Legal Document

422 U.S. 490 95 Supreme Court Reporter 2197. 45 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 343 Robert WARTH, etc., et al., Petitioners,v.Ira SELDIN al. Number 73—2024. Argued March 17, 1975. Decided June 25, Syllabus This action for declaratory and injunctive relief damages was brought by certain of the petitioners against respondent town Penfield (a suburb Rochester, N.Y.), members Penfield's Zoning, Planning, Town Boards, claiming that town's zoning ordinance, its terms as enforced, effectively excluded persons low moderate income from living in town, violation petitioners' constitutional rights 42 Code KF62 §§ 1981, 1982, 1983. Petitioners consist both original plaintiffs—(1) Metro-Act a not-for-profit corporation among whose purposes is fostering to alleviate housing shortage low- moderate-income Rochester area; (2) several individual taxpayers; (3) area residents with or incomes who are also minority racial ethnic groups—and Home Builders Association (Home Builders), embracing number residential construction firms area, which unsuccessfully sought intervene party-plaintiff, Housing Council Monroe County Area (Housing Council), consisting organization interested problems, be added party-plaintiff. The District dismissed complaint on ground, inter alia, lacked standing prosecute action, Appeals affirmed. Held: Whether rules considered aspects requirement plaintiff must make out 'case controversy' within meaning Article III, or, apart such requirement, prudential limitations courts' role resolving disputes involving 'generalized grievances' third parties' legal interests, none has met threshold have complainant clearly allege facts demonstrating he proper party invoke judicial resolution dispute exercise court's remedial powers. Pp. 498-518. (a) As petitioner assert and, coincidentally, groups, alleged fail support an actionable causal relationship between practices these injury. A seeks challenge exclusionary specific, concrete harm him, personally would benefit tangible way intervention. Here, rely little more than remote possibility, unsubstantiated allegations fact, their situation might been better had respondents acted otherwise, improve were court afford relief. 502-508. (b) With respect basis status taxpayers, they suffering economic injury through increased taxes resulting having forced provide taxabated moderate-cost it otherwise done, line causation actions not apparent. But even assuming could establish them, claim violate statutory parties—persons allegedly Penfield. Hence, falls squarely rule normally bars litigants asserting interests others order obtain themselves. 508-510. (c) Petitioner Metro-Act's claims taxpayer behalf taxpayers income, precluded reasons applying denial income. In addition, because 9% membership composed residents, considerations strongly counsel according standing, where harmed indirectly exclusion others, thus attempting, absence showing any exception allowing claim, raise putative parties. Trafficante versus Metro-politan Life Ins., 409 205, 93 364, 34 415, distinguished. 512-514 (d) Builders, alleges no monetary itself, members, since whatever may suffered peculiar member concerned, requiring individualized proof fact extent awards. Nor does prospective relief, absent allegation sufficient show existence immediacy ripeness warrant 514-516. (e) record do indicate one exception, made effort Penfield, taken steps toward building there, dealings respondents. this averred inferring earlier controversy remained live, dispute. 516-517. 495 Federal Reporter, 2nd 1187, Emmelyn Logan-Baldwin, N.Y., petitioners. James M. Hartman, Mr. Justice POWELL delivered opinion Court. 1 Petitioners, various organizations individuals resident metropolitan Western New York incorporated municipality adjacent Planning Boards. claimed enforced defendant board here, contravention First, Ninth, Fourteenth Amendment denied motion add Area, Inc., party-plaintiff Association, leave Second Circuit affirmed, holding plaintiffs, neither nor action. 1187 (1974). We granted petition certiorari. 419 823, 40, 47 For differ respects those upon Courtof relied, we affirm. 2 * eight themselves all similarly situated,1 filed January 24, 1972, averring jurisdiction under 28 1331 1343. identified corporation, 'to alert ordinary citizens problems social concern; . inquire into critical urge part general persons.'2 Plaintiffs Vinkey, Reichert, Warth, Harris described city whom owned real property paid city.3 Plaintiff Ortiz, 'a citizen Spanish/Puerto Rican extraction,' App. 7, Rochester. however, resided Wayland, some miles employed.4 plaintiffs Broadnax, Reyes, Sinkler 'persons fitting classification hereinafter defined. .'5 Ibid. Although expressly so state, shows groups: Reyes Puerto ancestry; Broadnax Negroes. 3 Petitioners' adopted 1962, purpose effect excluding person residing town. particular, ordinance allocates 98% vacant land single-family detached housing, imposing unreasonable requirements relating lot size, setback, floor habitable space, increases cost beyond means Moreover, petitioners, only 0.3% available allocated multifamily structures (apartments, townhouses, like), limited economically feasible density other requirements. 'in furtherance policy zoning,' id., at 22, Town, Boards arbitrary discriminatory manner: delayed proposals inordinate periods time; insubstantial reasons; refused grant necessary variances permits, allow tax abatements; failed services projects; amended approval projects virtually impossible. 4 sum, that, 'rights, privileges immunities secured Constitution laws States,' officials 'practically impossible numbers satisfy minimum ..'6 alleged, moreover, precluding most incomes. 5 further owners taxpayers—Vinkey, Harris, Ortiz—claimed practices, impose higher rates them situated necessary. moderate-income, plaintiffs—Ortiz, Sinkler—claimed prevented acquiring, lease purchase, families reside less attractive environments. To relieve harms, asked declare unconstitutional, enjoin defendants enforcing enact administer new designed effects past actions, award $750,000 actual exemplary damages. 6 On May 2, association engaged moved essence, Builders' intervenor repeated plaintiffs. It arbitrarily capriciously thereby deprived potential profits. prayed equitable identical substance requested damages.7 join plaintiff. comprising 71 public private problems. An affidavit accompanying stated 17 Council's groups hoped involved development members—the Better Homes Corp.—'is actively attempting develop housing' 'but stymied inability secure approvals ..'8 7 Upon consideration complaints extensive supportive materials submitted held state granted, suit should proceed class discretion, permitted intervene. accordingly intervene, complaint. reaching questions. II 8 address first principles relevant asserted categories case. essence question whether litigant entitled decide merits particular issues. inquiry involves federal-court exercise. E.g., Barrows Jackson, 346 249, 255—256, 73 1031, 1034—1035, 97 L.Ed. 1586 (1953). dimensions founded concern about proper—and properly limited—role courts democratic society. See Schlesinger Reservists Stop War, 418 208, 221—227, 94 2925, 2932—2935, 41 706 (1974); Richardson, 166, 188—197, 2940, 2952—2956, 678 (1974) (Powell, J., concurring). 9 dimension, imports justiciability: himself III. every federal case, determining power entertain suit. aspect justiciability, 'alleged personal stake outcome his invocation justify powers behalf. Baker Carr, 369 186, 204, 82 691, 703, 663 (1962).9 III exists redress protect complaining party, though judgment collaterally. therefore can invoked when 'some threatened putatively illegal ..' Linda R.S. Richard D., 410 614, 617, 1146, 1148, 35 536 (1973). Data Processing Service Camp, 397 150, 151—154, 90 S.Ct., 827, 829—830, 25 184 (1970).10 10 Apart mandate, recognized limits decisional grievance' shared substantially equal measure large citizens, alone jurisdiction. supra; Ex parte Le vitt, 302 633, 634, 58 1, 493 (1937), Second, meet generally own cannot rest Tileston Ullman, 318 44, 63 493, 87 603 (1943). Raines, 362 80 519, 524 (1960); supra. Without limitations—closely related concerns but essentially matters self-governance called abstract questions wide significance governmental institutions competent intervention unnecessary rights. See, e.g., U.S., 222, 2932.11 11 depends plaintiff's contention conduct illegal, Flast Cohen, 392 83, 99, 88 1942, 1952, 20 947 (1968), often turns nature source asserted. required exist solely virtue 'statutes creating rights, invasion creates supra, 617 n. 3, 1148; Sierra Club Morton, 405 727, 732, 92 1361, 1364, 31 636 (1972). assumes importance III's requirements, serve limit disputes. Essentially, cases provision rests understood granting position right relief.12 circumstances, countervailing outweigh underlying usual reluctance exert 22—23, 523—524. instances, found, effect, implies Pierce Society Sisters, 268 510, 571, 69 1070 (1925); Sullivan Little Hunting Park, 396 229, 237, 400, 404, 24 386 (1969). Part IV, infra. Congress express barred rules. Of course, remains: still distinct palpable himself, if possible litigants. SCRAP, 412 669, 2405, 37 254 long satisfied, either clear implication, seek indeed, interest claim. 737, 1367; FCC Sanders Radio Station, 309 470, 477, 60 693, 698, 84 869 (1940). 12 One preliminary matter requires discussion. ruling dismiss want trial reviewing accept true material complaint, construe favor party. Jenkins McKeithen, 395 411, 421—422, 89 1843, 1848—1849, 23 404 At same time, require supply, amendment affidavits, particularized deemed standing. If, after opportunity, adequately appear record, dismissed. 13 mind, turn Sinkler, each asserts group. assume, taking true, pattern enforcement many groups. intentional proved adjudged violative excluded. 14 share attributes common residence insufficient predicate conclusion excluded, respondents' assertedly violated injured, other, unidentified belong purport represent. Unless demonstrate requisite case respondents, 'none class.' O'Shea Littleton, 414 488, 494, 675, 38 674 Bailey Patterson, 31, 32—33, 549, 550—551, 512 (1962). 15 conclusory actions.13 None ever Penfield; least implicitly desires, desired, so. Each asserts, effort, locate once adequate family's needs. efforts fruitless.14 allege, contributed, perhaps substantially, there remains suitable reasonably said resulted, concretely demonstrable way, infractions. inferred restrictive substantial probability able purchase affords requested, will removed. 16 find devoid allegations. noted, present property; subject ordinance's strictures; variance permit officials. F.2d, 1191. Instead, parties—developers, builders, like consequence needs prices afford. resulted itself preclude When prohibition restriction imposed causes specific statute intended prevent, indirectness necessarily deprive vindicate Roe Wade, 113, 124, 705, 712, 147 difficult III: defendants' remove harm. admission, realization desire live always depended willingness parties build housing. specifically refers two efforts: Corp., late 1969, rezoning subsidized cooperative townhouses purchased income; similar O'Brien Homes, 1971.15 indication projects, satisfied afford, obstructions attributable Indeed, descriptions financial situations suggest precisely contrary—that economics market, rather acts.16 short, 18 position, refer decisions Courts Appeals, acknowledging low-income, minority-group practices.17 cases, challenged restrictions applied supply means, residents. unless forthcoming, immediate harmed. here circumstances. 19 hold intervention.18 Absent demonstrable, injury, confidence need review' framed 'no (broader) precise applied.' 221—222, 2932. IV different set These 'taxpayer-petitioners' consequent practices. Their argument, brief, persistent refusal facilitate forces do; amount tax-abated increases, assume burden finance essential services. 21 'Of pleadings something ingenious academic conceivable.' 688, 2416, 254. think taxpayer-petitioners conjectural apparent Whatever occur complained of—increases taxation results appropriate authorities, 22 them,19 nonetheless not, could, free neighboring incidental adverse contrary, taxpayer-petitioners' parties, namely, short observed above, exceptions, prominent statute. implication grants position. allowed litigate result Doe Bolton, 179, 188, 739, 745, 205 (1973); Griswold Connecticut, 381 479, 481, 85 1678, 1680, 510 (1965); adversely affect existing violated. 386; NAACP Alabama, 357 449, 458—460, 78 1163, 1169—1171, 1488 (1958); 368 534—536, 573—574, 1070. No relationship, congruity interest, prosecution insure protection asserted, disabled case.20 discern justification recognizing V next presented associations—Metro-Act plaintiffs; party-plaintiff; There enjoy. infractions members' associational ties. 1488; Anti-Fascist Committee McGrath, 341 123, 183—187, 624, 654—657, 817 (1951) (Jackson Metro-Act, itself. Even representative members. National Motor Freight Assn. States, 372 246, 83 709 (1963). possibility representational eliminate attenuate controversy. sort justiciable Id., 734—741, 1365—1369. So established, participation injured indispensable cause, taxpayer, our holdings Parts alleges, practiced benefits racially ethnically integrated community. Referring decision Metropolitan insurance Co., 415 (1972), argues deprivation sufficiently case-or-controversy redress. 26 agree controlling here. apartment complex owner discriminated rental applicants race, § 804 Civil Rights Act 1968, Statutes-at-Large 3604. They discrimination, 'they (1) lost community; missed business professional advantages accrued lived groups; embarrassment damage social, business, activities being 'stigmatized' 'white ghetto." 366. light congressional enacting 1968 Act, broad definition 'person aggrieved' 810(a), 3610(a), 'person(s) claim(ed) practice,' violations Act. concluded given facilities covered consequences directed immediately harmful others. 212, 368. 27 fairly read claim.21 this, think, lies distinction create entitlement confer sue judicially cognizable citing (White, applicable arguendo, statutorily created direct understand argue affording cause attempt exceptions here.22 conclude inappropriate process. B 29 intervenor-complaint, represent including restrictions, together refusals permits 'substantial opportunities profits.' 156. joined plaintiffs' prayer 30 noted harm, injured. Bt, sought. If declaration, injunction, form supposed remedy, inure actually associations kind. (1970). Cf. Fed.Rule Civ.Proc. 23(b)(2). differs significantly injuries assignment such. circumstances entire membership, degree. proof. Thus, damages, myst suit, 32 fails reason. made. project currently it. averment current project. thwarted proposed advantage processes ordinance. insofar Public Workers Mitchell, 330 75, 86—91, 67 556, 562—565, 91 754 (1947); Maryland Cas. company Pacific Coal & Oil 312 270, 273, 61 512, 826 (1941). 33 problem Council. states includes 'at seventeen' been, are, focused plan Again step Corporation 1969 supporting detail length surrounding rejection Homes' application. reasonable time thereafter, possibly review viable 1972 filed, continued block then-current project.23 supplies infer however vigorous filed. VI reflections defining limiting courts, determinants propriety responsibility requirement. Accordingly, Affirmed. 36 DOUGLAS, dissenting. respect, N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions reads antagonistic eyes. background continuing strong tides touching very sensitive matters, involve distinctions based wealth. clean, safe, well-heated home enough people. Some neighbors congenial political outlooks own. sharing areas community akin wants control kind shares abode. Inc.—two bring suit—do my communal feeling 39 unlike confronted (1958). protest creation segregated expresses desegregated community—a gives Those voice views Acts Constitution, too dignity decided merits. 40 Standing become barrier access 'the question' decades. mounting caseload well known. reflect festering sores society; American dream teaches reaches high persists forum justice dispensed. lower technical barriers let ancient need. curbed legislative restraints emergency arises. today far facing emergency. frankness, work four days week carry burden. found comfortable carried months hospitalization. BRENNAN makes dissent, attack people nonwhites used foist un-American model area. go out. practice developed. 43 reverse Appeals. 44 BRENNAN, WHITE MARSHALL join, range alleging kinds injuries, affected face applied, Alleging injunctive, declaratory, today, purports 'standing' actually, believe, overtones outmoded notions pleading refuses variously numerous hurdles, constructed 'standing.' While lip service principle, oft recent years,1 'standing illegal,' ante, 500, opinion, tosses almost conceivable activity explained indefensible hostility appreciate Court's luctance adjudicate constitutionality white relatively off, grave sociological ramifications. refuse hear merely prefer to, quite clear, viewed dispassion, three allegations, supported affidavits documentary evidence, survive lack standing.2 46 Before considering believe standing—the Inc.—it helpful picture painted whole, comprehend interwoven glaring defect prosecuting separate lawsuit, refusing recognize intertwined, group take account vis-a -vis example, says low-income claimed, then intimates shown initial focus (is) project.' Ante, 508 18. Later, objects ability member, despite displayed project, longer live. suppose appears never built. locality, then, seem legality preclusion incentive incur costs litigation regard somewhere dwelling Accepting, must, following emerges: regulations concerning 'lot backs, population density, use, units per acre, sewer traffic flow, ingress egress(, and) street location,' income' 25. low-and 15, particularly using special procedures devices, succeeded keeping 'low non-white Penfield.' 48 ways. 'as result' scheme, 18, 21, 23—24, 26, (emphasis supplied), although desired attempted so, consequently incurred greater commuting costs, substandard fewer poorer schools children Members constructing homes 153, harming economically. And Council, frustrated 174. 49 portrait emerges total, purposeful, intransigent classes pursuant conscious scheme deviated from. Because faced insurmountable difficulties, seeking locality quickly learned attempts futile. Yet, success unconstitutional lawsuit invalidation. tells lowincome prove what alleged—that changes application—because breaching, before Low-income Minority 50 recounted unable, attempts, expenses, received municipal services,3 relegated housing.4 proved, give 'personal assure adverseness sharpens presentation issues,' (1962); (1968). Rather, abundantly satisfies 'injury otherwise,' 152, 829, (1970), prerequisite court. harms out-of-pocket losses enumerated communities, see nn. 4, supra—are obviously sustain cases. 686, 2415, 735 8, 738, 13, 1366, 1368, Processing, 154, 830. 51 insists caused 'their (may be) acts.' 2209. 52 True, maintain "direct' adjudicated,' 618, 1149, (1973)—that '(t) invokes (judicial) sustained danger sustaining statute's) enforcement.' Massachusetts Mellon, 262 447, 597, 601, 1078, (1923) supplied); R.S., 1149. But, recited above show, require—that harm.5 53 one, 'realization offorts housing,' 505, (any) afford.' 506. 54 Certainly, demonstration stage. made: vague, 689 2417, theory untrue, 689, 2417. said: 'If appellants summary issue demonstrated sham raised genuine fact. say appellees which, place sequarely fact.' 689—690, 2417.6 55 stresses, petitioner's proving intentions capabilities coupled character merits, specificity reflects fatal weakness causation.7 Obviously expected, prior discover trial, know future plans companies, details market everything transpired years application suggested refused. paper get all, reverting abjured courts. unachievable past, Jenkins, now determination close doors Understandably, today's revealing breaking down frustrate deep human yearning decent surroundings, Associations Including Building Concerns 56 Two concerns. Both organizations, therefrom. 57 Specifically, trade maintaining '(d)uring years, over 80% (its) members.' 147. statutes, planned 157, middle-income 'is 174, unable approvals. 59 finds basically reasons: is, developing 'failed intervention,' 516 while (has not) dispute.' 517. Again, ignores thrust asks According concerns' experience futile for, again exclude Particularly litigating, approve prohibitive. heart complaint; residences pattern-and-practice controversy, made, intent, cleared, sufficient. experiences, credibility certainly litigated 62 represent, 23(b)(2), constituting 'all City black and/or Rican/Spanish employed policies .' 9. 8—9. negro her race. 5. intent available. ground she Brief 9, 12. Ortiz' affidavit, answer dismiss, 1966 1972. 366—367. nowhere defines term parenthetical phrase 'without capital estate.' addition inadequacy definition, discloses variations needs, money 25—26. carrying retaliation litigation. KF135 P2 Bator, Mishkin, D. Shapiro, Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Wechsler, Hart Wechsler's System 156 (2d ed. 1973). bears affinity ripeness—whether matured intervention—and mootness-whether occasion persists. Lake Carriers' MacMullan, 406 498, 1749, 257 (1972); Hall Beals, 45, 200, 214 154—156, 639—640, (Frankfurter, Scott, Court—A Functional Analysis, 86 Harv.L.Rev. 645 arises defensively, bar him. (1953); McGowan Maryland, 366 420, 429 430, 81 1101, 1106—1107, 393 (1961). problem; governed closely litigant's Ortiz communting expenses former employment recites disadvantages how improved possible. importance, objective subjective disadvantage flow opposition stated: 'Since job until initiated inquiries renting buying However, moderate, house family wife seven children, priced rent largest unit. reading ads newspapers coming during located buy 37. locating purchasing husband searched suburban communities: '(O)ur investigation included bedroom communities Webster, Irondequoit, Perinton. Our search period led us towns.' 428. 'searched alternate area,' choice 'there apartments level 452—453. 'bought walked look reside. area.' 407. contemplated series one- three-bedroom sell them—at time—to earned $5,000 $8,000 year. Board September incompatibility neighborhood, projected congestion, severe soil erosion construction. 629—633, 849—859, 883—884. buildings, containing units, single small families, capable 'of accumulated funds' funds payment 634. October 12, 1971; revision proposal reconsidered April indications apparently consideration. indicates 'planned unit developments'; told sale likely importantly, slightest suggestion adequate, cost, resides six-bedroom N.Y.; owns receives He concerned finding wife, spend maximum $120 month 370. four-bedroom herself six 417—418. children. doubtful record. resources acquire projects. left entirely obscure. budget figures supplied presumably year vague description suggests bee Broadnax. price assumed—even subsidies available—to presents case: $14,000 year, $231 now, residence. 5, defined Since subsidized, ineligible. nonsubsidized removal restrictions—in reduced thought Park View Heights Black Jack, 467 1208 (CA8 1972); Crow Brown, 457 788 (CA5 1972), aff'g 332 F.Supp. 382 (ND Ga.1971); Kennedy Assn., Lackawanna, 436 108 (CA2 1970), cert. denied, 401 1010, 1256, 546 (1971); Dailey Lawton, 425 1037 (CA10 1970). Farmworkers Florida Project, Incorporated Delray Beach, 799 1974). challenges contractual ways, undertake identify abstract. usually cited supra note provisions, effective urban planning, peculiarly province local authorities. dissatisfied provisions overlook availability normal 688—690, 2416—2417, 127—129, 714—715, Sedler, Assert Constitutional Jus Tertii Court, Yale L.J. 599 Bigelow Virginia, 421 809, 815—817, 2222, 600 (1975). amicus brief Lawyers' Law argues, colorable 810(a). significant, adopt argument. 'refuse negotiate of, unavailable deny, color, national origin,' 'discriminate terms, conditions, dwelling, connection therewith, 3604(a) added). gravamen confirmed 41. intimate view whether, purposeful 804. 1972). protected 1981 1982 existed punished disrupted unlawfully blocking pending administrative remedies, (1968); 158, 830, 832, (1970); 225 2934, Barlow Collins, 159, 176, 843, 192 (1970) (Opinion Brennan, J.). have, view, discovery deal dissent remaining claims, things, offer much broader curriculum, vocational education, school attend, tutoring counseling programs provides comprehensive recreational program, offers little, full-time, library, library 377—400. playgrounds police protection, garbage disposal, lacking 419. result, safe mice, rats, roaches house. 416—417, stated, similarly, inadequate 426, sending inferior schools, 433. Finally, home, inadequate, 443, play totally inadequate. 454. summaries detailing inadequacies as, provided poor 'many leaks roof, bad wiring, roach infestation, rat mice crumbling foundation, broken front door, hot water heater, etc.' 410. aside dangers conditions present, son's asthma condition exacerbated. 413. central people, seventh-floor exposed radiator pipes, elevator, screens, violence, theft, sexual attacks frequent. 441—446. Once again, long, detailed accounts suffered. prosecuted nonsupport, prosecuted, contribute children's support. Nothing otherwise. did briefs inclusion documents, was, 12(b), converted Rule judgment. portion 12(b) conversion applies failure reasons. rate, counter-affidavits 56(e), stage disproved glancing mentioned built concludes much. 506-507, 16. acknowledges, Project. Further, stands report Task Force Moderate Income Housing, 487—581, prepared Pen- field 'moderate $5,500 $11,000 depending size family,' 492, 'priced below $20,000 (carrying) $150 month,' 493. also, income,' 527. meant 'low' 'moderate' 494-495, 16, did. discussion fell Board's except more. Report out, 503—516, setting builder costing $18,900, 507. improbable, task force named benefited recommended force, good chance would.

Classification Label: 8