Legal Document

500 U.S. 415 111 S.Ct. 1899 114 L.Ed.2d 493 Dawud Majid MU'MIN, Petitionerv.VIRGINIA. No. 90-5193. Argued Feb. 20, 1991. Decided May 30, Rehearing Denied Aug. 2, See U.S., 112 S.ct. 13. Syllabus Petitioner Mu'Min, a Virginia inmate serving time for first-degree murder, committed another murder while out of prison on work detail. The case engendered substantial publicity in the local news media. trial judge denied his motion individual voir dire and refused to ask any proposed questions relating content items that potential jurors might have seen or read. Initially, questioned prospective as group, asking four separate about effect them pretrial information obtained by other means. One juror who admitted having formed belief Mu'Min's guilt was excused cause. then conducted further panels four, each indicated he had acquired knowledge from outside sources, asked whether an opinion. equivocated her impartiality sua sponte, several others were various reasons. Although 8 12 eventually sworn they read heard something case, none opinion based would be biased way. jury found Mu'Min guilty capital sentenced him death. Supreme Court affirmed, finding that, criminal defendant may properly has previously does not constitutional right explore information, but is only entitled know can remain impartial light information. Held: judge's refusal question specific contents reports which been exposed did violate Sixth Amendment due process under Fourteenth Amendment. Pp. 422-432. (a) This Court's cases stressed wide discretion granted courts conducting area areas tend show bias. For example, holding court's questioning must "cover subject" possible racial bias, Aldridge v. United States, 283 308, 311, 51 470, 471, 75 L.Ed. 1054, careful specify particulars this could done. 422-424. (b) assertion do more than merely persuasive. precise inquiries reveal sense juror's general outlook life some use exercising peremptory challenges, benefit cannot basis making "content" requirement, since challenges are required Constitution. Ross Oklahoma, 487 81, 88, 108 2273, 2278, 101 80. Moreover, although helpful assessing impartial, such constitutionally compelled if failure renders defendant's fundamentally unfair. Murphy Florida, 421 794, 799, 95 2031, 2036, 44 589. Furthermore, contrary situation Aldridge, supra, at 311-313, S.Ct., 471-72, there no judicial consensus, even weight authority, favoring position. Even Federal Courts Appeals expressly done so grounds. 424-427. (c) misplaces reliance Irvin Dowd, 366 717, 81 1639, 6 751, held connection with tainted particular pool matter federal law change venue. That deal requirement inquiry, it clear how extensive inquiry court made. here, substantial, nearly damaging exist Irvin. While adverse create presumption prejudice jurors' claims should believed, Patton Yount, 467 1025, 1031, 104 2885, 2888, 847, case. 427-430. (d) also American Bar Association's Standards Criminal Justice, require interrogation individually respect "what [he] case," "[i]f possibility will ineligible serve because exposure potentially prejudicial material." These standards leave initial determination possibility; substantive for-cause eligibility standard stricter Constitution, see Patton, 1035, 2890; commended themselves majority considered question. 430-431. (e) two-part examination means perfunctory adequately covered subject bias publicity. 431-432. 239 Va. 433, 389 S.E.2d 886, affirmed. REHNQUIST, C.J., delivered Court, WHITE, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, SOUTER, JJ., joined. J., filed concurring MARSHALL, dissenting opinion, all Part IV BLACKMUN STEVENS, KENNEDY, John H. Blume, Columbia, S.C., petitioner. McLees, Jr., Richmond, Va., respondent. Chief Justice REHNQUIST Court. 1 convicted murdering woman Prince William County, Virginia, detail, publicity, venirepersons answered None those affect their ability determine petitioner's innocence solely evidence presented trial. contends, however, violated exposed. We reject submission. 2 Department Corrections' Haymarket Correctional Unit 48-year sentence 1973 conviction. On September 22, 1988, transferred Transportation (VDOT) Headquarters County assigned detail supervised VDOT employee. During lunch break, escaped over perimeter fence facility made way nearby shopping center. Using sharp instrument fashioned shop, murdered robbed Gladys Nopwasky, owner retail carpet flooring store. returned crew VDOT, discarding bloodied shirt weapon near highway. 3 About three months before trial, petitioner submitted court, support venue, 47 newspaper articles murder.1 discussed details investigation, included prior record (App. 963-969), fact rejected parole six times (id., 923, 942), accounts alleged infractions 921, 931, 948, 951), comment death penalty available when earlier 948), indications confessed killing Nopwasky 975). Several focused laxity supervision gangs 922-924, 930-931), argued reform work-crew system 974). deferred ruling venue until after attempt seat (Joint Appendix 8-15 (J.A.)). 4 Shortly date set 64 questions2 2-7) dire. dire; ruled begin collective venire, venire broken down into necessary, issues 16-17). seen. 5 Twenty-six summoned courtroom group 42-66). When anyone offense accused media source, 16 replied 46-47). source knowledge, following questions: "Would you heard, received, whatever your case? 7 "Is say what you've read, seen, impartial? . 9 "Considering ladies gentlemen affirmative believe enter Jury box open mind wait entire reaching fixed conclusion accused? 10 11 ". In view everything believes become Juror, accused?" (Id., 47-48.) panel members response these dismissed cause 48-49). moved 68). 69), renewed 71). 13 72-94). Whenever nonetheless impartial. seated stated gave indication prejudiced against defendant. All swore innocence. 14 If anyone, follow-up whom discussion took place, despite discussion. she removed sponte 90). "as frank [be]" concerning feelings toward Islamic Faith defense counsel 81). inability impose 86-87), upon statement consider less 339-341). prosecution peremptorily challenged jurors, remaining (two alternates). renew make objection composition jury. Of decided one 15 recommended After taking advisement reviewing presentence report, accepted jury's recommendation appealed, contending new result permit questions. By divided vote, affirmed conviction sentence, Rather, 443, 893 (1990). certiorari, 498 ----, 242, 202 (1990), now affirm. Our dealing requirements two kinds: tried courts, therefore supervisory power, Rosales-Lopez 451 182, 1629, 68 22 (1981); 1054 (1931); Connors 158 408, 951, 39 1033 (1895); state our authority limited enforcing commands States Turner Murray, 476 28, 106 1683, 90 27 (1986); Ristaino Ross, 424 589, 96 1017, 258 (1976); Ham South Carolina, 409 524, 93 848, 35 46 (1973). 17 A brief review instructive. Connors, we said: 18 "[A] suitable permissible order ascertain control fair tried. great must, necessity, left its sound discretion. rule civil cases, same applied cases." 413, 953. 19 (1931), black sought put race. reversible error question, saying "[t]he failed deemed cover subject." Id., 472. More recently, ethnic need every where violent crime victim different groups. 20 "Because obligation empanel lies first instance judge, rely largely immediate perceptions, judges accorded ample determining best conduct dire." 189, 1634. 21 Three extent dealt trials courts. supra. active rights movement Carolina; enforcement officers "out get him" activities, framed charge marijuana possession accused. He requested regarding persons, himself, wore beards. Due Process Clause "either brief, urged petitioner" race, id., 527, 851, claim persons beards made, "[g]iven traditionally broad ." 528, 851. Constitution races differ, involving white person asked. 23 enjoy latitude setting power interpreting provisions But, parallel themes emerge both sets cases: first, charged sufficiently real requires prejudice; second, retains deciding As said Rosales-Lopez, supra: 24 "Despite importance, adequacy easily appellate review. function point unlike later Both reach conclusions credibility relying own evaluations demeanor responses questions." 188, 25 asserts prejudice. Not subject," 472, argues materially assist obtaining likely selected without There certain common appeal argument. 26 Undoubtedly, allowed answer exactly better revealed, revelation challenges. 80 (1988), requirement. Such causing re-evaluate answers necessarily speculative. Acceptance interrogated individually; descriptions obviously communicated being interrogated, prospect harm good interrogation. says accomplished questionnaires advance written give course answering expressed reservations interrogating feel concern sensibilities defeat necessary protect right, required. 28 Whether decides not, decision end questioning: believed Questions To compelled, enough helpful. render 589 (1975). 29 seminal requiring prejudice, makes relied heavily unanimous body precedents 471-72. similar Among decisions cited us parties, State Lucas, 285 S.C. 37, 39-40, 328 63, 64-65, cert. denied, 472 1012, 105 2714, 86 729 (1985), Massachusetts, Commonwealth Burden, Mass.App. 666, 674, 448 N.E.2d 387, 393 (1983), Pennsylvania, Dolhancryk, 273 Pa.Super. 217, 222, 417 A.2d 246, 248 (1979), adopt rule. Fifth Circuit, Davis, 583 F.2d 190, 196 (1978), Seventh Dellinger, 340, 375-376 (1972), 410 970, 1443, 706 (1973), Ninth Silverthorne 400 627, 639 (1968),3 circumstances Eleventh Circuit not. Montgomery, 772 733, 735-736 (1985). Eight District Columbia Circuits appear take intermediate Poludniak, 657 956 (CA8 1981), sub nom. Weigand 455 940, 102 1431, 71 650 (1982); Haldeman, 181 U.S.App.D.C. 254, 288-289, 559 31, 65-66 (1976), Ehrlichman 431 933, 97 2641, 53 250 (1977). placed 30 noted above, Particularly think primary judgment sense. sits locale effect, brings evaluation perception depth stories influence juror. course, impute perceptions examined, assistance detailed venire. 31 relies 751 (1961), Gibson Indiana, county. length extraordinary attended murder. 32 barrage headlines, articles, cartoons pictures unleashed [the defendant] during seven preceding [T]he newspapers appeared regularly approximately 95% dwellings Evansville radio TV stations, likewise blanketed county, carried newscasts covering incidents." 725, 1644. 33 Two-thirds actually guilty, acknowledged familiarity material facts 728, 1645. concluded: 34 "With stake, too much atmosphere undisturbed huge wave public passion two-thirds admit, hearing testimony, possessing guilt." Ibid. instructive, employs it. It But contrast between present marked. Irvin, half 430 opinions sat guilt. guilt, 36 findings "be overturned 'manifest error.' " 2889, 847 (1984) (quoting 723, 1643). "adverse community believed," Had confronted "wave passion" occurred Irvin's well undertook here. showings comparable; differ kind coverage place coverage. Unlike involved county tried, William, population 1988 182,537, nine murders year. part metropolitan Washington statistical area, million, which, unfortunately, hundreds confessions burglaries murders, including unaccepted offer plead avoid sentence. They contained numerous appropriate punishment. favorable, contain sort Much aimed Corrections justice general, criticizing furlough release programs crimes possible. Any ultimately results engender considerable coverage, most occurrence Presidential campaign, Massachusetts became national debate. appears 37 8-3.5 (2d ed. 1980), promulgated Association. standards, possibility. importantly, challenge cause, regard mind, remembers "highly significant information" "other incriminating matters inadmissible evidence." require. Under ABA standard, content, more, disqualify sitting. hand, relevant remembered impartially defendant." 2891. alone, sufficient "It totally ignorant involved." 722, 1642. 38 previous decisions, thought "better" mean incorporated Cupp Naughten, 414 141, 94 396, 368 perfunctory. opinion; motion. quite revealed succeeding extensively. 40 Voir serves dual purposes enabling select assisting "covered" instance, experiences led insists, covered—which was—but specifically reasons stated, hold far, consistent provision. accordingly 41 Affirmed. 42 concurring. 43 No doubts brutal attracted days end, headlines macabre act senseless violence added fuel already heated political controversy wisdom work-release programs. decide today anything case; everyone agrees eight had. Nor disqualified law. post, 441-442, 444. squarely foreclosed (1984), upheld notwithstanding confessions, admissible widely reported press. 1029, 2887; 1047, 2897 (STEVENS, dissenting). erred crediting assurances aside verdict evidence. dissent insists assessed realistically identifying I disagree. true precisely undeniably aware, full range reported. Ante, 418. thus long dire, allegedly 45 With able mind. repeatedly impaired 421. selected, determined credible. observed determinations "special deference," 1038, 2892, reversed "manifest error." 1031-1032, 2888-89. correct more. decided, discretion, recount reading remains, himself familiar Hearing repeat knew still helpful: tone voice suggested excused. conclude, indispensable violates evaluate instead reference Accordingly, join STEVENS IV, dissenting. 48 Today's turns critical guarantee Amendment's jury—into hollow formality. preceded exceptionally selection Nonetheless, concludes individuals seating Instead, holds discharged ensure fair. 49 majority's reasoning unacceptable. assess establishing learned procedures employed wholly insufficient eliminate risk entered predisposed him. dissent. 50 * concedes charges "engendered publicity," ante, 417, "news favorable," 429, seeks minimize impact arguing come ibid. observation completely beside point. Regardless disseminated been, simple carefully avoids nature impossible fairly examining stabbed store owned Dale City, Virginia. weeks later, indicted Nopwasky. Facts developed established escaping site 437-438, 889-890 52 generated intense interest controversy. press gross negligence corrections officials responsible overseeing escaped. reported, enclosed four-foot high fence, single strand barbed wire across top. App. 890899 (Va.Sup.Ct.), p. 963 (hereinafter App.). lax inmates ready access alcohol, drugs, weapons slip away extended periods detection. 922, 939, 963-964. public, official administering highway issued apology. 927. satisfied, number residents wrote editorials demanding program fired, 930, 937, 974, leaders pushed increased controls inmate-release programs, 935, 936, 958. Officials responded introduction stiffer restrictions crews, 938, suspension furloughs crimes, 970. explaining policies, director Virginia's explosive reaction intensified Willie Horton, whose rape assault Maryland major issue presidential campaign. 'The world's uproar now,' quoted stating. Naturally, devoted crime. Most front pages papers, almost extremely Mu'Min. Readers papers discovered blood, clothes pulled off semen body. 925. described particularly "macabre" side story, paper raping share 963. 54 banner "Murderer confesses woman," 975-976, "Inmate Said Admit Killing," 925, accompanied indictment proud announcement Secretary Public Safety secured acknowledgment responsibility 975, 981. Subsequent charges, initially offered incredible help witnessing man attempting her. 932, 945. However, according reports, abandoned story twice steel spike, once neck chest, gotten dispute price Oriental rugs. 945, 955. front-page headline: "Accused killer City argument." 55 Another least contemplated According article, told authorities, cross my sex her.' 959. item captioned "Mu'Min Says Raping Nopwasky." 922 (headline "Laxity factor killing"). 56 Those reporting background little doubt fully capable committing forth cab driver. 951. Another, history trouble," violations rules times. 942. suspect recent beating. 921. strayed go forays sometimes stealing beer wine, 956, 959, occasion breaking private home, 964. paper, report 'could model prisoner.' 969. Contacted reporter, fellow 'lustful' 'strange stuff.' 'Maybe this,' saying, 'but going happen.' 57 Indeed, readers avoided permitted seek headlined Va.," year Furman Georgia, 408 238, 92 2726, 346 temporarily invalidated penalty, prosecutor "would murder." App., press, concurred underscored 'more swifter punishment.' 980. 58 Finally, uncertain terms convinced Congressman announced "deeply distressed constituent murderer department program" demanded explanation "decisions like commit His opponent congressional election, member House Delegates, editorial "I am outraged apparently resident City." 984. Assuring crime, police chief explained, 'We haven't lost very many [murder cases] lately. point.' 979. virtue "point" reached II 59 whether, surrounded obliged identify heard. negative. majority, views juror-bias, asserts, never gone far engage so-called "content questioning," prove unduly burdensome administration justice. accept analysis. 60 recognized undermine E.g., (1961); Rideau Louisiana, 373 83 1417, 663 (1963); Sheppard Maxwell, 384 333, 1507, 600 (1966); (1975); (1984).1 fulfill role, preconceptions base "The theory induced argument influence, talk print." Patterson Colorado ex rel. Attorney General, 205 454, 462, 556, 558, 879 (1907). 61 today, called address assure protection particular, indicate overwhelmed reviewable error,' quoting 1643, type undertake merit 'special deference,' Bose Corp. Consumers Union Inc., 466 485, 500, 1949, 1959, 502 (1984). Because today's essentially impression, racial-bias "gone far" questioning, 431, irrelevant. assuming scope pretrial-publicity greater setting, inference drawn "require bias," sole 62 firm impartial-jury jurisprudence "assurances equal task dispositive accused's rights." 800, 2036. O'CONNOR observed, "juror concealing [or] unaware it." Smith Phillips, 209, 221-222, 78 (1982) (concurring opinion). "Natural human pride suggest negative reason impartial." 375 (CA7 1972); compare 1645 ("No sincere petitioner, psychological declaration one's fellows often father"). simply square principle admits elicit profession open-mindedness swearing 63 matter, emphasized "searching screen innocence." Nebraska Press Assn. Stuart, 427 539, 564, 2791, 2805, 683 (1976) (emphasis added); accord, 602, 2823 (Brennan, judgment). Anything meaningless. 532, 853 (MARSHALL, part). recognized, "[p]reservation opportunity actual jury." Dennis 339 162, 171-172, 70 519, 523, 734 (1950). bears burden partiality, see, e.g., Wainwright Witt, 469 412, 423, 844, 841 (1985); imperative meaningful biases possessed jurors. view, First, recognize circumstances, inflammatory creates strong "the believed." 2889; 798-799, 2035-36. concluded confession possibly judged saturated 725-729, 1644-46. Similarly, (1963), presumed mandating filmed broadcast television consecutive days. 724, 726-727, 1418, 1419-20. An qualitatively akin service earnestly professes impartiality.2 unless asks comes within class. Cf. 800-802, 2036-37 (performing analysis rejecting challenge); 357, 1519 (observing "whether case").3 65 Second, extreme per se disqualifying, essential legal impartiality. of" 948 (O'CONNOR, concurring), mixed fact, resolution draws expertise. Where, "impartial," product confusion is.4 addition corresponding impressions formed, confirm demands. 66 Third, facilitates accurate factfinding. "determination credibility." 2892. Where acknowledges constitutes contextual assessment believable. declines develop background, deference. 67 questioning. Exactly shown, 435-438, printed extraordinarily prejudicial, typically used introduce them. uniquely destructive maintain case—in confession, 541, 563, 2794, 2804; judgment); 725-726, 1644; statements prominent attesting 349, 1511, 1515; unsavory past, profoundly published bulk certainly Rideau. alternatively argument," just broadcast. At minimum, position credit professions pose exposed." 433 find perplexing. awareness substitute aware stories. ignorance unworthy rendered unqualified sit jury, inexcusable willingness ascertaining case.5 protest, does, "repeatedly" impartiality, own, establish purposes. becomes through repetition. 69 425. Sixty years ago, Hughes contention: advanced behalf Government detrimental allow religious prejudices. injurious entertaining disqualifying designed disqualification barred. surer devised bring processes disrepute." 314-315, 473. applicable 72 solicitude administrative convenience gratuitous. Numerous adopted sorts screening disparages excessively intrusive. Addonizio, 49, (CA3 1971) (content sequestered ), 405 949, 812 (1972); (CA5 1978) questioning); (CA9 1968) Minn.Rule Crim.Proc. 26.02, Subd. 4(2)(b) (sequestered ); Pokini, Haw. 640, 643-644, 526 P.2d 94, 100-101 (1974) Goodson, 412 So.2d 1077, 1081 (La.1982) Claybrook, 736 S.W.2d 95, 99-100 (Tenn.1987) Herman, Wash.2d 590, 593-594, 611 748, 750 (1980) Finley, --- W.Va. ---, ---- - 355 47, 50-51 (1987) ). Colabella, 1299, 1303 (CA2 (recommending publicity); Harris, 542 1283, 1295 1976) (same), sub. Clay 934, 1558, 779 (1977), Association 8-3.5(a) 1980) Judicial Conference Revised Report Committee Operation System "Free Press—Fair Trial" Issue, 87 F.R.D. 532-533 (same). Additionally, defendants cases. Ky. Rule 9.38; Tex.Code Crim.Proc.Ann., Art. 35.17 (Vernon 1989). short, anxiety difficult jurisdictions steps taken insulate proceedings compromising efficiency.6 III 73 "Given pervasiveness modern communications difficulty effacing minds measures balance weighed accused." 362, 1522. compelling: justice, "only strip liberty life." 74 twelve voted incapable grisly accusations succession indicating guilty. jurors—entirely blind case—based assertions Far "tak[ing] [was not] accused," undertaken amounted motions. little. satisfied Amendment, vacate adhere cruel unusual punishment prohibited Eighth Amendments. Gregg 428 153, 231, 2909, 2973, 859 76 77 mark distinction allegations 1036-1040, 2891-93, (1984); 799-803, 2035-37, (1975), problem corruptive presume held, nor assembled, 1031-1035, 2888-90; 797-799, 2034-35. Some principal (1966), probably latter classification. remiss failing carnival created See, supra; Estes Texas, 381 85 1628, 543 (1965). Reviewing category, entirely lacking solemnity sobriety subscribes notion fairness rejects mob." 2889. confident fall demonstrates differences directed related adequate 79 juror, lay aside" "and court." 1643. involved. swift, widespread diverse methods communication, important expected arouse vicinity, scarcely qualified impression merits case." "one historical fact: swear evidence, protestation 1036, 82 respect, submit MARSHALL's misreads note addressed. conflate categories suggests "[a]n impartiality." 441-442. MARSHALL occasion, "cannot stand proposition convictions alone presumptively deprives process." age capacity saturate given dubious level pressure "huge passion," adopted, suspects celebrated virtual immunity alignment concerns colleagues dissent, inadequate informed sit. acknowledgement initiates duty habeas review, statutory correctness U.S.C. § 2254(d) attach "good apply questions" proceeding veniremen" credibility, demeanor." accord deference rests expectation professing 84 limit form Little interaction preconceived ideas choose encountered, accepted. commitment follow instructions. suffice received responses. good. Further, agree disappears evaluating assumes worst-case hypothesis My Justices Court: "[T]he deficient silent implied lack effective disclaiming bias." 457, 901 (1990) (Whiting, fail groups, attested nothing. hold, consequence, colloquy but, judgment, mere silence en masse. 88 respectful 26, January 14, 1989. Potomac News, daily circulation 25,000, remainder Post newspapers. (Sup.Ct.Va.) 921-975 (App.). approved questions, (J.A. 17-41): "32. What "33. From information? "34. information?" "38. discuss?" "41. Has you? "42. Who? What? When? Where?" case: "31. Have newspapers, television, conversations, source?" "35. anyone? "36. whom? "37. where?" Silverthorne, Polizzi, 856 (1974), Emprise 419 1120, 802, 820 pointed 300 defendant, testified Senate Operations; And Giese, 597 1170 (CA9), 444 979, 100 480, again distinguished commenting guide guarantees 595, n. 6, 1020, (1976). types extra-judicial influences automatically disqualification. 379 466, 546, (1965) (jurors custody deputy sheriffs key witnesses rendering verdict); Leonard 378 544, 1696, 1028 (1964) (per curiam ) (prospective announce second charges). 'wave passion,' 429. misses stands unrelenting it, entitling 727-728, 1645, (1961). argue bank robbery Susan Saxe provides dramatic example phenomenon. queried, insisted ensued: "Q: done, that? "A: Well, You know, So up innocent, whole can't girl know. understand? sure. sure went policeman shot there." subsequently National Project, Jurywork 10.03[3], pp. 10-47 10-49 1990). "squarely foreclose[s]" 432 She Patton. principle, teaching "that character justify 2889-91. addresses acknowledges, mandated exercise powers 10-11. Consequently, nothing overturning Circuits, prevent suit.

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