 2151. noted, concede retaliation. However, inconceivable believed pernicious egregious warning Hope Pelzer, 730, 739-741, 2508, 666 (2002). Thirty-six ago, created doing assured constraints fundamental dwell Today, decides elaboration Congress. 2599, analog obscure jurisprudence. wishes codify define anytime. Unless shy bedrock "merely precatory." affirm insofar claim.[11] NOTES [1] named filed, since died. [2] arises recite [3] neglected adverse 4.21 (2006). Such stay, continue operate SRUP. [4] last Term "directly implicated properly us appeal." Hartman Moore, 547 5, 126 1695, 164 441 applies issue, we. [5] inconsistency, sorts advances 213, 219 (1998) (rejecting merits), 219, 226 regardless motive issuing decision"). advanced willing listen them. 167 239, 241 (2005) (noting "concede[d] assertions harassment] cognizable raise[d] preserve record"). [6] it, 252 1286, 1295-1298 (Wyo.2003), further. [7] aware considering tort. [8] "simple" review: "[C]an prohibition using harass, punish, coerce citizen payment?" [9] GINSBURG's emphasis extent suggest rise imported satisfying unspecified, unworkable, standard. [10] GINSBURG fail gratis (or malice prompted embarrassment forgetting grant)? seeing shrift contest. precedent, performed past, typically saying irritates official; (firing rid workforce substandard performer, example) (that is, retaliation, probably spite). plaintiff's purpose, maliciously motivated. past compensation) steps ongoing still right-of-way) lawfully (presumably non-permanent Nelson). gratify heart takes remains terms. understand contend alone, distinguished combined did. (accusing "using payment"); post, ____ 12, (GINSBURG, part) ("`Their now; hate hate's sake'" Will Be No Peace, reprinted W.H. Auden: Collected Poems 615 (E. Mendelson ed.))). (possibly retaliatory) question. Instead confronting contrary other's interest. "Retaliation" classed basis here, except assumptions. antagonistic scope acceptable accomplishing purpose; (whatever spite lurk heart). much." renders unconstitutionally retaliatory, motive-is-all spiteful rendered anyway), discharged tainted spitefulness particular, outspoken critic. position; contrary, independently justified grounds defeats Mt. Healthy Bd. Doyle, 429 274, 287, 568, 50 471 (1977). Any approach employer's securing competent (comparable here), introduced complication proving legitimate. Since disclaims post 2615, 6, ill-will she emphasizes count calculation. [11] apprehension lawsuits Post, 2613-2614, 2616. world difference popular well-defined (on other) invited elements tell not. elusiveness limiting popularity defined. [12] legislative history "sparse unilluminating respect extortion," 264, know patterned sources law: Penal Code York Field Code, 19th-century penal code," 403, 1057. borrowing sources, expanded perpetrators retaining idea akin bribery. broadening meaning. [13] provides: "(a) commits if, compel person: . "(ii) Accuses threatens accuse immoral tend degrade disgrace ridicule contempt society." acquittal, finding faith." Departments Commerce, Justice, State, Judiciary, Related Agencies Appropriations 3006A. significant favoring petitioners. 2598-2599 ("[T]he fees."). notes, prosecutor's position, 7, (suit prison), agency), Bivens. 2597-2598. Neither agreed, relates, "that easement." support, notes posed 8 21; alteration descriptive words  "harass, coerce" synonyms "convince." maintained motives vindictive, amply supported record. mind Auden's famous lines: "Their sake." ed.2007). observes approved 2595-2596, Significantly, "of jurisdiction," invalidate [BLM development issuance decision." 227 "part amounting willful civil, criminal, Invoking Pickering Township School Dist. 205, Cty., 391 563, 1731, 811 (1968), 685, 2342, 843 Board's balanced stake arrive judgment. (1977), showing plaintiff's] reemployment test, explained, necessary "distinguis[h] caused." 286. Healthy's causation today's applicable here; hence, governed "motive-is-all test." 2603, 10. proved gratis, nonetheless escape (though exposing themselves sanctions). recognize, hampered pursuing bargain. 2602-2603, Trespassing, filing women themselves, tools bargaining." relationship armed thug's demand: "Your your life." By concentrating right-of-way), bloodless complaint. rarity unlikely strengthens allowing noted above, deference specially crafted regime. 2597. My "emphasis Robbins," indicates approach, "could `too much' standard." 2602, 9. unworkable routinely employ VII elsewhere indicated, cases, allow move inquiry. Brosseau Haugen, 543 125 596, 160 583 (2004) JJ., County Sacramento Lewis, 523 833, 859, 118 1708, 140 1043 (STEVENS, Part

Classification Label: 7