Legal Document

396 U.S. 295 90 Supreme Court Reporter 506 24 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 532 David Earl GUTKNECHT, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES. Number 71. Argued Nov. 20, 1969. Decided Jan. 19, 1970. Michael E. Tigar, Washington, D.C., for petitioner, pro hac vice, by special leave of Court. William D. Ruckelshaus, respondent. Mr. Justice DOUGLAS delivered the opinion 1 This case presents an important question under Military Selective Service Act 1967, 62 Statutes-at-Large 604, as amended, 65 75, 81 100. 2 Petitioner registered with his Local Board and was classified I—A. Shortly thereafter he received a II—S (student) classification. In little over year notified that no longer student Meanwhile had asked exemption conscientious objector. The denied exemption, reclassifying him I—A, appealed to State Board. While appeal pending, surrendered registration certificate notice classification leaving them on steps Federal Building in Minneapolis statement explaining opposed war Vietnam. That October 16, 1967. On November 22, denied. 27, 3 December declared delinquent local board. 26, ordered report induction January 24, 1968. He reported at center, but normal procedure not followed. Rather, signed statement, 'I refuse take part, or all, (sic) prescribed processing.' Thereafter indicted wilfully knowingly failing neglecting 'to perform duty required him' Act. tried without jury, found guilty, sentenced four years' imprisonment. versus Gutknecht, 283 F.Supp. 945. His conviction affirmed Appeals, 8 Cir., 406 Reporter, 2nd 494. is here petition writ certiorari, 394 997, 89 1595, 22 775. 4 * Among defenses tendered trial legality delinquency regulations which were applied petitioner. It single we will consider. 5 By promulgated board may declare registrant be 'delinquent' whenever 6 'has failed any duties selective service law other than comply Order Report Induction (SSS Form 252) Civilian Work Statement Employer 153). *' 32 Code Regulations § 1642.4. 7 this case, petitioner have 2) current 110) personal possession all times, §§ 1617.1 1623.5 respectively. consequences being 1642.4 are two types: (1) Registrants who deferments exemptions reclassified one classes available service, I—A—O, I—O, whichever deemed applicable. 1642.12. (2) already I—A O, those such status, given first priority order call induction, requiring called even ahead volunteers induction. 1642.13. latter consequence deprives previous standing set out 1631.7.1 9 order-of-call provision use when 'delinquent'2 1631.7(a). lists, order, six categories registrants provides shall selected according categories. category delinquents; next volunteers; consist nonvolunteers. third time 'delinquent.' virtue declaration moved meant, brief Department Justice, 'it unlikely 20 years age would been early date delinquent.' 10 If person alternative civilian refuses subjects himself criminal prosecution. See 1642.41, 1660.30. 11 There doubt concerning propriety sanction, Congress has specifically provided punishment disobey statutes 12 50 KF62 App. 462 (1964 ed., Supp. IV). posed concerns legitimacy so deprive call. II preliminary point must mentioned suggestion should taken administrative from declaring failure do bars defense 13 pertinent regulation 1642.14, gives 'is into Class I—A—O I—O' three rights: 14 (a) right appearance, upon request, 'under same circumstances case'; 15 (b) reopened 'in discretion board'; (c) persons case.' (Emphasis added.) 16 appearance case' covered 1624.1(a). section '(e)very after determined board' request made therefor within 30 days. action against however, did involve term 'classification' used exclusively refer determining availability e.g., I—O. pts. 1621—1623. 'Delinquency' classification, 'declared' delinquent, 'classified' delinquent. pt. 1642. 17 reopen also irrelevant attacking only accelerated 18 'as 1626.2(a). '(t)he board.' 19 Again, since conjunction delinquency, accelerated, it mean regulations.3 We advised, authoritative way, interpretation contrary construction accepted practice.4 III come then merits. problem 'delinquency' goes back 1917 Act, 40 76, shown Appendix opinion. present concerned stem 1948 604. 21 issued substantially identical regulations, Nothing prior makes reference delinquents. purport issue authority Section 10, relates neither selection (§ 5) nor 6), simply administration delegated President: 'The President authorized—(1) prescribe necessary rules carry provisions title.' 619. 1642, survived 1967 largely intact. there nothing indicate authorized System reclassify exempt deferred punitive purposes provide reaffirmed its intention (50 IV)), punish delinquents through law. 23 true, course, referred 'deinquents' 6(h)(1), 102, 456(h)(1) IV): 'As subsection, 'prime group' means group designated selections Armed Forces volunteers.' 25 institutes groups, 1631.7(b), never used. casual mention 'delinquents,' moreover, measured explicit congressional violate laws, IV), deferments, 456 expressions emphasizing importance impartial call, 455 ed. IV); H.R.Conf.Rep. 346, 90th Cong., 1st Sess., 9—10. Thus Solicitor General stated Oestereich 11, 46, O.T.1968, 393 233, 414, 402: 26 'It difficult believe intended boards unfettered decide violation warrants reclassification *.' Brief 54. 27 Judge Dooling Eisdorfer, 299 975, 989: 28 statutory authorization Conggressional support except what can spelled amendment *. disregard structure Act; priorities-of-induction, adopted public interest, treated if they forfeitable privileges.' 29 involved where divinity school IV—D turning Government protest thereupon After exhausted remedies, At brought suit District judicial review held unusual pre-induction permissible exemption. said: 'There legislative history that, granted meets terms conditions, nonetheless withhold activities conduct material grant withdrawal So hold make Boards free-wheeling agencies meting their brand justice vindictive manner. 31 'Once registers qualifies find because unrelated merits granting continuing exemption.' U.S., 237, 416. instant different 'exemption,' 'deferment,' sense involved. change accelerate petitioner's first; difference led Appeals conclude said controlling here. 33 Deferment bestowal great benefits; acceleration extremely punitive. As indicated, policy training manner.' 455(a)(1) IV.) express specific content phrase. does permit people 'before together with, after' time. Moreover, reached position But variations phrase manner' particular help underline concern integrity 34 know while address itself issue, vitally selection, well deferments. Conference House Senate power initiate 'a random system selection'—a which, felt, preclude 'playing affirmative role' constitutional task 'raising armies.' supra, show resistance more limited power, acquiescence delegation broad, sweeping discipline device. 35 once before late 5(a)(2) 455(a)(2) IV, provided: 36 'Notwithstanding paragraph establishing various groups qualified effect method relative heretofore established enactment paragraph, unless enacted 1967.' 37 gave designate prime select oldest group. S.Rep. 91—531, 91st 1. 1969, 83 220, repealed pursuant authorized. 3—4; H.R.Rep. 91—577, 2, 9.5 now put force.6 applies course prospectively. history, inducted achieved manner,' emphasizes deep problems exemptions, classifications. 38 5(a)(1) 'there discrimination account race color,' respects types freewheeling ride herd using immediate disciplinary measure. 39 standard guidelines. exercised entirely roving authority, type absolutism congenial our law-making traditions. Kent Dulles, 357 116, 128—129, 78 1113, 1119—1120, 1204, refused impute 'unbridled discretion' Secretary passport citizen 'for substantive reason choose.' Id., 128, 1119. Where liberties involved, 'we construe narrowly powers curtail dilute them.' 129, 1120. Director described designed prevent, wherever possible, prosecutions minor infractions rules' during processing.7 search vain clues desired sanctions apart Nor read privileges forfeited transgressions affront federal state laws violated registrants, prosecuted. substituted these prosecutions, vast rewriting needed. Standards needed could judged. And written, subject customary inquiries infirmities face application, including whether penalize free exercise rights. Reversed. 41 Chief BURGER concurs result generally reasons separate STEWART. 42 WHITE joins insofar holds promulgate case. APPENDIX TO OPINION OF THE COURT 43 Under 1917, return questionnaire physical examination, mailed directing military specified became member order; refusal obey subjected prosecution desertion. 'Since most instances receive due contact board, normally acquire status deserter wthout having actual knowledge induction.' System, Enforcement Law (Special Monograph 14, 1950). Thus, enforcement rested principally military, court-martial main weapon enforcement. 44 passing Training 1940, 54 885, ended practice subjecting jurisdiction immediately receipt orders report. court disobeying until actually inducted, vesting district courts. 45 No 1940 'delinquents.' These introduced CFR, chapter VI (Supp.1940), defined them: 46 'A fails time, allowed period imposed law, directions thereto, valid duty.' 601.106 (Supp.1940). 47 Furthermore, definite procedures processing delinquents: giving suspected 603.389 investigating charges, 603.390 possible dispositions: 48 hand— 49 'If convinced innocent wrongful intent, days mailing Notice Delinquency *, Attorney Act.' 603.391(a) 51 finds proceed just 603.390(a) 52 February 1942 amendments added advise prosecute laws: 53 wilful, substantial result, encourage obligations and, offers so, urge charge dropped.' 642.5 (Cum.Supp.1938—1943.) process 'enforcement education persuasion.' Law, 1—3. 55 try educating persuading (the delinquent) comply, attorney further persuasion failed, prosecution.' Organization Administration 241 3, 1951). 56 'wilful' prosecute, opportunity avoid 'volunteering' 57 '(T)he volunteer desired, volunteering often stage proceedings.' Ibid. 58 siphon some might otherwise traveled jail: 59 purpose (selective service) men establishment rather penitentiaries, seem willing prosecuted offenses committed Legal Aspects (Rev.1969). 60 1943, new issued. rely delinquent's induction; instead exempted 642.12(a) (Supp.1943), regard elsewhere 642.13(a) (Supp.1943). 61 A class accorded procedural rights entitled. 642.14(a) 'reopen' accord 'at 642.14(b) 'knowingly delinquent,' directed decline registrant's With respect 642.14, determine 'knowingly' become had, retained service. not, 'classified usual 'disregarded.' 642.14(c) 63 prevent delay apprehended registrants.' (emphasis added). More important, recognized delineated but, rather, nature: 64 amended again 1, 1943 changes To penalty prompt Classes IV—E addition existing sanction.' (Ibid.) purportedly drew 885. section, extent construed, conflict spirit 4(a): 66 manner, prescribe, liable exempted.' 887 67 expired March 31, 1947. discussed text, supra. 68 HARLAN, concurring. 69 & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions join Court's following observations. First, see it, prevents statute classifying information essential determination requested deferment. 1622.10 that: 'In placed every establish satisfaction hereinafter provided, eligible another class.' assume, keep justifies lower 70 Second, think consistently today restricted application cases itself, statute. However, features unauthorized legislation, give (like civil contempt) sanction future compliance. words, legislation authorize past transgressions, bring compliance operation process. 71 STEWART, concurring judgment. 72 reach cannot stand. matter seek ruling. Yet chance assert either Instead, five declaration. 73 thus very purported enforce. Those induce satisfy legal presenting prospect armed forces. critical stages They enable contest factual premises rests, correct oversight breach arisen merely neglect, purge wilful. event, regulatory objective remedial. board's based analogous age-old courts pronounce judgments contempt. each carries 'the keys (his) own pocket' termination order's effect.1 74 advanced contempt analogy, others both Term last.2 Such comports view agency charged administration—that young services, penitentiaries.3 comports, well, scheme restrictions action,4 remove induction.5 75 Accordingly, though say reopening removal lie board,6 agrees abuse remedial relief breached inadvertently carelessly, sought breach, originally obligations.7 argues avail effort delinquency. fact sent day, later weeks expiration appeal.8 advice do, suggested notice, detract force attack validity conviction.9 76 prejudiced departure routine noted declaration,10 concedes old eventually certainty, draft calls possibility subsequently deferment exemption—does complain earlier been.11 77 Finally, ruling entail category. Since argument runs, 'reclassified' him; shifted highest call.12 Neither logic supports narrow reading regulations. 1642.14 appeal, 'reclassification into' 'classification in' category.13 covers precisely whose automatically elevates head yet 'reclassified top list. regulation, recognizing process, ensures enjoy status. Because challenged afford exercise, reverse judgment conviction. 1631.7(a)(1) petitioners' trial, line '(d)elinquents attained dates birth first.' included 1631.7(a) hereafter, adopted. 1631.7(b) 'age groups,' Cf. McKart States, 395 185, 1657, 194. McKart, it. raising invalidity doctrine exhaustion held, inapplicable raised solely interpretation, id., 197—199, 1664—1666 serve defendant prosecution, 197, 1664. suggest remedies action. points out, 1642.4(c), removed time.' suggests least up issuance good faith Whatever ultimate seems conceded relevance where, states, solid evidence dispossessed cards.' 115 Cong.Rec. H 10255 et seq. (Oct. 29, 1969). 10301 seq., 10313 30, 14632 (Nov. Proclamation 3945, Fed.Reg. 19017 escalation involvement Vietnam increased calls, upsurge demonstrations protest. Some protests took form 'draft' cards officials National Headquarters directly boards. agreement turned (as contrasted burned cards) 12(a) processed administratively many instances, national 1—A namely retaining Registration Card Classification card.' 47. Shillitani 384 364, 368—372, 86 1531, 1534—1536, 622; Green 356 165, 197—198, 632, 650—651, 672 (Black, J., dissenting); Penfield company SEC, 330 585, 590, 918, 921, 91 L.Ed. 1117; Mine Workers, 258, 330—332, 677, 713—715, 884 (Black Douglas, JJ., part dissenting part). analogy briefs Bd. 402; Breen O.T.1969, awaiting decision; Troutman 623, cert. pending; Griffiths, Punitive Reclassification Who Turn Their Draft Cards, Sel.Serv.L.Rep. 4001, 4010—4012. 1642.14(b); cf. 1625.2. 1642.4(c). Of similar import notifying wait believes able locate secure 1642.41(a). civil-contempt draws historical development First World War, fill mailitary, ex rel. Bergdoll Drum, 107 897, 899, 129 American 1165. Second precursor appeared, 601.106, 603.389—603.393 offered obligations, Attorneys (Cum.Supp.1938—1943). on, denial reopenings registrants. wilful redeem Surely progression demonstrates whatever nature law's initial response problem, character remedial: recalcitrant handled proceedings, recant dereliction deliberate. understanding underlies recent decisions courts, Wills 943, 945—946, denied, 392 908, 88 2052, 1366; Bruinier, 293 666, upholding constitutionality Anderson Hershey, 410 492, 495—496 n. 498 nn. 15—16, 499, 449, Branigan, 225, 236—237; 984—989, app. docketed, 330, O.T. 1642.14(b). implying refusing limitation improperly erred duties, nearly months intervened between cure rise submit 1624.1(a), 1624.2(d), 1626.2(c)(1). 1664, 494, 496. Baker, 416 202, 204—205; Yates 404 462, 465—466, rehearing 407 50, 925, 1781, 242; Smith, 291 63, 67—68; Lybrand, 279 74, 77—83. 1642.12,

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