Legal Document

396 U.S. 435 90 Supreme Court Reporter 628 24 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 634 E. S. EVANS et al., Petitioners,v.Guyton G. ABNEY al. Number 60. Argued Nov. 12 and 13, 1969. Decided Jan. 26, 1970. James M. Nabrit, III, New York City, for petitioners. Louis Federal KF105 F3 Claiborne, Washington, D.C., the States, as amicus curiae, by special leave of Court. Frank C. Jones, Macon, Ga., respondents. Mr. Justice BLACK delivered opinion 1 Once again this must consider constitutional implications 1911 will Senator Atlantic O. Bacon Georgia which conveyed property in trust to Bacon's home city Macon creation a public park exclusive use white people that city. As result our earlier decision case held park, Baconsfield, could not continue be operated on racially discriminatory basis, Evans versus Newton, 382 296, 86 486, 15 373 (1966), ruled intention provide whites only had become impossible fulfill accordingly failed parkland other reverted operation law heirs Senator. 224 Ga. 826, 165 South Eastern Reporter, 2nd 160 (1968). Petitioners, same Negro citizens who have sought courts integrate contend termination violates their rights equal protection due process under Fourteenth Amendment. We granted certiorari because importance questions involved. 394 1012, 89 1628, 23 38 (1969). For reasons stated, we are judgment should be, it is, affirmed. 2 The early background litigation was summarized Douglas his U.S., at 297-298, 487-488: 3 'In Augustus executed devised Mayor Council City Georgia, tract land which, after death Senator's wife daughters, used 'a pleasure ground' only, stating while he kindest feeling Negroes 'in social relations two races (white negro) forever separate.' provided control Board Managers seven persons, all whom were white. kept segregated some years but time let it, taking position facility constitutionally manage maintain basis. 4 Thereupon, individual members brought suit state court against trustees certain residuary beneficiaries estate, asking removed trustee appoint new trustees, title would transferred. answered, alleging legally enforce racial segregation park. defendants admitted allegation requested trustee. 5 Several intervened, limitation contrary laws policy refuse private trustees. Thereafter resigned amended its answer accordingly. Moreover, intervened they than asked reversion estate event prayer petition denied. 6 'The accepted resignation appointed three individuals finding unnecessary pass claims heirs. On appeal intervenors, affirmed, holding right give bequeath limited class, charitable trusts subject supervision equity, power so purpose fail clear. 220 280, 138 573.' 7 supra, went reverse hold character Baconsfield 'requires treated institution command Amendment, regardless now has law.' 302, S.Ct., 490. Thereafter, interpreted Court's reversal requiring henceforth nondiscriminatory 'Under these circumstances,' high held, 'we sole created accomplishment been terminated.' 221 870, 871, 148 329, 330 (1966). Without further elaboration holding, remanded trial motion Guyton Abney others, successor ruling unenforceable named opposed petitioners Attorney General both argued saved applying cy pres doctrine amend terms striking restrictions opening without regard race or color. court, however, refused apply pres. It inapplicable park's segregated, whites-only an essential inseparable part testator's plan. Since 'sole purpose' thus irreconcilable conflict with mandate expressed Bacon. appeal, 8 did no more well-settled general principles determine meaning effect will. At made cities towns were, still are, authorized accept devises establishment preservation 'parks grounds' received benefit class persons testator. Ga.Code Ann., chapter 69-5 (1967); Ann. §§ 108-203, 108-207 (1959). These provisions Code explicitly testator include, if choose, such those found it. When continued unconstitutional, particular stated law. question then properly before whether matter applied prevent itself from failing. Petitioners urged allowed strike restrictive clauses fulfilled violating Constitution. 9 statutes upon relied provide: 10 'When valid bequest is incapable reason execution exact manner testator, donor, founder, equity carry into way nearly possible effectuate intention.' § 108-202 11 'A devise sustained carried out State; cases where there manifested purpose, mode directs done shall any cause, chancery may, approximation, most similar indicated testator.' 113-815 fundamental allow intent might otherwise thwarted impossibility plan scheme Moss Youngblood, 187 188, 200 Southeastern KF135 S6 689 (1938). But underlying logic implies cannot applied. Professor Scott treatise states common many States1 follows: 13 'It true never fails In * appears desired presumably preferred whole accomplishment. applicable.' Scott, Law Trusts 399, Page 3085 (3d ed. 1967). 14 case, unusual amount information limits purpose. Immediately specifying 'the sole, perpetual unending, use, enjoyment women, girls, boys children Macon,' said circumstances (is) devoted excepting far herein specifically authorized.' And continued: 'I take occasion say limiting perpetually people, & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions am influenced unkindness want consideration Negroes, colored people. them feeling, esteem regard, sincere personal affection. 16 am, hesitation separate recreation grounds enjoyed, together common.' 17 courts, construing whole, Yerbey Chandler, 194 263, 21 636 (1942), concluded language 'general' extended 'Senator clearly indicating benefits indispensable Baconsfield.' App. 519. separation intent, State's alter permit integration. See Ford Thomas, 111 493, 36 841 (1900); Adams Bass, 18 130 (1855). therefore failed, and, law, '(w)here expressly created, (its) uses resulting implied grantor, heirs.' 108—106(4) (1959).2 concluded, effect, rather integrated. destroyed Constitution requires integrated, everyone disheartened. agree enough find court's reached through application established No act can prevail face federal search fact truth proceeding transaction violated. Presbyterian Church Hull Church, 393 440, 601, 658 (1969); Times company Sullivan, 376 254, 84 710, 686 (1964). Here, action declaring terminated presents violation protected rights, harshness may resulted attributed solely explicit 19 first argue imposes drastic 'penalty,' 'forfeiture' merely city's compliance Newton. Of course, Newton speak problem operate park; discrimination. extend forbid closing ground penalize complying think, justification necessary imposing 'penalty.' construction wills essentially state-law question, Lyeth Hoey, 305 59 155, 83 L.Ed. 119 (1938), Court, read opinion, embodying preference Given this, alternative relevant laws, long standing neutral race, end return 20 A second argument stresses similarities between holds absolute fee simple closes own accord avoid prior order directing integrated Amendment commands. Yet, assuming arguendo violate Equal Protection Clause, distinguishable bar State party injecting motivation. slightest indication judges involved motivated animus sort enforcing Nor drawing up persuaded induced include permitted statutes. Supra, 439—440. contrary, shows product full-blown philosophy. Similarly, situation presented also easily Shelley Kraemer, 334 1, 68 836, 92 1161 (1948), unconstitutional judicial affirmatively enforced discrimination Negroes. Here eliminated eliminating itself, loss shared equally since enjoyed access facilities continued. reverter one know certainty integration, choice. difficult assertions stood alone, conclude: 'Its (the court's) choice, anti-Negro called 'guess,' item 'social philosophy,' anything else all.' do understand contending here either consciously unconsciously desire discriminate noted above, absolutely nothing support What remains petitioners' idea obligation resolve doubt about favor preserving trust. Thus see merit argument. choice exercised requirement approach differently creating kind. Surely violated where, here, operating capacity fairly applies normal establishing reaches conclusion effectively denies everyone, well 22 Another 'failed' rest logically unspoken premise presence proximity destroy desirability whites. This reflects misunderstanding belief living person enjoy being but, rather, died ago intended remain advance number considerations opposition reached. particular, regret, do, concerned lest set precedent terminated. bears repeating today reaffirms traditional role determining doctrines trusts. Nothing prevents rule example, rule. More fundamentally, price pay permitting deceased exercise continuing over assets owned death. aspect freedom testation, like things, advantages disadvantages. responsibility construe legislate basis inclinations. lengthy learned briefs, Solicitor curiae advanced several arguments discussed. carefully examined each arguments, merit. 25 Affirmed. 26 MARSHALL took case. 27 DOUGLAS, dissenting. 28 remainder 'Baconsfield' He left 'all remainders reversions every whatsoever kind' Macon. 'under circumstances, authority whatsoever' 'be sold alienated disposed of, reason' 'devoted 29 Giving heirs, reserving municipal does much violence conversion 'all-white' 'all-Negro' 30 course only. That when Plessy Ferguson, 163 537, 1138, 41 256, decided 1896, 'separate' supplied 'equal.' concept 'equal' setting meant just another quality service furnished Sweatt Painter, 339 629, 633-634, 70 848, 849-850, 94 1114. apparent projected permissible unless accommodations race. 31 So record reveals, day present opened speaking, available 32 impossible. even regime 256. pres, statute provides: 33 Ga.Code. 34 'can establish entirely different 830, 160, 164. That, issue realistically. proposal ever made, except ordered Continuation carries larger share complete destruction decree affirm. 35 dedicate use. possible. Whatever admitted, command. admitted. Letting closer realization abandonment Bacon, 'to people,' view Can possibly test puts curse use—music festivals, medical clinics, hospitals? 37 putting hands necessarily achieve desired. deal real estate. If theatre erected, excluded. restaurant opened, served. office housing structures tenants eligible. church mixed marriage ceremonies performed. undertook attach racial-use condition once became 'private,' covenant condition. basic realized repeal vicissitudes assure serve needs 39 decision, approve, gesture toward state-sanctioned life, passe . imposition penalty obedience principle national supremacy. 40 BRENNAN, almost half century last survivor among widow daughters vest successors forever. Pursuant express will, supervise officials appointments fill vacancies Board. bequeathed bonds income 42 acquired 1920 purchasing interests surviving daughter resided land. Some $46,000 money spent purchase price. From outset throughout acted administered T. Cleveland James, superintendent parks during period, testified worked 'wilderness undergrowth everywhere, road that's all, paved road.' time. 1930's transformed modern recreational byemployees Works Progress Administration, agency Government. WPA representation employed men daily better year staff cut underbrush, cleared paths, dug ponds, built bridges benches, planted shrubbery, James' words, 'just it.' Other capital improvements later money. funds improve 43 Although supervised operations, maintenance parks. 'Yes, included my appropriation *.' extent services evident increase thousand dollars annual expenses incurred withdrew 1964. 44 compel appointment apparently assumption free provision unalterable indicia purposes Clause remained 'public' replaced board citizens. Consequently, anyone. reversed acceptance officials' resignations remand restrict out, revert constitute denial protection. respectfully dissent. 45 clearer owns maintains keep segregated. motives arguably unclear, cf. Palmer Thompson, 419 1222 (C.A.5th Cir. 1969) (en banc), nor reasons, Johnson Branch, 364 177 (C.A.4th 1966), inference, Gomillion Lightfoot, 339, 81 125, 110 (1960). reasoning simply longer, Watson Memphis, 526, 1314, 529 (1963); Baltimore Dawson, 350 877, 76 133, 100 (1955), closed down agrees 'city (being) require(s) put forward why reverting quite plain prohibition parks, Baconsfield. 46 too expensive run superfluous, reason, strong weak, all. close duty desegregate facility. Griffin County School Board, 377 218, 231, 1226, 1233, 256 (1964), said, 'Whatever nonracial allowing county abandon schools, object one, desegregation qualify constitutional.' context what schools starkly clear open non-segregated conveys unambiguous message community involvement Its unmistakable avoiding desegregation, 'generates (in Negroes) inferiority status affect hearts minds unlikely undone.' Brown Education, 347 483, 494, 74 686, 691, 98 873 (1954). constant reminder stigmatizes whereas occurs over. difference distinction: however short-lived. 47 affirms involve action. concedes 'solely integrated' unconstitutional. However, finds motivation,' ante, 445. exculpation indefensible record. permeated action: wrote supported precise kind him; accepting entered arrangement vesting incur having facility; restriction keeps willing parties coming overwhelming abundance. need emphasize elements here. 48 First, whenever enters creates Whether possibility reverter, entry, executory interest, contractual right, consent body official, example official Macon's gift enforcement; assent contemplates so. Where, enforcement conflicts comply attempted declared repugnant 49 divest contract perform governmental functions. E.g., Contributors Pennsylvania Hospital Philadelphia, 245 20, 35, 62 124 (1917); Stone Mississippi, 101 814, 1079 (1880). bind accordance pain forfeiture decision. An purports supra; Commonwealth Directors, 353 230, 77 806, 792 (1967). reversion; invalid given whatever, Brown, 392 120 (C.A.3d 1968). 50 Initially 'taking basis.' 297, 487. reneged began, instead keeping desegregated sever connection resigning telling Superintendent stop maintaining resolution makes very probability desegregation. Private asserted respondents conduct affairs manner. 51 required ground. stands least proposition doing privately restriction. Sweet Brair Institute Button, 280 F.Supp. 312 (D.C.W.D.Va.1967) (state attorney enjoined restriction). suggests retracted previous willingness nonsegregated generosity unwilling Indeed, although that, goal, wanted open. reflected, admission fear lost participate acting 'as parens patriae legal matters pertaining administration disposition involved,' maintained Georgia.' Thus, shows, dealing another. thus, constitutes denying 52 Finally, third Reitman Mulkey, 387 369, 87 1627, 830 (1967), announced acts singles encouragement, thereby gives though impose segregation. analysis foreshadowed White's supra. There White comprehensively reviewed 1905, enactment 69-504 69-505 Code. 'it extremely doubtful' portion excluded park.' 310, 494. Sections dedication Thereby facilitate distinguished kinds compels Clause. 53 1911, six 69—504 69—505, lawyer, expressing testamentary advantage conferred 69—505 testators seeking "the regulations significant extent' bringing 'must reflect Amendment." 311, 495. state-encouraged courts' motivation' inexcusably disregards enacting written provision. 54 This, then, 'significantly Cf. Burton Wilmington Parking Authority, 365 715, 856, (1961); Robinson Florida, 378 153, 1693, 771 55 Georgia. See, e.g., First Universalist Society Bath Swett, Me. 142, 812 (1952); LaFond Detroit, 357 Mich. 362, North Western 530 contain granting fail, 108-106(4) quoted text omission irrelevant point grant reversions' showed relate happen failure initial said: life pointed intervenors following will: wife, Virginia Lamar Mary Louise Sparks Augusta Curry, departed immediately them, interest hereinbefore described bounded, equitable, including kind, thereupon belong forever, etc.' trustee, occurring trust, contemplate, provision.' 831, 165.

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