Legal Document

420 U.S. 546 95 Supreme Court Reporter 1239 43 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 448 SOUTHEASTERN PROMOTIONS, LTD., Petitioner,v.Steve CONRAD et al. Number 73—1004. Argued Oct. 17, 1974. Decided March 18, 1975. Syllabus Petitioner, a promoter of theatrical productions, applied to respondents, members municipal board charged with managing city auditorium and city-leased theater, present musical production at the theater. Upon basis outside reports from which it concluded that would not be 'in best interest community,' respondents rejected application. Petitioner's subsequent motion for preliminary injunction was denied following hearing by District Court, did review merits respondents' decision but petitioner had met burden proving irreparable injury. Petitioner then sought permanent permitting use auditorium. Several months later, filed their first responsive pleading, after three-day on content musical, contained obscene conduct entitled First Amendment protection injunctive relief. The Appeals affirmed. Held: 1. Respondents denial facilities production, based members' judgment musical's content, constituted prior restraint. Shuttlesworth versus Birmingham, 394 147, 89 935, 22 162; Cantwell Connecticut, 310 296, 60 900, 84 L.Ed. 1213. Pp. 552-558. 2. A system restraint 'avoids constitutional infirmity only if takes place under procedural safeguards designed obviate dangers censorship system,' Freedman Maryland, 380 51, 58, 85 734, 739, 13 649, viz., (1) instituting judicial proceedings, material is unprotected, must rest censor; (2) any before can imposed specified brief period preserve status quo; (3) prompt determination assured. Since those in several respects were lacking here, action violated petitioner's rights. 558-562. 6 Cir., 486 Federal Reporter, 2nd 894, reversed. Henry Paul Monaghan, Boston, Mass., petitioner. Randall L. Nelson, Chattanooga, Tenn., respondents. Mr. Justice BLACKMUN delivered opinion Court. 1 issue this case whether rights abridged when facility showing controversial rock 'Hair.' It established, course, Fourteenth has made applicable Amendment's guarantee free speech. Douglas City Jeannette, 319 157, 162, 63 877, 880, 87 1324 (1943). 2 * Southeastern Promotions, Ltd., New York corporation engaged business promoting presenting productions profit. On October 29, 1971, Tivoli, privately owned Chattanooga theater long-term lease city, 'Hair' there six days beginning November 23. This road company played three years Broadway, appeared over 140 cities States.1 3 are directors Memorial Auditorium, theater.2 Shortly receiving Southeastern's application, met, and, discussion, voted reject it. None them seen play or read script, they understood as produced elsewhere, involved nudity obscenity stage. Although no conflicting engagement scheduled determined community.' so notified written statement reasons provided. 4 alleging its rights, Eastern Tennessee. file an answer complaint.3 held 4. took evidence play's respondent Conrad gave account board's decision: 5 'We general terminology turning down request we felt community & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions can't speak beyond that. That determination. 'Now, have myself, policy refer, mentioned, basically indicates will, board, allow clean healthful culturally uplifting, words effect. They quoted original dedication booklet Auditorium.' App. 25.4 7 court relief, concluding failed show irreparably harmed pending final since scheduling 'purely matter financial loss gain' compensable. 8 some weeks later pressed larger auditorium, rather than Sunday, April 9, 1972. hearings 3. vel non, presented advisory jury, consisting full script libretto, notes stage instructions, recording numbers, souvenir program, testimony seven witnesses who elsewhere. jury returned verdict obscene. agreed. production—group simulated sex—would violate ordinances state statutes5 making public acts criminal offenses.6 conduct, reasoned, neither speech nor symbolic speech, viewed separately elements. Being pure comparable rape murder, protection. Accordingly, injunction. 341 F.Supp. 465 (1972). 9 appeal, Sixth Circuit, divided vote 894 (1973). majority relied primarily lower court's reasoning. Neither judges saw performed. Because overtones, granted certiorari. 415 912, 94 1406, 39 466 (1974). 10 urges reversal grounds unlawful restraint, courts below incorrect standard second does support finding We do reach latter two contentions, agree first. hold rejection application forum accomplished constitutionally required minimal safeguards. narrow ground, reverse. II 11 Respondents' here indistinguishable censoring effect official actions consistently identified restraints long line Court's decisions. See 150—151, 938, 162 (1969); Staub Baxley, 355 313, 322, 78 277, 282, 302 (1958); Kunz York, 340 290, 293—294, 71 312, 314, 280 (1951); Schneider State, 308 161—162, 146, 151, 155 (1939); Lovell Griffin, 303 444, 451—452, 58 666, 668, 82 949 (1938). In these cases, plaintiffs asked provide relief where officials forbidden places say what wanted say. variety forms, exercising control different kinds authority particular statutes. All, however, common: power deny advance actual expression. 12 Invariably, obliged condemn systems exercise such bounded precise clear standards. reasoning been, simply, danger abridgment our precious freedoms too great unbridled discretion forum's use. Our distaste reflecting natural people—is deep-written law. each cited cases embedded licensing itself, operating without acceptable unconstitutional Birmingham ordinance conferred upon commission virtually absolute prohibit 'parade,' 'procession,' 'demonstration' streets ways. ruled 'a law subjecting license, narrow, objective, definite standards guide authority, unconstitutional.' U.S., 938. Hague CIO, 307 496, 59 954, 83 1423 (1939), Jersey forbade assembly parks permit local director safety, empowered refuse his he thereby prevent "riots, disturbances disorderly assemblage," void face. Id., 516, 964 (opinion Roberts, J.). 14 1213 (1940), unanimous invalid act proscribed solicitation money valuable thing 'any alleged religious, charitable philanthropic cause' unless cause approved secretary welfare council. elements clearly set forth: 15 'It will noted, Act requires council State; determine religious one, certificate depends affirmative action. If finds religion, solicit becomes crime. He course. His involves appraisal facts, judgment, formation opinion.' 305, 904. 16 other regulated theaters. One seeking apply board. applicant should permission—in effect, license permit—on proposed production. Approval depended routine; instead, 'appraisal opinion' board.7 17 effectively kept off go rely enforcement authorities prosecute anything illegal occurred. Rather, anticipation Times States, 403 713, 735—738, 91 2140, 2152, 29 822 (1971) (White, J., concurring). 18 less because happened Auditorium Tivoli forums dedicated expressive activities. There question usefulness either contention could accommodate size. circumstances qualifying established exception doctrine present. serving competing See, e.g., Cameron Johnson, 390 611, 88 1335, 20 182 (1968); Adderley Florida, 385 39, 242, 149 (1966); Brown Louisiana, 383 131, 86 719, 637 (1966). Nor regulation time, place, manner related nature applications users. Cox Hampshire, 312 569, 574, 61 762, 765, 1049 (1941); Poulos 345 395, 408, 73 760, 768, 97 1105 (1953). No individuals surrounding areas noise aspect Kovacs Cooper, 336 77, 69 448, 93 513 (1949). captive audience. Lehman Shaker Heights, 418 298, 304, 306—308, 2714, 2718—2720, 41 770 (1974); Public Utilities Pollak, 343 451, 467—468, 72 813, 823, 96 1068 (1952) (Douglas, dissenting). 19 Whether might used other, owned, consequence. reason doubt record served well these, none apparently seating capacity, acoustical features, equipment, electrical service required. Even been available, fact alone justify otherwise impermissible '(O)ne liberty expression appropriate plea may exercised place.' 163, S.Ct., 151. Thus, purposes total suppression community. Denying restraint.8 final. mere temporary bar while necessary proceedings way.9 21 Only conclude live drama unprotected Amendment—or subject totally forms expression—could possibly find here. Each medium expression, assessed suited it, own problems. Joseph Burstyn, Incorporated Wilson, 495, 503, 777, 781, 1098 (1952); see Red Lion Broadcasting FCC, 395 367, 1794, 23 371 (1969). By nature, usually acting out—or singing out— word, frequently mixes conduct. But drastically standard. For, said supra, faced applies films: '(T)he basic principles freedom press, like command, vary. Those principles, enunciated make rule. justification rule.' III Labeling end inquiry. Prior per se. Bantam Books, Sullivan, 372 70 n. 10, 631, 639, 584 (1963). Near Minnesota ex rel. Olson, 283 697, 716, 51 625, 75 1357 (1931); Film Corporation Chicago, 365 43, 81 391, (1961). 'includes complete exhibit, least once, every kind picture . even film contains basest type pornography, incitement riot, forceful overthrow orderly government ..' 46—47, 393. 24 Any 'comes bearing heavy presumption against validity.' 70, 639; 714, 713; Organization Better Austin Keefe, 402 415, 419, 1575, 1577, (1971); Carroll Princess Anne, 393 175, 181, 347, 351, 325 631. heavier—and degree broader—than limits penalties. Behind distinction theory deeply etched law: society prefers punish few abuse break throttle all others beforehand. always difficult know individual say, between legitimate illegitimate often finely drawn risks freewheeling formidable. Speiser Randall, 357 513, 1332, 1460 (1958). 25 order lawful, action, first, fit within one narrowly defined exceptions prohibition restraints, second, reduce suppressing protected 71, 639. decide performance fits whether, substantive matter, resolving correct, standard, whatever implemented 26 settled rule system.' 649 (1965). Thirty-seven Photographs, 363, 1400, 1403, 28 Blount Rizzi, 400 410, 419—421, 423, 429, 27 498 Teitel Cusack, 139, 141—142, 754, 756, 966 (1968). also Heller 413 483, 489—490, 2789, 2793, 37 745 (1973); 70—71, Kingsley Brown, 354 436, 77 1325, 1469 (1957). struck scheme pictures, holding 'that, adversary proceeding ensures sensitivity procedure requiring suffices impose valid restraint.' 739. Freedman, reaffirm runs afoul lacks certain safeguards: First, censor. Second, purpose preserving quo. Third, most pertained censorship, federal customs agents seize imported materials, postal restrict mails, supra. provisions laws mails commerce materials. enabled Postmaster General halt delivery mail payment orders him. administrative became effective approval, obtaining placed user. restricts access furnish forth expected regulates forum. same powers Blount, boards cases. underlying requirement equal greater force. An assigned screening keeping deemed uplifting healthful—may court, independent branch government, interests expression.10 And unduly onerous, delay otherwise, practice 30 Insistence rigorous 'but special instance principle ringed about adequate bulwarks.' 66, 637. unconditionally guaranteed legitimately close 'separation calls sensitive tools.' 525, 1342. perils illustrated case, Board known precisely extent sex appear, actually performed.11 31 Procedural respects. review. commendably decision, time. receive i.e., likelihood success suffer injury Effective obtained until more five later. Throughout, petitioner, bore persuasion stages litigation. formal complaint During time determination, altered forced forgo initial dates planned seek schedule date. uncertainty inevitably discouraged 32 shortcomings form unrelated applied. Whatever exclusion escape obligation afford need sufficiently substantively Hamling 87, 2887, 590 Jenkins Georgia, 153, 2750, 642 Lewis Orleans, 130, 970, 214 Miller California, 15, 2607, 419 Gooding 405 518, 92 1103, 408 be, assures restriction circumstances. 33 Reversed. 34 DOUGLAS, dissenting part concurring result part. 35 While conclusion am compelled write emphasize my view injuries inflicted cannot treated adequately averted future simple band-aids. critical flaw lies, absence safeguards, very engaged. 36 today treads much path walked (1965), sentiment expressed occasion remains equally relevant: 'I believe how speedy prolonged be—is permissible.' 61—62, 741 (concurring opinion). Star Preller, 956, 217, 42 173 (1974) (dissenting opinion); 78, (1961) ideas park, sidewalk; adopted expensive structured typically streets, surely shelter Amendment. As soon permitted pick choose, existing socialist regimes, 'clean uplifting' not, cleared regime voice given views meet approval be. 38 concerning pungent social political commentary levels various sacred cows society: Vietnam war, draft, puritanical conventions Establishment. undoubtedly offensive some, contribution consciousness intellectual ferment positive one. respect, ribald humor trenchant satire someday merit comparison highly regarded works Aristophanes, fellow debunker tastes received wisdom, yet whose offerings doubtless similarly cold reception hands Establishment censors. many imposed, permits governmental inhibit flow disturbing unwelcome threatens serious diminution breadth richness cultural offerings. WHITE, whom CHIEF JUSTICE joins, dissenting. 40 Part lectures evils standardless systems, understandably ultimate decision. However broad have, plainly nudity, expected, therefore, Appeals, undue correctly refused ground fail satisfy 'Paragraph lessee comply leased premises,' being obscenity, display sexually oriented materials minors. framing question, reflected prayer complaint, 13—14, declaration Amendment, ordinance, available sought. considered tendered contemplated qualify relevant laws. Here, address nevertheless reverses 'lacking safeguards.' Ante, 552. understanding unexceptionable, reaching inappropriate. appears decided Appeals. already indicated, statutes musical. Secondly, however inadequate parties now court; trial, violative Tennessee both reverse disapprove decisions respect; assuming correctness, therefore appropriate, intention reversing 'Hair,' issued Chattanooga? odd disposition, join. us, error enter require asserts nude scene 'the portion' almost completely ignores description involving repeated 'simulated anal intercourse, frontal heterosexual intercourse. homosexual group intercourse ..'1 Given compel facilities. described adult audiences, apparent me State forbid exhibition children,2Ginsberg 629, 1274, 195 (1968), reserve suitable citizens adults children alike. improvident mandate auditorium.3 44 REHNQUIST, 45 treats fours not. dealt efforts Maryland 'at Baltimore theatre,' id., 52, 735. Chattanooga. 46 glosses treating community-owned park street, recognized traditionally open public, licenses ordinarily rightfully street left carries him elsewhere right express fashion. extends communication handbills literature spoken word.' Jamison Texas, 318 413, 416, 669, 672, 869 exact wish governing definite, nondiscriminatory. equated necessity performances process inclusion exclusion, parks. 47 Pickering Education, 391 563, 568, 1731, 1734, 811 employer differently lawmaker citizenry general: 48 '(I)t gainsaid regulating employees differ significantly possesses connection general.' 49 Communications Association Douds, 339 382, 402—403, 674, 685, 925 (1950); Workers Mitchell, 330 75, 95, 67 556, 567, 754 (1947); Konigsberg Bar, 366 36, 50—51, 997, 1006, 105 Here deal prohibiting penalizing dramatic large, 47—48, 247, (1966), said: 50 'The private owner property, property lawfully dedicated. For petitioners' argument stay .. Constitution lawful non-discriminatory purpose.' avoids impact insisting 'public activities,' ante, 555, users.' Ibid. tell managers auditoriums selective role whatsoever deciding booked. historically devoted 'clean, entertainment';1 accepted inappropriate viewing serve entertaining whole family. Viewed apart limitations, out worthwhile entertainment. desire presumably paid facilities, attractions shown offend substantial number potential theatergoers, think arbitrary unreasonable.2 version consideration obscene, findings affirmed appeal indicate entertainment family.3 52 'designed activities' consequences unforeseen perhaps undesired ensue. May opera house limit operas, musicals? devote entire season Shakespeare, book producer come, basis? These questions real ones light opinion, terms seems give permissible way selection authorities. 53 aspects troubling farrago requirements saddled Relying holds management 'restraint' period, 560. 54 putatively performed novel feat elevating preferred position procedures invoked declines putative performance, raised. What issues tried proceedings? Is saying criminally person staging city? 55 run judge plays wishes But, just surely, element 'theater' ought accorded recognition along 'municipal.' fidelity exaggerated rigid insists case. nondiscriminatory reasons. affirm Twice previously, informally permission refused. cities, encountered similar resistance successfully injunctions ordering Limited Mobile, 457 (CA5 1972); West Palm Beach, 1016 1972): Oklahoma City, 459 282 (CA10 Charlotte, 333 (WDNC 1971); Atlanta, 334 634 (N.D. Ga.1971). P.B.I.C., Byrne, 313 757 (Mass.1970), vacated remanded further consideration, 905, 3031, 1017 Civil Action 72—105 (WD Okl. Mar. 27, 1972), rev'd, Memphis Nashville. Code § 2—238. appointed mayor confirmed city's commissioners. 2—237. chairman, Conrad, commissioner utilities, buildings. 236. dismiss. 22, hearing. finally filed, pursuant order, 31, completed 1924, memory 'offered lives' World War I. referred Souvenir Dedication Soldiers Sailors Tenn. following: (the board's) endeavor auditorium) center Chattanooga; civic, educational patriotic organizations associations common meeting discuss upbuilding territory. operated profit, effort obtain returns above expenses permitted. Instead advancement, clean, healthful, better citizenship.' Exhibit 2, Page 40. Code: 'Sec. 6—4. Offensive, indecent shall hold, carry on, held, conducted carried sort decency, immoral suggestive moral sense, calculated incite crime riot.' 25—28. Indecent exposure appear bathe daytime river bayou stream sight occupied premises; lewd dress, lewd, Ann. (Supp.1971): '39—1013. Sale loan minor—Indecent exhibits.—It unlawful: '(a) knowingly sell monetary exhibit minor: '(1) picture, photograph, drawing, sculpture, visual representation image portion human body, depicts sexual excess violence, sado-masochistic abuse, harmful minors; '(2) book, pamphlet, magazine, printed reproduced, sound enumerated paragraph hereof above, explicit detailed verbal descriptions narrative accounts excitement, '(b) minor admission ticket pass admit premises whereon exhibited presentation which, part, minors.' '39—3003. Obscene material—Knowingly selling, distributing exhibiting—Penalty.—It misdemeanor sell, distribute, display, possess intent exhibit; publish, produce, create material.' 'Subsequent grant petition certiorari 39—3007 Code, 'obscene material,' 39—3003 sections, failure specificity Art Theater Guild, Rhodes, 510 South Western 258 (Tenn.1974). Thereafter, new statute, Acts 1974 (Adj. S), chapter 510, enacted Legislature; specifically repealed 39—3003. contended sign. provision reads: 'This agreement entered into covenants conditions, hereby agrees lessor keep perform: '1. Tennessee, rules police fire departments Chattanooga.' With respect guided criteria: requirement, uplifting,' 25; obscenity. controlled (1969), quality Also important though unessential conclusion, classificatory Interstate Circuit Dallas, 676, 688, 1298, 1306, 225 observed attendant 'are rendered objectionable classification direct suppression.' created whereby Texas classified films 'suitable young persons' 'not persons.' suitable' suppressed, exhibitors advertise them. Similarly, (1963), 'informal censorship' working exhortation advice inhibited constitute warrant There, reviewing 'manifestly tending corruption youth'; regulatory functions, intimidation, informal methods found effective. unfit point publicizing 'best interest' stood warning concerned, owners little affected ability attract classification, magnitude unlike Books. distinguishable seized copy film, temporarily, evidence. 490, 2793. 'final restraint,' sense enjoined threatened destruction.' merely detain temporarily libretto reached performance. 'Due Process,' Harv.L.Rev. 522—524 (1970); Emerson, Doctrine Restraint, Law Contemp.Prob. 648, 656—659 (1955). differed 'substantially' 79—80, varied anticipated audiences parts country. 93. scene, portion, varying conditions. actor contractual perform doing changed another, lighting, duration scene. 97—98, 465, 472—474 (ED Tenn.1972): 'Findings Fact 'Turning renditions, reflect matters (It noted instructions include small hereinafter occurring play): program formerly distributed lobby (Exhibit 1) performers biographical information, female performer identifying herself follows: "Hobbies picking nose, fucking, smoking dope, astro projection. All ever hope owe mother.' testified distribution discontinued. opening play, accompaniment music occasion, 'tribe' 'street people' start gathering commencement audience station themselves places, mingling audience, taking seated her legs spread wide expose genital area, covered design cherry. Thus follows. begins song 'Aquarius,' melody words, become nationally, internationally, popular, according theme coming age, age love, 'Aquarius.' Following people, Burger, introduces himself prefixes name, including 'Up Your Burger,' accompanied finger gesture 'Pittsburger,' underarm gesture. removes pants dressed jockey shorts identifies genitals line, 'What Goddamned thing? 3,000 pounds Navajo jewelry? Ha! Ha!' Throwing proceeds mingle selecting viewer, exclaims, 'I'll bet you're scared shitless.' 'Burger sings song, 'Looking My Donna,' tribe chants list drugs 'hashish' ending 'Methadrine, Sex, You, WOW!' 4, 1—5) Another male character lyric. "SODOMY, FELLATIO, CUNNILINGUS, PEDERASTY—FATHER, WHY DO THESE WORDS SOUND SO NASTY? MASTURBATION CAN BE FUN. JOIN THE HOLY ORGY, KAMA SUTRA, EVERYONE.' continues songs, chants, dialogue reference isolated broken sentences, rhyme, rapid changes diverse subjects peace, freedom, racism, air pollution, parents, hair, flag, sex. story gradually centers Claude response having draft notice. When suggest burn card, bring urinate ends performers, female, stage, dialogue. mention script. Actors simulating announce arrest watching 'lewd, show.' develop Claude's status, interspersed topics interracial drug 'trip,' impersonation figures American history,(*) claude's death people 'Let Sunshine In,' reflects likewise popular Nation. 'Interspersed throughout language' 'ass' Pages 20, 2—16), 'fart' 1—26), 'fuck'(**) four letter word excretion 1—7, 41). addition, language posters containing 'Also, witness play. accordingly accuracy overwhelming committed dialogue, Such standing up lying down, bodily movements included acts, actors actresses contact. At Burger performs '(*) Lincoln regaled lyrics: 'I's thanks you, Massa Lincoln, emancipator slave, yeah, yeah! Emanci—mother fucking—pater yeah!' responding, 'Bang ass ain't dying white man!" '(**) woman departure says tribe, 'Fuck off, kids.' 1—35). occurs nears scene: "Burger: hate fucking world, don't you? "Claude: winter, streets. fuck snow least. Yeah, would. Oh, fuck! fucky, fuck, fuck!' 2—22)' simulation masturbation using red microphone crotch simulate genitals. again actors' occur, sing regarding lie floor immediately repeatedly thrusting singers. another 2—22) pretends lost penis. accompanying search mouths actresses.' producer, director, president insist minors contrary testimony, Tr. 7—8, minors, certainly abide Oral Arg. 16—17, counsel reached: 'So avoided ultimately bad. remand going press denying HAIR sustain position, urge itself standards, waste resources economy, widespread issue. expense litigation Court.' 549 Limitations reasonable Due Process Clause unfairly discriminate violation Equal Protection Clause. opened Republicans closing Democrats allegation instant graphic discriminating expressions belief. reported Tenn.1972), 895—897 (CA6 1973).

Classification Label: 2