Legal Document

405 U.S. 438 92 Supreme Court Reporter 1029 31 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 349 Thomas S. EISENSTADT, Sheriff of Suffolk County, Massachusetts, Appellant,v.William R. BAIRD. Number 70—17. Argued Nov. 17 and 18, 1971. Decided March 22, 1972. Syllabus Appellee attacks his conviction violating Massachusetts law for giving a woman contraceptive foam at the close lecture to students on contraception. That makes it felony anyone give away drug, medicine, instrument, or article prevention conception except in case (1) registered physician administering prescribing married person (2) an active pharmacist furnishing presenting physician's prescription. The District dismissed appellee's petition writ habeas corpus. Appeals vacated dismissal, holding that statute is prohibition contraception per se conflicts 'with fundamental human rights' under Griswold versus Connecticut, 381 479, 85 1678, 14 510. Appellant, inter alia, argues appellee lacks standing assert rights unmarried persons denied access contraceptives because he was neither authorized distributor nor single unable obtain contraceptives. Held: 1. If, as held, which convicted not health measure, may be prevented, distributor, from attacking its alleged discriminatory application potential distributees. Appellee, furthermore, has their ability them will materially impaired by enforcement statute. Cf. Griswold, supra; Barrows Jackson, 346 249, 73 1031, 97 L.Ed. 1586. Pp. 443—446. 2. By providing dissimilar treatment who are similarly situated, violates Equal Protection Clause Fourteenth Amendment. 446 455. (a) deterrence fornication, 90-day misdemeanor law, cannot reasonably regarded purpose statute, since riddled with exceptions making freely available use premarital sexual relations scope penalty structure inconsistent purpose. 447—450. (b) Similarly, protection public through regulation distribution potentially harmful articles since, if were rationale, would both overbroad, federal state laws already regulate drugs unsafe supervision licensed physician. 450—452. (c) Nor can sustained simply se, whatever individual be, must same alike. If supra, prohibited, ban equally impermissible, constitutionally protected right privacy inheres individual, marital couple. other hand, no bar contraceptives, limited underinclusive invidiously discriminatory. 452—455. 429 Federal Reporter, 2nd 1398, affirmed. Joseph Nolan, Boston, Mass., appellant. D. Tydings, Baltimore, Md., appellee. Mr. Justice BRENNAN delivered opinion Court. 1 William Baird bench trial Superior General Laws Ann., chapter 272, § 21, first, exhibiting course delivering group Boston University and, second, young package Emko vaginal address.1 Judicial unanimously set aside ground violated Baird's First Amendment rights, but four-to-three vote foam. Commonwealth Baird, 355 Mass. 746, 247 North Eastern 574 (1969). subsequently filed corpus, dismissed. 310 F.Supp. 951 (1970). On appeal, however, Circuit dismissal remanded action directions grant discharging Baird. 1398 This appeal followed, we noted probable jurisdiction. 401 934, 91 921, 28 213 (1971). We affirm. 2 convicted, provides maximum five-year term imprisonment 'whoever . gives any instrument conception,' 21A. Under 21A, '(a) administer prescribe intended pregnancy conception. (And a) actually engaged business pharmacy furnish such prescription physician.'2 As interpreted State Court, these provisions make anyone, than acting accordance terms dispense intention used statutory scheme distinguishes among three distinct classes distributees—first, prevent pregnancy, only doctors druggists prescription; pregnancy; third, prevent, spread disease. construction is, course, binding us. E.g., Groppi Wisconsin, 400 505, 507, 490, 491, 27 571 3 legislative purposes meant serve altogether clear. In State's interest protecting citizens: '(T)he 21,' court declared, 'is directly related to' goal 'preventing designed have undesirable, dangerous, physical consequences,' 753, N.E.2d, 578. subsequent decision, Sturgis Attorney General, 358 37, 260 687, 690 (1970), court, found 'a second more compelling upholding statute'—namely, protect morals 'regulating private lives persons.'3 Appeals, reasons appear, did consider promotion fornication aim. Instead, concluded limit itself—a held conflicted 510 (1965), where this struck down Connecticut's against unconstitutional infringement privacy. F.2d, 1401 1402. 4 agree goals deterring sex regulating aims §§ 21 And hold viewed 5 * address outset appellant's contention does 21A There question, sufficient challenging statute's validity satisfy 'case controversy' requirement Article III Constitution.4 Appellant's argument, governed Court's self-imposed rules restraint, 'one whom constitutional heard attack impliedly might also taken applying situations unconstitutional,' Raines, 362 17, 80 519, 522, 524 (1960), 'closely corollary litigant own immunities,' id., S.Ct., 523. Here, appellant contends rests restriction permissible distributors serves valid independent limitation Appellant urges, therefore, fell squarely within conduct legislature had power prohibit should allowed recipients. event, concludes, himself rights. agree. 6 measure. view correct, do see how doctor druggist, think, too, our selfimposed rule assertion third-party relaxed just supra. Executive Director Planned Parenthood League Connecticut prescribed been accessories crime using raise patients they professional relationship. here absence aiding-and-abetting relationship Griswold. Yet, discussion prior authority U.S., 481, 1679, 510, indicates, doctor-patient accessory-principal relationships circumstances one another. Indeed, 1586 (1953), seller land entitled defend damages breach racially restrictive covenant equal prospective non-Caucasian purchasers. there between defendant those whose sought fortuitous connection vendor vendees, acted minority itself. Sedler, Standing Assert Constitutional Jus Tertii 71 Yale L.J. 599, 631 (1962). so seeks distributees, advocate desirous doing so. very point challenge 7 important nature impact litigation interests.5 1680, stated: 'The husband wife, pressed here, likely diluted adversely affected unless considered suit involving kind confidential relation them.' A similar situation obtains here. Enforcement impair fact, according stronger regard unlike users themselves subject prosecution extent, forum NAACP Alabama, 357 449, 78 1163, 1488 (1958); Burrows supra.6 prohibits, use, distribution. 8 For foregoing now position, plainly adequate incentive, turn merits. II 9 basic principles governing familiar. Chief recently explained Reed Reed, 404 71, 75—76, 251, 253, 30 225 (1971): 10 'In clause, consistently recognized deny treat different ways. Barbier Connolly, 113 27, 357, 923 (1885); Lindsley Natural Carbonic Gas Co., 220 61, 337, 55 369 (1911); Railway Express Agency New York, 336 106, 69 463, 93 533 (1949); McDonald Board Election Commissioners, 394 802, 89 1404, 22 739 amendment does, legislate accorded placed into basis criteria wholly unrelated objective classification 'must reasonable, arbitrary, rest upon some difference having fair substantial object legislation, all circumstanced shall treated alike.' Royster Guano company Virginia, 253 412, 415, 40 560, 64 989 (1920).' 11 question determination whether rationally explains 21A.7 follow, conclude exists. 12 First. Section stems Stat.1879, 159, 1, prohibited without exception, Allison, 227 57, 62, 116 Northeastern KF135 N59 265, 266 (1917), law's 'plain purity, preserve chastity, encourage continence self sancity home, thus engender nation virile virtuous race men women.' Although clearly abandoned enactment least insofar illicit activities concerned, n. 3, reiterated legislation discourage intercourse. Conceding could, Clause, problems extramarital '(e)vils dimensions proportions, requiring remedies,' Williamson Lee Optical 348 483, 489, 75 461, 465, 99 563 (1955), law. 13 It unreasonable assume birth unwanted child punishment 18. Aside values assumption attribute State, abundantly clear effect best marginal proffered objective. What Goldberg said 498, 1689, (concurring opinion), concerning discouraging relations, applicable rationality justification dubious, particularly light admitted widespread availability well married, birth-control devices disease, distinguished conception.' See 505—507, 1689 (White, J., concurring judgment). Like laws, when Corbett, 307 7, 29 151 (1940), cited approval 754, 579. Nor, attempt deter engaging persons. Even fear operates deterrent Moreover, face dubious criminal fornication. explained, 'Fornication (in Massachusetts), entailing thirty dollar fine, months jail. Ann. Violation present felony, punishable five years prison. find hard believe adopted carrying possible, obviously means fully effective, commission ninety-day misdemeanor.' 1401. conceding full measure discretion fashioning recognizing seek punishing severely facilitate engage commission, we, like instance chosen expose aider abetter 20 times sentence offender himself. statutes, coupled de minimis compel conclusion 15 Second. added Statutes-at-Large 1966, needs community articles. plain mind before remarked, 'Consistent fact contained dealing 'Crimes Against Chastity, Morality, Decency Good Order,' cast morals. forbidden even needed health. Gardner, 1938, 300 372, 222.' 'believe enacting 21A) suddenly reversed field developed Rather, merely made what thought precise accommodation necessary escape ruling.' Ibid. 16 Again, Appeals. rationale overbroad. Dissenting 758, 581, Justices Whittemore Cutter stated saw 'in read together, need (and dispense) great persons.' added: 'If (on persons) mean skill lack marriage certificate, currently divorced, illogical irrationality.' 1401.8 Furthermore, join noting dangerous.9 result, discriminate unmarried, overbroad respect itself seems conceded General. 690, 'it certain medication constitute hazard health, event could argued swept too broadly prohibition.' posture,' concluded, impossible think almost difficult married.' But further proof necessary, argument Spiegel, dissented 759, 582, conclusive: 'It strained say Legislature 'which consequences.' Legislature's goal, required' drugs. Food, Drug, Cosmetic Act, 503, 52 1051, amended, Code KF62 353; Mass.Gen. 94, 187A, amended. conclude, accordingly, that, despite superficial earmarks relations. 18 Third. upheld it, nevertheless, contraception? analysis 'led inevitably far immoral—to extent permit declaration.' went hold, 1402: 19 'To immoral such, nevertheless persist intercourse, risk child, illegitimacy, society, possible obligation support. Such morality mirror image sensible legislation; demonstrated harm, beyond competency state.' not, decide because, impermissible. true inhered Yet couple entity heart own, association two individuals each separate intellectual emotional makeup. anything, single, free unwarranted governmental intrusion matters fundamentally affecting decision bear beget child. Stanley Georgia, 557, 1243, 542 (1969).10 Skinner Oklahoma ex rel. Williamson, 316 535, 62 1110, 86 1655 (1942); Jacobson 197 11, 29, 25 358, 362, 49 643 (1905). outlaw evil, perceived identical, underinclusion invidious. 112—113, 466, (1949), point: 23 framers Constitution knew, forget today, effective practical guaranty arbitrary government require officials impose imposed generally. Conversely, nothing opens door effectively allow pick choose few apply political retribution visited larger numbers affected. Courts take better assure operation.' 24 Jackson's comments reference administrative regulations, principle affirmed violate Clause. judgment Affirmed. 26 POWELL REHNQUIST took part consideration case. DOUGLAS, concurring. While & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions me narrower affirming simple case, being reason Fourteenth. Stromberg. California, 283 359, 51 532, 1117. stretch presently license desire planned parenthood, women, control, allied subject, place tax privilege. taxes Murdock Pennsylvania, 319, 105, 115, 63 870, 876, 87 1292: 'A certainly acquire classifies privileges along wares merchandise hucksters peddlers treats equality save ordinance. Freedom press, freedom speech, religion preferred position.' Collins, 323 516, 65 315, 430, speaking labor union rally required register license: 32 'As matter registration order speech seem generally incompatible exercise assembly. Lawful assemblies, element grave immediate danger protect, instruments harm previous identification speakers. either workmen unions conditions assemble discuss affairs businessmen, farmers, educators, party members others enlist support others. 33 '. solicits cause condition social, business, religious cause. undertakes lawful movement quite requirements Amendment.' Id., 539, 540, 327. 34 addressed audience faculty control overpopulation. His approximately hour length consisted various displayed diagrams demonstration boards, display original packages. addition, spoke respective merits devices; overpopulation world; crises throughout world due overpopulation; large number abortions performed unwed mothers; quack abortionists women resulting abortionists. urged known feelings bring about change laws. At invited come stage help know many accepted invitation. personally handed Vaginal Foam. He then arrested indicted device away. first offense reversed, essential graphic representation lecture. sustained. 574. reaches us 35 Had 'given away' sample advocated, afforded him 'contract spectrum knowledge.' 482, Pierce Society Sisters, 268 45 571, 1070; Meyer Nebraska, 262 390, 43 625, 67 1042. However noxious ideas authorities, learn them, comprehend portent, weigh tenets 'conventional wisdom,' abridged. Terminiello Chicago, 337 894, 1131. Our system requires faith wisely, apprised controversy. 36 'Freedom discussion, fulfill historic function nation, embrace issues information appropriate enable society cope exigencies period.' Thornhill 88, 102, 60 736, 744, 84 1093. 37 teachings Galileo order; suppression repugnant. 38 Milton Areopagitica, 'Give liberty know, utter, argue conscience, above liberties.' 39 involved O'Brien, 391 367, 88 1673, 672, cited. registrant Selective Service Act burning draft card. When prosecuted act, defended 'symbolic speech.' not. Whatever merits,1 O'Brien controlling distinction 'speech' 'conduct' one, helps determine particular activity aid communication ideas, form interferes reasonable regulations imposed.2 Public Utilities Pollak, 343 451, 467, 72 813, 823, 96 1068 (Douglas, dissenting). Thus, excessive noise 'conduct'—a pollution precise, narrowly drawn regulations. Adderley Florida, 385 39, 54, 242, 250, 149 'this repeatedly stated, (First Amendment) confined verbal expression. They types .' Brown Louisiana, 383 131, 141—142, 719, 724, 637. 41 gave hour's understanding propagating out endorsing. coyote-getters improve teaching technique passed audience; loaded ready explode, killing injuring people. holds my mouse-traps, spray guns, dangerous speakers educational lectures. 42 irrelevant advocated protects opportunity persuade unwise immoral, incites action. See, e.g., Brandenburg Ohio, 395 444, 1827, 430; Edwards South Carolina, 372 229, 83 680, 697; incitement action.3 evidence finding lady home her she examined returned arrest immediately handing over.4 44 expression.5 often involves walk. assembly pushing jostling. Picketing sign. sit-in quiet, dignified protest though involved, Putting discussion. Handing member teachers commonly used. handout scale smack vendor's marketing scheme. passing projection visual adjunct speech. purporting medical advice. suggesion it. most suggested become familiar product line. Dialogue, envisages, time-honored techniques barred 46 WHITE, BLACKMUN joins, result. 47 convictions advising applied, forbade advice unduly invaded zone Bill Rights. manufacture sale products expressly left open legislation. 485, 1682. 48 Chapter distribute, sell, excepts physicians pharmacists prescription.1 Foam, 'medicine ..'2 purport charge convict distributing person. No offered status recipient. gravamen charged therefore distribute anyone. noted, rested 'distributor recipient.' 574, 578 view.3 50 citizens empowers restrict channels accompanied doubt medicines properly prescription, difficulty court's characterization issue expressing legitimate preventing distributed supply so-called 'pill,' sustain statute.4 Requiring material burden justified strong sweep unnecessarily 'to achieve destructive upon' guilty Inquiry end restricted. general reluctance way where, burdens accept Due record contain purpose, relevant facts fall range judicial notice. Neither met Nothing suggests user's brief marshal demonstrating hazards common knowledge incontrovertible noticed judicially. contrary, acknowledges widely Given absent foam, selling Just 'diluted affected' permitting exercise, sanction proved hazardous right. 53 disposes Assuming, arguendo, result otherwise recipient indicate status. maintained unlicensed legally approach erroneous reversal conviction; deprives knowing 54 established Stromberg 1117 (1931), adhered stand 'record fail(s) prove founded theory verdict.' Street 576, 586, 1354, 1362, 572 To uphold 'though invalid countenance procedure serious impairment rights.' Williams 317 287, 292, 207, 210, 279 (1942). Because disposed settled doctrine, perceive reaching novel forbid unmarried. Ashwander Tennessee Valley Authority, 297 288, 345—348, 56 482—483, 688 (1936) (Brandeis, concurring). BURGER, dissenting. 57 sustaining dispensing medicinal eminently correct disturb undisputed regardless substances restricting available. point, everyone validly required, dispensed pursuant based bearing (1960). 58 today brushes layman concluding really concerned WHITE concern finds overly broad failed adduce showing substance DOUGLAS' laymen considers rather resorting 'time-honored technique' utilizing 'visual aid' am puzzled third suggestion displaying relinquishing ownership material. sufficiency evidence, summarizes 'at themselves.' 'not se' confess misread cases area. 376, 672 (1968); Cox 379 536, 555, 453, 464, 471 (1965); Giboney Empire Storage Ice 502, 684, 834 (1949). 59 My disagreement goes mere puzzlement, opinions seriously invade prerogatives regrettably hark back heyday substantive process. conviction, highest tribunal served citizens. blithely hurdles authoritative pronouncement concludes Three arguments advanced: First, moral lifted complete insisted supervision. fail why historical predominance unacceptable incredible emergence new one.1 McGowan Maryland, 366 420, 445—449, 81 1101, 1115—1117, 393 (1961). origin dissenting rejects '(i)f 581. confuses Assuming restricted class hardly follows Third, sees underlying enactments relating neatly consolidated books for, so, pass muster. draw inference codified substances. existence nonconflicting, nonpre-emptive significance judging matter. 61 desired minimize users, proper dismiss explication overwhelming irrefutable while acknowledging health.2 grants given substance, placing category. So aware, never challenged police risks possibly spurious deleterious sold borders. invalid. 'simply innocent transactions proscribed class. inquiry whether, considerating view, passes bounds assumes character fiat.' Purity Extract Tonic Lynch, 226 192, 204, 44, 47, 184 (1912). invokes puts unprecedented test: supporting judicially noticeable. indeed doctrine surprisingly Since harmfulness courts, faulted failure build point. totally mystifies why, record, factual underpinnings 'incontrovertible' 'common 66 actual introducing foreign body frequently controverted, unanimity expert prerequisite power, regulation. assuming dispute ignore commonplace drug food additive universally harmless day condemned perilous next. inappropriate overrule relying consensus leading authorities. commands fluctuate shifting tides scientific opinion. conclusively once somatic sense, still falls outside area choice although highly personal matter, real supervision.3 acknowledged vary degree effectiveness harmfulness.4 available, less alternatives.5 Others advised peculiar susceptibility adverse side effect.6 profession brand avoided, adequately tested. Nonetheless, someone training enjoyed 68 revealing, portions majority rejecting rely provision Constitution. vaguely forms market. tenuous moorings text Constitution, confronted flatly prohibiting significantly Massachusetts. context, penumbras specific guarantees uncircumscribed predilections. dissemination impinged slightest limiting pharmaceutical done succeeded, seems, cloaking permutation license. constrained suggest invalidate employ 'curbstone quack,' reminiscent man' past, attracted crowd curious soapbox plied 'free samples' unproved remedy. presumably outlawed long ago, today's invite return. below described 'an adult woman.' 1399 However, full: 'Except provided section twenty-one A, whoever sells, lends, away, exhibits offers lend self-abuse, causing unlawful abortion, advertises same, writes, prints, causes written printed card, circular, book, pamphlet, advertisement notice stating when, how, purchased obtained, manufactures punished prison jail house correction half fine hundred thousand dollars.' agency, nurse, maternity clinic operated accredited hospital regarding lawfully obtained. 'This construed sections twenty relative advertising conception; vending machine device.' promote fidelity sex. living spouses uses put. Plainly factor decisively Tileston Ullman, 318 493, 603 (1943), lacked declaratory relief challenge, behalf patients, able Underlying 'the standards (not) blurred,' (1965)—a problem precisely intolerable, inhibitory 97—98, 741—742, 1093 (1940). 523, Prince 321 158, 438, 645 (1944), custodian, violation furnished magazines streets. implicitly custodian threatened asserting herself. Of impinges freedoms achievement interest. Shapiro Thompson, 618, 1322, 600 (1969); Loving 388 1817, 1010 (1967). (1971), test fails lenient standard. insists intercourse hence served. short answer purports asserted forestall controls whatsoever inconceivable varies act same. 1401: '(W)e 'undesirable (or) 200 Casanova recorded ubiquitous which, perhaps birthplace inventor, termed 'redingote anglais.' reputed nationality condom changed, criticism unaware products.' Stanley, 564, 1247, '(A)lso free, circumstances, intrusions one's "The makers undertook secure favorable pursuit happiness. man's spiritual nature, intellect. knew pain, pleasure satisfactions life things. Americans beliefs, thoughts, emotions, sensations. conferred, Government, let alone—the comprehensive valued civilized man.' Olmstead States, 277 478, 572, 944 (1928) 'See cf. Alabama (ex Patterson) 462, 1171, (1958).' earlier expressed believing consistent 455, 1833, 430 opinion). 834, injunction peaceful picketing carried 'anti-restraint-of-trade' Giboney, easily present, 'There danger, imminent immediate, restrained, appellants succeed (state antitrust) policy dead letter .. exercising economic together allies abide trade.' 691 (footnote omitted; emphasis supplied). coercion instant frustration policy, 4, infra. policies violated, Dienes, Progeny Comstockery—Birth Control Return Am.U.L.Rev. 3—44 meaning Amendment, applied Fourteenth, advocacy 'except directed inciting producing lawless incite produce action.' 447, 1829. alone distinguish supra turned O'Brien's frustrated partial collection comes 455—456, 1833—1834 follows: exceptions: indictment states: Jurors oath sixth April, year Lord nine sixty-seven, unlawfully medicine wit: with, permitted by, Commonwealth.' 'Had persons, legal position petitioner altered. Not 'giving contraceptive.' 951, 954 (Mass.1970). Food Drug Administration pills pose restricts receipt interstate commerce labeled packages Regulations 130.45. year, $10,000, both. 331, 333. places reliance 687 show regulated rejected women. persons,' N.E.2d., 690. issue. states broad. develop detail, response solely reasoning discussions choosing Manual Family Planning Contraceptive Practice 47—53 (M. Calderone ed. 1970); Advanced Concepts Contraception 22—24 (F. Hoffman Kleinman 1968). Commission Population Growth American Future, pt. II, Pages 38—39 (Mar. 16, 1972); 268—274, 316, 320, 342, 346; Jaffe, Toward Reduction Unwanted Pregnancy, 174 Science 119, 121 (Oct. 8, 1971); G. Hardin, Birth 128 (1970); E. Havemann, appellee, 70% 80% effective. 121; Dingle Tietze, Comparative Study Methods, Amer. Judge Obst. Gyn. 1012, 1021 (1963). pill, contrast, 99% Control, Perkin, Assessment Reproductive Risk Nonpregnant Women—A Guide Establishing Priorities Care, 101 709 (1968). 301, 332—333, 340.

Classification Label: 4