Legal Document

397 U.S. 112 90 Supreme Court Reporter 858 25 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 156 Robert I. TOUSSIE, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES. Number 441. Argued Jan. 14, 1970. Decided March 2, Murray Gurfein, New York City, for petitioner. Francis X. Beytagh, Washington, D.C., respondent. Mr. Justice BLACK delivered the opinion of Court. 1 Petitioner Toussie was convicted, after a jury trial, failing to register draft. His conviction affirmed by Appeals, 410 Federal Reporter, 2nd 1156 (C.A.2d Cir.), and we granted certiorari, 396 875, 155, 24 133 (1969). For reasons hereafter set forth conclude that this prosecution barred statute limitations therefore reverse conviction. 2 Section 3 Universal Military Training Service Act, 65 Statutes-at-Large 76, provides that: 'Except as otherwise provided in title, it shall be duty every male citizen * who, on day or days fixed first any subsequent registration, is between ages eighteen twenty-six, present himself submit registration at such time times place places, manner, determined proclamation President rules regulations prescribed hereunder.'1 4 The applicable presidential '(p)ersons who were born September 19, 1930, registered they attain eighteenth anniversary their birth, within five thereafter.'2 Since Toussie, an American citizen, June 23, 1941, he required sometime 23 28, 1959. He did not do so during period thereafter. On May 3, 1967, indicted indictment led under review. 5 Before trial moved dismiss indictment, arguing which '(e)xcept expressly law, no person prosecuted, trid, punished offense, capital, unless found years next offense have been committed.' 18 Code KF62 § 3282. there express provision contrary Draft argued his crime complete 1959, could subject based returned 1967—eight Government agreed but continued committed each register. District held Act imposes continuing lasts until age 26 perform before man becomes timely if defendant 31 old case prior 1972. 280 F.Supp. 473, 474 (D.C.E.D.N.Y.1967). Appeals agreed. F.2d, 1157 1158. If one timely, but, not, erred dismissing indictment. 6 In deciding when begins run given several considerations guide our decision. purpose limit exposure criminal certain following occurrence those acts legislature has decided punish sanctions. Such limitation designed protect individuals from having defend themselves against charges basic facts may become obscured passage minimize danger official punishment because far-distant past. also salutary effect encouraging law enforcement officials promptly investigate suspected activity. these others, stated 'the principle statutes are 'to liberally interpreted favor repose,' versus Scharton, 285 518, 522, 52 416, 417, 76 L.Ed. 917 (1932).' Habig, 390 222, 227, 88 926, 929, 19 1055 (1968). We said '(s)tatutes normally begin complete.' Pendergast States, 317 412, 418, 63 268, 271, 87 368 (1943); see Irvine, 98 450, 452, 193 (1879). And Congress declared policy should extended '(e) xcept law.' These principles indicate doctrine offenses applied only limited circumstances since, correctly observed case, '(t)he tension apparent; latter, all practical purposes, extends beyond its term.' mean particular never construed one. They do, however, require result reached explicit language substantive compels conclusion, nature involved must assuredly intended treated 7 young men, with exceptions, 'at places' prescribe. refers regulation promulgated continue times, reason immediately *.' 32 Regulations 1611.7(c). It urged makes what implicitly itself, continues failure then can late 26th birthday. 8 admittedly might urges, light history draft laws too readily found, feel incorporates doctrine. 1917 persons 'upon stating (such) registration.' 40 80. Pursuant authority proclaimed 5, 1917, day,3 approximately 10,000,000 men registered.4 There more general registrations August 24, 1918, had since come register.5 Later year amended statute, expanded group registration,6 President, places designated 955—956. Although seemingly would authorized different days, again issued designating single day, 12, subject.7 That last World War & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions thus clear throughout administration thought single, instantaneous act performed time, completed offense. 9 As events developed became II, service Armed Forces. Selective 1940 manner groups, hereunder.' 54 885. While new uniform date, October 16, 1940, men.8 two later setting dates groups same established procedure system, 18th birthday.9 10 After expired 31, 1947, registration. 1948, 62 604. expired, necessary provide initial entire 26. identical case,10 left administrative details designate. think imposition complete. 1948 various registered, phrased generally terms imposed group. Under fact month 1948. Persons 'on thereafter.'11 provisions remained force continual 18-year-olds shortly With exception few on,12 eliminate necessity older than 18. Viewed treat renewal original repeated commission offenses, rather perpetuated conception will System's viewpoint process 'continuing' But registrant's obligation arises specific time. Toussie's arose turned allowed five-day fulfill duty, 11 points out 'continuing duty' existence Act,13 most lower federal courts purposes applying limitations.14 suggested legislated field, supports Government's argument is. other hand suggests occasion explicitly deemed one,15 indicates intend adopt theory. evidence actually aware question acted whatever weight deserve—and reluctant imply except circumstances, congressional silence stronger construing incorporating continuing-offense 12 Unlike instances describes clearly contemplates prolonged course conduct.16 true does refer cannot give making implied questions fundamentally matters legislative decision, relied upon effectively stretch five-year into 13-year one, apart regulation, justifies conclusion.17 13 nothing inherent itself crime. Failing like conspiracy long conspirators engage overt furtherance plot. See Kissel, 218 601, 124, 1168 (1910), Grunewald 353 391, 77 963, 931 (1957). day's bring renewed threat evil sought prevent. viewed 14 support implying insubstantial, best highly equivocal. Basically faced task somewhat ambiguous ways. One way institution violation, while extend final date before: 15 'when choice made readings conduct crime, appropriate, choose harsher alternative, spoken definite. derive outlawry some implication.' C.I.T. Credit Corp., 344 218, 221—222, 73 229, 97 260 (1952). 16 Not insignificantly remarks context considering permit failure. Consequently law. show failed legal began almost eight barred. 17 emphasized conclusion gravity diminished. Failure heavy penalities. whether penalties begun delayed longer period. convinced limiting significantly impair either essential function raising army fail sufficient incentive encourage compliance requirements. felt easily limitations. yet done so. doubt willfully thereby possibility military faces fully comply obligations. cause dismissal injustice society full equal application laws. 'Every limitations, course, rogue escape,' (1943), court concludes bar prosecution, expression 'no tried, punished.' judgment reversed. Reversed. 20 WHITE, whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE HARLAN join, dissenting. 21 pertinent part prosecuted majority holds bars petitioner's birthday, ever submit, supported neither language, purpose, nor Acts. 22 once gained stressing applies applies, run. turn depends 'offense' petitioner being typical soon element occurs, date. offense,' exhausted proscribed continues. Cores, 356 405, 409, 78 878, 873 (1958); 607, 125, (1910); Model Penal s 1.07, Comment (Tent.Draft 1956). category falls entirely matter statutory interpretation. See, e.g., supra; 419—421, 272, Bramblett U.S.App.D.C. 330, 332, 231 489, 492, cert. denied, 350 1015, 658, 100 874 (1956). derives 50 U.S.C.App. §§ 453 462(a) (1964 ed. Supp. IV). latter section evade 'neglect refuse former section—453—spells 'duty' charged here: '(I)t now By natural reading least where 'times' 'places' continually accepting registrations, created unregistered register, Indeed, coupled 462's anyone 'evades' very similar alien unlawfully 'remains' country. opinion, ante, 120 n. 16. view raises whether, preceding characteristics—being specified limits—accurately described accused. concludes, only—declared registrations. proclamation, 'be thereafter.' According majority, fifth passed, 18-year-old, although indeed further wholly odds whole particular, well regulations, longstanding interpretation, itself. 27 460 IV); pt. 1611 (invoking 460), 28 'The local board area happens be.' 29 surely sets issue rest.1 apparently concedes much decides fall back theory Act.2 30 position, however simply untenable. addition authorization 460(b) prescribe carry title,' requires majority's reference proves anything, just opposite Court's conclusion. take place, utilizing election precincts system adapted day.3 1942, streamlined point boards open current less (your nearest usual business hours)4 Within bringing petitioner—in words statute—had 'time' 'place' 'determined prescribed' President. Despite implication contrary, 120, acted, expect cease merely passed. During hearings Senator Reynolds asked then-Major Hershey avoid altogether by, example, joining National Guard—which him exemption—and getting Major replied lost exempt status, persisted answer despite Senator's puzzlement (like majority's) over seem expired. finally accepted Hershey's explanation assuring 'your session (a)nd opportunity register.'5 Even relevant 'continuing-duty' accords defined solely sun originally declares unable 'because control possible inability ceases exist.'6 Apparently, calls 'exceptions,' impose valid inconceivable me good excuse tardiness, similarly bad all. receives appraisal section's considered whole. Immediately requirement, 454 'every months years, attains pursuant (§ 453) liable training Forces even view, 'required register,' section, literal terms, still induction brought. serve, completely illogical manpower pool inductees selected; step scheme processing, classifying, selecting training.7 O'Brien, 391 367, 377, 1673, 1679, 672 instant declaring 'shall times,' numerous reflect concept duties orderly place.8 settled rule 'interpretation placed statute,' Zemel Rusk, 381 1, 11, 85 1271, 1278, 179 (1965), seems spells intent already scheme.9 Yet dawn breaks male, six ended; though specifically induction, possible. ascribe inconsistent Congress. 33 construction order serious constitutional problem. continues, necessarily incriminating. Leary 395 6, 89 1532, 57 (1969); Marchetti 39, 697, 889 (1968); Grosso 62, 709, 906 below drew dead aim defect argument, wisely refrains relying Fifth Amendment petitioner—as concedes—is uninterrupted conduct. Code, 1.08, 33—34 (Tent. birthday; additional penalty risked. Thus, conceded incriminating, here, unlike Marchetti, Grosso, compel incrimination. gain form avoiding registering revealing late. 'incentive' stems registering, caused commence running, giving prosecute instead leaving 31.10 To suggest starting running sufficiently 'attractive' amount 'compulsion' purest fancy. 34 offense' hardly stranger jurisprudence. embrace crimes embezzlement,11 conspiracy,12 bigamy,13 nuisance,14 support,15 file reports,16 Alien Registration Act,17 notify change address,18 and, today, draft.19 freely lead undoubtedly approach interpretation 'a presumption finding rebuttable; way, intent. hold otherwise—to erect absolute absence shirk judicial responsibility interpreting Acts us, without insisting make easier using intent.20 Our own cases distinguish 'instantaneous' illegal attained occurred, whereas unlawful 'set foot impulse operated unintermittent force,' ultimate objective attained. Midstate Co., 306 161, 166, 59 414, 83 563 (1939); 224, 230, 231, definition fits precisely. testimony, admits liability accomplished remaining past 26—the prime liability. succeeded reaching escaping liability, detect is, aim, immune 23. around him, inducted, 26-year-olds first, forever free duty—and failure—to himself, them, selected. agree. affirm. 453. This 81 100, amendments provision. punishable fine, imprisonment, both. ed., Proclamation 2799, July 20, 1531. 604, 2942, 30, 1951, c35. 18, 1664. System, (1946). 13, 1834. 30. 1918 45. 955. 1840. 2425, 2739. 2572, November 17, 56 1982. supra, 113. 113, students colleges exempted 456(a)(1) student withdraws, presumably states '(n)o exemption therefor exist.' 456(k). Thus 4, 1941. System Vol. IX, 205(d), Fed.Reg. 2747. Fogel 162 (C.A.5th 332 791, 68 99, 92 373 (1947); Gara 178 38, (C.A.6th Cir. 1949), aff'd equally divided Court, 340 857, 71 87, 95 628 (1950); McGregor 206 583 (C.A.4th 1953); cf. Guertler, 147 796 1945). Salberg, 287 KF105 F3 208 (D.C.N.D.Ohio 1923). concealment bankrupt's assets discharge denial discharge.' 3284. Cf. (1958), held, venue prohibiting crewmen permits contemplated crewman country start overstayed permit. '(s) ection 252(c) punishes '(a)ny remains excess number allowed.' affirmative remaining, crucial word connotation presence.' Id., 408, S.Ct., 878. Armour Packing company 209 56, 428, 681 (1908), that, violations Elkins 847, offenses. '(e)very violation jurisdiction district through transportation conducted 73, 432. Both dealt involve presented case. significant concluded regulation. 55; 584; 39; opinions F.Supp., 474, 1157. implement provisions. continuing-duty supra. decisions reliance incorporate hold, dissent imply, post, 127, unauthorized Act. All type assertion quoted reflecting expectation occur, 'late' 'prescribed vested Law,' Dept., Regulations, Page i (2d 1918), 'other Day irrespective (the applicant) register.' 54; (1917) ('Local Boards accomplish reason, (Registration Day)') (emphasis added). Similarly, procedures '(a)ll including previous 613.11(b) (Cum.Supp. 1944) Director arrange supervise 1612.1. incongruous, say least, admit applicants, 1611.6, applicants corresponding cooperate board. Presumably discovered 'refuses inclined evade, refuses answer, answers falsely 1613.16 (provision dealing 'recalcitrants'). concerned 'limitations question,' continuing, 121 17. both prescribes, settled: (1910). If, hand, run, invalid. sympathize discomfort position forced assume, unease indication scope powers 10—11 (1946): idea follow organization units machinery. Governors County Clerks, county selected appointed registrars. ordinary voting. normal processes utilized extraordinary activity.' appears II boards' 'primary functions (were) classification induction.' Once emergency machinery dismantled, special accomplishing 54(b) 'local difficulty proper entry handling which, often insufficient received late.' 91. Significantly, help machinery, tens thousands tardy effected. 15. equipped handle resulting issuance id., 42, 91—92. 'Place registration': 'Any office hours Presidential hours.' 1613.1(a) Hearings S. 4164 Senate Committee Affairs, 76th Cong., 3d Sess., 385 (1940). exchange Reynolds—by Chairman Committee—and General amendment pointing 'gives broad discretion call Army sees fit them fit.' 2126 77th 1st (1941). 1531, 4173. Similar contained Supplementing Proclamation, c36. provisions, relating reservoir pipeline, repeatedly thereto. H.R. 10132 House 10—11, 15, 116 (1940); (1941) ('if you coordinate going embarrassment'); ('(t)he object know available able reach *'). 1617.1, 1623.5 (registration certificates kept one's personal possession times'); 1641.7 (duty keep informed status); 1641.3 registrant's) advised address mail him'). ago imposing advise decision rejected claim three-year changed three duties' overruled, brushed aside—all face knew 'wouldn't worth dime us years' information lists 'kept up date.' 37, 38 enacted added 454(a) registrants refused report remain inducted.' relies where, used effect. shows assumed 26; prompted 'insure registrant prolongs litigation 26' (when (be) service') 'would nonetheless regardless H.R.Rep.No.267, 90th (1967). slightest suggestion suspected, interrelated fairly read pari materia anything 26-year reached. logical stopping bounding seventy fifty-two eighteen.' Brief paraded horrible overlooks create ends induction. nn. 8, S.Rep.No.1268, 80th (1948) ('(r)egistration 26'). State Thang, 188 Minn. 246 Northwestern KF135 N69 891 (1933). (1957); Socony-Vacuum Oil 310 150, 253, 60 811, 858, 84 1129 Cox State, 117 Ala. 103, Southern S69 806, 41 L.R.A. 760 (1898); compare People Brady, 257 App.Div. 1000, N.Y.S.2d 789 (1939), Commonwealth Ross, 248 Mass. 142 Northeastern N59 791 (1924). E.g., Dry Fork R. W.Va. 235, Southeastern S6 447 (1901). Richardson Del. (7 Boyce) 534, 109 Atlantic 124 (Ct.Gen.Sess.1920); Towns Ga.App. 265, 575 (1919). Hanf 235 710 (C.A.8th denied 352 880, 102, Franklin, 182 (C.A.7th 1951). 1945); 1953). 1923) (holding continuing). requirement strictly determining prevent problems fair warning, defendant's constituted conduct, presecution), per se Given 453, consistent warning unfairly thinking repose

Classification Label: 1