Legal Document

383 U.S. 787 86 Supreme Court Reporter 1152 16 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 267 UNITED STATES, Appellant,v.Cecil Ray PRICE et al. Nos. 59, 60. Argued Nov. 9, 1965. Decided March 28, 1966. [Syllabus from pages 787-788 intentionally omitted] ThurgoodMarshall, Sol. Gen., for appellant. or Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 C. Mike Watkins, Meridian, Miss., appellees. Mr. Justice FORTAS delivered the opinion of Court. 1 These are direct appeals dismissal in part two indictments returned by Grand Jury Southern District Mississippi. The allege assaults accused persons upon rights asserted victims to due process law under Fourteenth Amendment. indictment Number 59 charges 18 persons1 with violations Code KF62 § 241 (1964 ed.). In 60, same charged offenses based 242 among so-called civil statutes which have come us Reconstruction days, period our history also produced Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments Constitution. 2 sole question presented these is whether specified make criminal conduct individuals were indicted. It an issue construction, not constitutional power. We no doubt 'the power Congress enforce appropriate sanction every right guaranteed Due Process Clause Amendment.' versus Williams, 341 70, 72, 71 581, 582, 95 L.Ed. 758.2 3 events based, as alleged indictments, follows: On June 21, 1964, Cecil Price, Deputy Sheriff Neshoba County, Mississippi, detained Michael Henry Schwerner, James Earl Chaney Andrew Goodman County jail located Philadelphia, He released them dark that night. then proceeded automobile on Highway 19 intercept his erstwhile wards. removed three men their automobile, placed official Sheriff's office, transported a place unpaved road. 4 acts, it alleged, plan conspiracy whereby intercepted defendants, including Rainey Patrolman Willis philadelphia, Police Department. purpose intent release custody interception, according charge, 'punish' men. 'did wilfully assault, shoot kill' each three. And, charge continues, bodies one defendants rendezvous road vicinity construction site earthen dam approximately five miles southwest 5 federal state indictments. They do crimes murders. framed fit stated statutes, before attempt draftsman Mississippi has been successful: against various may be prosecuted designated statutes. 6 shall deal first Criminal 241. this ease exposition because was enacted about four years prior 241.3 Section 1866; 1870. 7 I. 8 defines misdemeanor, punishable fine more than $1,000 imprisonment year, both. So far here significant, provides punishment 'Whoever, color any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, willfully subjects inhabitant State * deprivation rights, privileges, immunities secured protected Constitution laws *.' 9 60 contains counts, names officials 15 nonofficial persons. First charges, basis allegations substantially set forth above, all conspired 'to subject' right, privilege immunity Amendment summarily punished without acting Mississippi.' This said constitute violate 242, therefore offense 371 latter section, general makes crime conspire commit States. penalty violation 242—that is, misdemeanor.4 10 motion dismiss, sustained defendants. As sheriff, deputy sheriff patrolman, court recognized clearly 'under law' required 242.5 private persons, held '(I)t immaterial count they conspiring who so acting. See Rabinowich, 238 78, 87, 35 682, 684, 1211. 11 necessarily satisfied indictment, alleging arrest, detention, release, interception killing Goodman, adequately conspiracy, section could violated 'wilfully subject(ing victims) immunity' 12 No appeal taken decision trial respect Count adjudication. 13 Second, Third Fourth Counts but substantive 242. Each counts Mississippi,' respectively, 'for intent' punishing thereby deprive' 'of privileges States'—namely, law. 14 valid patrolman. But dismissed 'officers fact, de facto anything allegedly done law." note sustaining officers, again concluded properly willful deprivation, life liberty agree. other result would permissible decisions Screws States, 325 91, 65 1031; Williams II.6 we cannot agree applies only where person indicted acted color' Private jointly engaged prohibited action, purposes statute. To act does require officer State. enough he participant joint activity its agents.7 17 present case, brutal adventure made possible detention calculated prisoners attributable State, monstrous design described indictment. officers participated phase venture: jail, assault murder. activity, start finish. Those took advantage participation accomplishment foul must suffer consequences participation. effect, if true, participants lawlessness, concert hence Appellees urge effect did Consequently, affirm event, submit, since court's inadequacy jurisdiction review appeal. Swift & Co., 318 442, 63 87 889. specifically alleges fault lies Court's view statute requires offender capacity. consider statutory and, shown, determination error. Since indictable principal need might answer 'aider abettor' ed.), despite omission include such Accordingly, reverse remand trial. 20 II. 59. 21 felony—a count. 'conspired together injure, oppress, threaten intimidate' 'in free exercise enjoyment deprived Price at time 'could intercept' 'and threaten, kill them.' $5,000, years, 22 reads 23 'If intimidate citizen him having exercised same; 24 go disguise highway, premises another, prevent hinder secured— 25 'They fined $5,000 imprisoned ten both.' 26 although includes qualification limitation, 27 will recalled included denial rights—the involved Both Neither qualified limited. includes, presumably, reader sections, versed English language, seem bewildering sections differently read. 28 purported read gloss case squarely confronted point issue, fact sustain not, incorrectly assumed, hold inapplicable rights. divided equally issue. Four Justices, Frankfurter, 'only covers interferes arising powers Federal Government'—rights 'which can beyond constitutionally secure interference individuals.' U.S., 73, 77, S.Ct., 585. Douglas, found support Frankfurter's language legislative history, judicial interpretation up time. plainly covering conspiracies injure others see obstacle using punish deprivations Dismissal affirmed Black voted those joined Frankfurter. so, however, entirely different reason—that prosecution barred res judicata—and expressed '§ 241, applied, too vague uncertain scope consistent Fifth N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions thus left proper regards applicability protect open question. 29 detailed opinions I, supererogation track arguments intricacy. extensive re-examination question, conclude erred; written—to reach *'; Amendment; whatever ultimate coverage be, extends conspiractes otherwise within alone collaboration persons; confine ourselves major considerations induce conclusion. 30 1. There sets ambit Like supra, action through enforcement Amendment's admonition 31 patrolman conspiracy; 'plan conspiracy' 'while (the Jail (and defendants) 32 allegation which, dispute, brings official, murder, accomplished others. semblance Amendment, used sovereign office tried instead killed. If forbids counsel, denounces all. 33 consistently 'The protects individual wrongs 92, 593 (opinion J.). discussed, 34 2. argument, rests decision, cuts beneath this. deny contends enacting intended conferred reason 'substantive' Government—that operating directly merely means prohibitions action. Appeals Circuit relied below, put it, had mind appertain citizens extended 179 Reporter, 2nd 644, 648. plain unlimited. embraces indication sweep confined 'flow from' Government, distinguished confirmed observation Holmes Mosley, 383, 387—388, 904, 905—906, 36 source doings Ku Klux like obvious, acts violence obviously Congress. Naturally powers. (T)his dealt lump (It should construed so) deprive protection face (now 241) most reasonably affords.'8 37 believe, Holmes, emerged illuminates unmistakable light. think leaves that, give origins dictate, accord broad language. seek ingenious analytical instruments excluding Amendment—particularly violent legal reasons motivating enactment section.9 38 what came known Enforcement Act 1870, Statutes-at-Large 140.10 passed May 31, few months after ratification addition new re-enactment provision Civil Rights 1866 now breadth emphasized contrast narrowness was.11 forbade law,' 'any act.' narrow specific: contracts, sue, parties, evidence, full equal benefit proceedings security property enjoyed white to) subject punishment, pains, penalties, taxes, licenses, exactions everykind, none other.' 16, 144, re-enacting minor changes Appril 1866, 1, 27. Between 1870 there much agitated criticism Nation continued Negroes, sometimes accompanied assaults. response demands stringent legislation re-enacted explicitly limited described. At time, cover just enumerated 39 until revision 1874 specific enumeration eliminated broadened wide range already did: immunities, States.' substantial change effected customary stout assertions codifiers clarified reorganized changing substance.12 essentially unchanged, neither nor subsequent slightest congressional limit original clear, therefore, codifications, deal, interfere 'Federal rights.' find whatsoever judgment Solomon less words command.13 40 enactments viewed passions time.14 War ended April 1865. Relations between Negroes whites increasingly turbulent.15 control entire governmental former Confederate declared governments 'unreconstructed' illegal military administrations place. refused seat representatives adopted constitutions guaranteeing Negro suffrage, ratified Constitutional conventions called 1868. Six fulfilled Congress' requirements 1868, 41 For 'radical' Republicans dominated played political role. countermeasures swift violent. Kr Klan organized southern similar organization appeared romantic title Knights White Camellia. 1868 wave murders launched assassinations designed keep polls.16 themselves helpless, resort some extreme measures making hunt down disguised man.17 42 Within pressures mounted end war drastic measures. A Thirteenth December 6, 1865, Congress, described, originally form. 13, proposed, July February 1869 enacted. 43 context, hardly conceivable apply relatively unimportant category rights.18 Constitution, Amendments, it. 44 fully attested statement explanatory recorded relative enactment. refer speech Senator Pool North Carolina introduced provisions amendment Senator's remarks printed Appendix opinion.19 urged needed order invasions newly acknowledged punitive process, operate individuals. clear 'It matters own responsibility.' evidence actions officials. 45 conclude, incumbent credit Nothing courts considered matter stands way conclusion.20 46 application raise fundamental questions federal-state relationships. concerned indisputably involve mandate Amendment—that direct, traditional concern Government. area interest existed least century, intensified renewed emphasis Even recently 1951, when decided, role establishment vindication rights—such freedom travel, nondiscriminatory access public areas educational facilities—was pervasive intense today. Today, interpreting accordance historical design, denials regarded adversely affecting wise adjustment responsibility national 582 problem, being constitutional, ultimately, beginning, susceptible disposition. 47 Reversed remanded. 48 BLACK concurs except insofar relies 58, 595; 581; 97, 576. APPENDIX TO OPINION OF THE COURT. 49 Remarks sponsoring Sections 5, (Cong.Globe, 41st Cong., Sess., Pages 3611—3613): 50 MR. POOL. President, proposition Senate my Union particularly interested; fifteenth amendment, legislation, country become interested entering reconstruction; great principles reconstruction policy based. 51 occasion floor progressive, necessary progressive still. mere establishing insurgent thing; proposed proceed quite another thing, involving lie very foundation done, intimately connected results follow whole subject. 52 thing passage thirteenth slavery abolished. By millions people out protecting hand masters turned loose take care themselves. resources communities imbued prejudices race, past—indeed existence born—been taught instilled into prejudice equality attempted established colored 53 condition imposed late insurrectionary demanded serious consideration attention thirteenth, fourteenth, amendments men, subjected operation theretofore existed, raised still stronger feelings fight claimed country. people, weak, ignorant, poor. sought maintain you thrown class endure species proscription, opposition, vituperation carry lift uphold class. freedmen, effective regard reconstruction. 54 heard occasions organizations committed outrages, went purposes, intimidating coercing classes told perhaps well retaliation resorted oppressed. Sir, unless Government interposes command peace; war; bloodshed tumult sections. important interpose preserve peace quiet community. 55 vote denied abridged account color, previous servitude. speaks '(t)he f vote.' voting privilege; recognizes citizen; 'be State.' What understand that? Can abridge impunity? Is associations abridging contravening Constitution? unnecessary. perfectly totally unnecessary, inasmuch pass applicable State; indict officer. contravene passing positive contravened, unconstitutional, restrained. word 'deny' used. ways amendment. cannot—because it—by practically right. supply prevented force duty omission, giving vitality there. 56 perceive fourteenth When bill, copied bill pending. born naturalized citizens, provided certain enumerated. are, inherit, purchase, lease, sell, convey real personal property,' 'full property.' enforced officer, 'subject, cause subjected, (citizen) (of the) right(s) protected' act. subjecting officer; individual. And '(n)o States; life, liberty, witnout laws.' again; contradistinction clause, says, 'No so. That say seems me opens branch failure depriving fellow-citizens omits act, fifth operation, 'that article.' 57 You have, citizen, execute treaspasses operates Why extend country? 58 judgment, believe perfect amendments, features spirit itself, securing liberty. admit restraining delegated express terms; American citizenship object formation undertake enactment, said, it; substitute Judiciary Committee cases registration assessment taxes entries connection therewith, refuse register pay citizen. sufficiently large comprehensive embrace enable perform prerequisite voting. But, sir, suffrage; trespass fifteenth. Not conspiracies, told, formed purpose. fourth threats, intimidation, bribery, prevent, delay, right; nothing strikes individuals, defective highly penal together, organize bodies, great, House. struck drew either bills prevention suffrage main trouble hands. Suppose or, please, single individual, himself compel fellow particular way. threatens discharge employment, bring outrages perpetrated Kuklux organizations, voting, dictates party coercion them. legislate that. threatening preventing men's books taxation depositing ballot box. perfected meet emergencies meets case. 61 Indiana (Mr. Morton) asks drawn effect. offer simple 62 MORTON. Let information. printed, send desk 64 Chief Clerk Pool, 'Insert following sections: 66 'Sec. 5. further enacted, unlawful person, influence aforesaid, coerce intimidate, legally voters Territory. Any violating guilty conviction thereof imprisoned, both, discretion court: exceed $1,000, year. 67 6. band granted felony, imprisoned; years; shall, moreover, thereafter ineligible disabled holding honor, profit, trust created 68 7. preceding crime, misdemeanor committed, hereinafter provided, punishments attached felonies, crimes, misdemeanors committed. 69 'Strike twelve therefor following: 70 'And President employer purpose, employ land naval forces militia, deem complete execution act; pursue, attendance witnesses examination persons.' asked prepared met presenting compelling offered uses language: 72 'That Territory.' lost sight both House pending Senate, apprehend danger. this: oppression way, often happen, happened already, close election discharged employment employers. kinds election, cast votes deterring succeeding perpetrate desire do. bill. 73 feature importance. 74 75 mode intimidation attempts coercion, grow attempts, effort before, discussion Georgia juries composed them, friends, connive intimidated many instances dare true indict, found, final better, remedy, offenders jury interests crimes. 76 bill; call Senate. calling Committee, authorized, empower use stops. objected expression, 'or purpose,' abuse. good in. whomsoever pleases provision. 77 adverted arrested. Their confederates, common prisons nine witnesses; subterfuge away implicated commission offense. obtained My introducing think, yesterday, liable objection efficacious provisions. better perfecting made, perfected, 78 efficacious, little say. intend rose power, questioned here, accomplish worse doing bear Certainly moments ago, press legislation. responsibility; singly organizations. all, 79 infringe possess danger indeed parts Union. by, forms squarely, hope hesitate 80 prerogatives, citizenship, safely caprice withholding emergency require. neglects borders free, fair, strong arm 81 Upon ground Republican stand carrying policy, fabric reconstruction, amounts all; topple fall enact charters Unless stringently point, efficacy establish policy. 82 rise, arguing detail. rise Senate; asserting moment doctrine intervene endeavoring enforce, defects offering remedy One E. Jordan, His transferred Rule 20, Fed.Rules Crim.Proc., Middle Georgia. Cf. 386, 905, 1355 (a earlier version 241): course, reads: 'Williams' events. first, bearing 595, 747, perjury. second, 241; referred third, 576, 774, 242; clarity, designation throughout discussion. Reference 83, 588, table showing years. offense, only, maximum misdemeanor.' settled 107—113, 1031, 1038, 89 1495, II, 99—100, 578. '* police hands, seize victims, beat pound confess, victim constituted court, kangaroo court.' 101, 579. 'Under counterpart 1983 Monroe Pape, 365 167, 185, 212, 473, 483, 492 (majority opinion) J., dissenting). 1983, treated 'state action' See, e.g., Smith Allwright, 321 649, 757, 88 987; Terry Adams, 345 461, 809, 97 1152; Simkins Moses Cone Memorial Hospital, 323 959 (C.A.4th Cir.), cert. denied, 376 938, 84 793, 659; Holiday Inns, 336 630 (C.A.6th Cir.); Hampton City Jacksonville, 304 320 (C.A.5th Ghioto Hampton, 911, 83 256, 170; Boman Bitmingham Transit 280 531 Kerr Enoch Pratt Free Library, 149 212 326 721, 26, 90 427. contrary context dissenters Screws, 147—149, 1957 rejected then, later finally—in case—in supra. Peterson Greenville, 373 244, 250, 1119, 1133, (separate Harlan, Recent given form 'provate' constitutes action,' 242., Burton Wilmington Parking Authority, 715, 856, 45, whenever 'State insinuated itself position interdependence (with 'private' whose Amendment) challenged account, 'purely private' 725, 862. Pennsylvania Board Directors Trusts, 353 230, 806, 792; Evans Newton, 382 296, 486, 373; 1119; Lombard Louisiana, 267, 1122, 338; Robinson Florida, 378 153, 1693, 771; Griffin Maryland, 130, 1770, 754; Communications Association Douds, 339 382, 401, 674, 685, 94 925; Public Utilities Columbia Pollak, 343 451, 813, 96 1068; 757; 809; Rutledge, concurring result, 120, 1044. strange, indeed, revert once purpose—which remains vital pertinent today's problems. known, Reconstruction, almost dead letter concerned. Its impede regulation railroads corporations. Despite statements contrary, records debates Joint indicates uncertainty objective Stampp, Era 1865—1877, 136—137 (1965). 'An Right Citizens several Union, Purposes.' difference precludes argument narrowly exclude duplicative conjunction 371. If, hold, broader rejecting duplication Douglas 88, n. 2, 591. 74; 579; S.Misc. Doc. 40th Sess.; Misc. 3d S.Misc.Doc. 3, 42d Cong.Rec. 646, 648, 1029, 1210, 1461. S.. Ct. 591, disposes suggest meaning Frankfurter section. generally, 1865 1877 (1965); Navins, Emergence Modern America 1865—1878 (1927). H.R.Rep. 39th Page seq. Nevins, op. cit. 351. id., 352; Morison, Oxford History People 722—723 example, Waddell, 112 76, 35, 673 (right homestead claim); Classic, 313 299, 85 1368 elections); Logan 144 263, 617, 429 unauthorized while custody); re Quarles, 158 532, 959, 1080 inform law). Cruikshank, 92 542, 552, 588; Hague Industrial Organization, 307 496, 512—513, 954, 962, 1423 Roberts, J.); Collins Hardyman, 651, 660, 937, 941, 1253. show constitutionality affected undue vagueness coverage. reference deficiency cured requirement proved. Secrews 1031. distinction respect. 93—95, (Douglas,

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