Legal Document

547 U.S. 220 (2006) JONES v. FLOWERS et al. No. 04-1477. Supreme Court of United States. Argued January 17, 2006. Decided April 26, *222 Michael T. Kirkpatrick argued the cause for petitioner. With him on briefs was Brian Wolfman. Carter G. Phillips respondents. brief respondent Commissioner State Lands Virginia A. Seitz. J. Kelly filed a Flowers. *223 James Feldman States as amicus curiae in support were Solicitor General Clement, Acting Assistant Attorney Katsas, Deputy Hungar, Jay Singer, and Susan Maxson Lyons. Chief Justice Roberts delivered opinion Court. Before may take property sell it unpaid taxes, Due Process Clause Fourteenth Amendment requires government to provide owner "notice opportunity hearing appropriate nature case." Mullane Central Hanover Bank & Trust Co., 339 306, 313 (1950). We granted certiorari determine whether, when notice tax sale is mailed returned undelivered, must additional reasonable steps before taking owner's property. I In 1967, petitioner Gary Jones purchased house at 717 North Bryan Street Little Rock, Arkansas. He lived with his wife until they separated 1993. then moved into an apartment continued live house. paid mortgage each month 30 years, company Jones' taxes. After off 1997, taxes went unpaid, certified delinquent. 2000, Mark Wilcox, (Commissioner), attempted notify delinquency, right redeem property, by mailing letter address. See Ark. Code Ann. § 26-37-301 (1997). The packet information stated that unless redeemed would be subject public two years later 2002. ibid. Nobody home sign *224 letter, nobody appeared post office retrieve within next 15 days. unopened marked "`unclaimed.'" Pet. Cert. 3. Two later, just few weeks sale, published Arkansas Democrat Gazette. No bids submitted, which permitted negotiate private 26-37-202(b). Several months Linda Flowers submitted purchase offer. another address, attempting sold if he did not pay Like first second also "unclaimed." house, parties stipulated trial court had fair market value $80,000, $21,042.15. Record 224. Immediately after 30-day period postsale redemption passed, see 26-37-202(e), unlawful detainer served daughter, who contacted notified sale. Id., 11 (Exh. B). lawsuit state against Flowers, alleging Commissioner's failure resulted without due process. summary judgment ground unclaimed letters sent constitutionally adequate attempt notice, cross-motion judgment. favor App. 12a-13a. It concluded statute, set forth procedure followed *225 Commissioner, complied constitutional process requirements. appealed, affirmed court's 359 443, 198 S.W.3d 520 (2004). noted our precedent stating does require actual Dusenbery States, 534 161, 170 (2002), held mail satisfied circumstances presented, Ark., 453-454, S. W. 3d, 526-527. certiorari, 545 1165 (2005), resolve conflict among Circuits Courts concerning whether undelivered. Compare, e. g., Akey Clinton County, 375 F.3d 231, 236 (CA2 2004) ("In light notice's return, County required use `reasonably diligent efforts' ascertain Akey's correct address"), Kennedy Mossafa, 100 N.Y. 2d 1, 9, 789 N.E.2d 607, 611 (2003) ("[W]e reject view enforcing officer's obligation always sending address listed roll, even where undeliverable"), Smith Cliffs Bay Condominium Assn., 463 Mich. 420, 429, 617 N.W.2d 536, 541 (2000) (per curiam) ("The fact one mailings undeliverable impose undertake investigation new . could located"). hold unclaimed, selling practicable do so. Under presented here, available State. therefore reverse *226 II A receive Dusenbery, supra, 170. Rather, we have reasonably calculated, under all circumstances, apprise interested pendency action afford them present their objections." Mullane, U. S., 314. argues once provided calculated impending satisfied. statutory scheme continues, because provides responsible keeping up date. 26-35-705 notes this Court's ample condoning mail, see, 169; Tulsa Professional Collection Services, Inc. Pope, 485 478, 490 (1988); Mennonite Bd. Missions Adams, 462 791, 798 (1983); 318-319, adds exceeds requirements requiring mail. Brief Respondent 14-15. true has deemed sufficient reach intended recipient sent. See, 168-169; these cases, heard nothing back indicating anything gone awry, "[t]he reasonableness hence validity [the] chosen method defended itself certain inform those affected." 315; *227 But never addressed entails further responsibility becomes aware prior its failed. That wrinkle, explained will vary conditions." Walker City Hutchinson, 352 112, 115 (1956). question such knowledge government's part "circumstance condition" varies required." Appeals frequent occasions, most decided learns failed, something more real sale.[1] Plemons Gale, 396 569, 576 (CA4 2005); Akey, 236; Hamilton Renewed Hope, Inc., 277 Ga. 465, 468, 589 S.E.2d 81, 85 (2003); Kennedy, N.E.2d, 611; Malone Robinson, 614 A.2d 33, 38 (D. C. 1992) curiam); St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church Aggarwal, 326 Md. 90, 103, 603 484, (1992); Wells Fargo Credit Corp. Ziegler, 780 P.2d 703, 705 (Okla. 1989); Rosenberg Smidt, 727 778, 780-783 (Alaska 1986); Giacobbi Hall, *228 109 Idaho 293, 297, 707 404, 408 (1985); Tracy Chester, Tax Claim Bureau, 507 Pa. 288, 296, 489 1334, 1338-1339 (1985). Smith, Mich., N.W.2d, 541; Dahn Trownsell, 1998 SD 36, ¶ 23, 535, 541-542; Elizondo Read, 588 501, 504 (Ind. 1992); Atlantic Block C-11, Lot 11, 74 N. 34, 39-40, 376 926, 928 (1977). Many already statutes than simply delinquent owners, either outset or followup measure initial ineffective.[2] *229 "when person's [t]he means employed desirous actually informing absentee might adopt accomplish it," U.S., 315, assessing adequacy particular form balancing "interest State" "the individual interest sought protected Amendment," id., Our leading cases evaluated given beneficiaries common trust fund, supra; mortgagee, Mennonite, 791; owners seized cash automobiles, 161; Robinson Hanrahan, 409 (1972) creditors estate, Professional, 478; tenants living housing, Greene Lindsey, 456 444 (1982). case, evaluate extinguishing home. think person desired owns unclaimed. If prepared stack taxpayers, handed postman, watched departing postman accidentally dropped down storm drain, certainly expect prepare send again. "desirous informing" shrug shoulders disappeared say "I tried." Failure follow unreasonable, despite recipients postman. *230 By same token, office, sender ordinarily resend it, Small 136 1337 (CADC 1998). This especially when, matter concerns important irreversible prospect loss Although made calculation how Jones, good reason suspect "no better been sent." Malone, 2d, 37. Deciding no what someone do; any available. consider unique about regardless ordinary case. forfeiture proceedings vehicle inadequate knew prison. 40. Covey Town Somers, 351 141 (1956), foreclosure mailing, posting, publication town officials incompetent guardian's protection. 146-147. points out best notice. difficult explain why settled less learned sent, but occurred, prison incompetent. Covey, pursuant normal ineffective triggered effect "practicalities peculiarities case," *231 314-315, took account determining met. should similarly taken dissent dismisses State's "learned long fact," post, 246, n. 5 (opinion Thomas, J.), promptly three regime precludes from while exercise redeem, (Supp. 2005). true, contend, specific case establish inadequacy notice; sense, constitutionality assessed ex ante, rather hoc. feature effectiveness contravene ante principle procedure. all, learn effort through succeeded. inconsistent approach ask, respect telephone calls placed answered. Asking substantively different. arguments measures First, legal keep updated. Second, "after failing bill holder *232 inquiry-notice governmental taking." 18-19. Third, obliged ensure whose hands left alert jeopardy. None contentions relieves argue comply updated forfeits agree. 19; Amicus Curiae 16, ("`[A] party's ability safeguard own interests relieve obligation'" (quoting 799)). Illinois law register secretary state, secretary's records. 38, 1 (citing Ill. Rev. Stat., ch. 95½, 3-405 (1971), 36-1 (1969)). found having scheme, reached record. 39-40. strong argument him, alter position As inquiry argument, become are excuse complying previously opposite: An "knowledge delinquency payment equivalent *233 pending." 800. least widely known arrestees remain silent, used them, Dickerson 530 428, 443 ("Miranda [v. Arizona, 384 436 (1966),] embedded routine police practice point warnings national culture"), Miranda warnings. affords taxpayer settle accounts so timely manner cannot Finally, reminds us statement can assume leaves 316. passage, Jackson writes "libel ship, attachment chattel[,] entry upon estate name law"such "seiz[ures]" concluded, "may expected come attention." Ibid. occupant, however, charged acting agent respects, quite leap Jackson's examples conclude tenancy unknown content owner. fact, makes impossible occupant writing owner, call obtaining signature. For knows, write residents variety matters finds important, parks highway construction; obvious observing slip danger losing event, there record evidence notices delivery Street. *234 question. People citizens accountable forcing citizen satisfy debt forfeiting taking. Const., Amdt. 14; 799. B response suggesting received lose didnothing. reasons stated, remains steps. While "[i]t prescribe service [government] adopt," Greene, 455, return faulted doing nothing. several taken. What depends reveals. "unclaimed" meant still Street, called longer resided One step primarily former possibility regular signature required. says likely, recipient's protects misdelivery. only course, carrier arrived wrong Otherwise, "[c]ertified *235 dispatched handled transit mail," Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual 503.3.2.1 (Mar. 2006), make likely some casesthe like examined end day, retrieved specified time. Following increase chances if turned outhe moved. Even occupants ignored slips (if left) scrawl leave retrieve, directly. Other measures, directed well front door, otherwise "occupant." Most explicitly outline procedures 2, supra. Either likelihood deliverable person. clear premises. moved: Occupants disregard ignore posted (even "occupant") opened read. significant chance change ownership affect occupancy. alerted occupantshis daughterafter she believes searched Rock phonebook *236 other records income rolls. believe go far. out, necessarily mean incorrect address; merely informed designated date sender. open-ended search address obligates collector, (1997)imposes burdens significantly greater relatively easy options outlined above. complains burden steps, belied Arkansas' current requirement homestead accomplished personal returned, 26-37-301(e) 2005), transfers cost purchaser, 26-37-104(a). offered estimate many facts dissent's assertion now physically locate "tens thousands properties every year." Post, 248. Citing decision children vandals. outside posting "a singularly effective way ensuring apprised him." 452-453. Successfully providing often efficient collect 800, (more ease arranges sale); Tr. Oral Arg. 24 (85 percent delinquency), *237 undertook expense purchasing newspaper advertisement, conducting auction, negotiating modes generate informationfor example, starting (and stopping) instead find unlikely, doubt repeatedly being asked prove received. Using documentation protection false claims added security, comes pricethe that, proceeding propertyany jail, Though required, publishing decades ago, observed "[c]hance alone" brings attention "an advertisement small type inserted pages newspaper," "it possible give warning," 317. here because, explained, warning *238 forcefully articulates basic principles intention depart. particular, disclaim "new rule" "contrary departure Mullane." 244. Government signed prisoner's determined adequate, prisoner himself. 171. directs it." 315. Mindful concerns, conclude, wanted done. noted, adopt." 9. finding inadequate, redraft statute. 490-491; 40; Schroeder New York, 371 208, 213-214 (1962); Walker, 116; proceed conclusion approaches suffices purposes confident employ *239 * There suppose ever fully zealous efforts secure revenue needs. said proper takes them. exerting extraordinary power ownertaking owns. too much insist bit let know insufficient reversed, remanded opinion. ordered. JUSTICE ALITO consideration THOMAS, whom SCALIA KENNEDY join, dissenting. When failed consecutive Arkansas, using State, noting explaining penalties paid. respond, newspaper. Soon K. offer *240 Petitioner violated rights view, contact contends became claimed obligated methods him. Adopting petitioner's arguments, holds today so." Ante, 225. concludes herenamely, addressing "`occupant.'" 235. Because, precedents, clearly Clause, respectfully dissent. prohibits "depriv[ing] life, liberty, law." deprive Balancing efficiently managing administrative system individual's action." 313-314. *241 "[H]eroic efforts," (2002). To contrary, expressly rejected "[a] construction place impractical obstacles [of State]." Thus, "none notice"; instead, "we allowed defend `reasonableness affected.'" 169-170 315). affecting thus Clause. attempts deliver it. containing Gazette offer, yet too, attempts.[1] "record address," more, *242 169. 318; (1988) ("We recognized inexpensive mechanism notice"); 792, (1983) (holding [the affected party's] last address" seeks "real payments delinquent" (emphasis added)). Because himself, sound basis Moreover, exceeded minimum additionally local newspaper.[2] 318. moreand duty report taxing authority. My reinforced well-established presumption individuals, owning act interest. Recognizing "`[i]t prudence [a thing], guard persons situation protect it,'" 316 Mary, 9 Cranch 126, 144 (1815)), ways tangible usually direct attack possessory proprietary rights," Consistent observation, free "indulge assumption" *243 authority up-to-date addressas law"or caretaker [his was] jeopardized."[3]Ibid. inherently notice." 230. disagree. party i. e., viewpoint agency time follows rested analysis "at hand" Relatedly, refused comparing alternative identified fact. 171-172. Today appears abandon both practices. Its rejection selected noticea sufficientis based unavailable Indeed, proposed methodsregular "`occupant,'" 234-235are entirely product hoc considerations, including discovery members family Similarly, observation Commissioner[`s] complain[t] returned," *244 236, contrary Dusenbery's "conclusion ought penalized told `try harder' [it] since upgraded policies," 172. implicit holding "actual notice," 169-170, "government failed," 227, Petitioner's challenge methods, acceptance little thinly veiled Dusenbery. majority's logic, raised party, achieve rule turns speculative, newly acquired information, natural point, and, effect, close Mullane. involve situations destined fail rectify problem 39 (intended jail); 141, 145 (1956) guardian). arrested detained county immediately instituted automobile residential 38. incarcerated jail during entirety proceedings, released *245 order entered. 38-39. beforehand at, access to, "`reasonably calculated'" pending proceedings. townmailing, publishingwere adverse her "without mental capacity handle affairs" unable comprehend meaning notices. 144, 146. contrast, fail, "[U]nclaimed" correct; indicate claim (DMM), 507, Exh. 1.4.1, http://pe.usps.gov/ text/dmm300/507.htm.[4] Given maintain authority, arm governments hand Covey. Cf. 234. creation *246 aware.[5] divined sufficed authorizes unknown. ("[P]ublication traditionally acceptable notification supplemental convey warning"). aside unnecessary, burdensome, impractical, approximately 18,000 parcels annually. Tsann Kuen Enterprises Co. Campbell, 355 110, 119-120, 129 822, 828 (2003). rule, bear locating owners. These compelled 313-314; 489-490 (stating "need inefficient burdensome"). Here, conjunction authorization administer collection system. forecloses *247 inefficiencies caused taxpayers. here. Regular hardly foolproof; indeed, arguably Certified tracked, recorded, logged, residence office. creating record, features grounds defending challenging untraceable; receipt. Had presumably creates paper trail.[6] recognizes deficiencies methods. acknowledges "[f]ollowing "occupants packet," 235 added); [occupant] read," added). Nevertheless, justifies redrafting statute *248 "[its] approach[es] ." That, test; reasoning 171 (rejecting FBI's flawed `substantially bring notice' feasible substitute" (some internal quotation marks omitted)). suggestion unavailing. organized description, tens year, each, impractical. S.W.3d, 828. Also, unreliable 444, 453-454 235, sheer speculation assume, does, although "[o]ccupants ., `occupant') read." receives generically discard junk III "title depend [factual] vagaries," 171, turn "wrinkle[s]," prudent ward interests. Constitution antics evaders scofflaws. Nor self-created conundrum himself legitimate imposing obligations *249 additionally, Accordingly, affirm NOTES [1] Fifth Federal context. Ritchie, 342 903, 911 (CA9 2003); Foehl 238 474, 480 (CA3 2001); 1337-1338 1998); Torres $36,256.80 Currency, 25 1154, 1161 1994); Barrera-Montenegro 657, 660 (CA5 1996); Rodgers, 108 1247, 1252-1253 (CA10 1997); Garcia Meza, 287, 291 (CA7 2000) (declining per se examines declining affirmative seek claimants undelivered). Madewell Downs, 68 1030, 1047 (CA8 1995); Sarit Drug Enforcement Admin., 987 F.2d 10, 14-15 (CA1 1993). [2] course. Cal. Tax. 3704.7 (West Supp. 2006); 48-4-45(a)(1)(B) Comp. 35, §§ 200/21-75(a), 200/22-10, 200/22-15 Me. Stat. Ann., Tit. 1073 (1990); Tax-Prop. 14-836(b)(4)(i)(2) (Lexis Laws 211.78i(3) Minn. 281.23, subd. 6 (2004); Mont. 15-18-212(1)(a), (2)(a) (2005); D. Cent. 57-28-04(3) Okla. 68, 3118(A) Codified 10-25-5 Utah 59-2-1351(2)(a) 2004); Wis. 75.12(1) (2003-2004); Wyo. 39-13-108(e)(v)(B) (1997-2005). Some outset, Del. 8724, 8772 (1989 48-4-78(d) Haw. 246-56 14-836(b)(6) 3118(A), Fla. 197.522(2)(a) 6; 12-51-40(c) And returned. Miss. 27-43-3 (1973-2002); Nev. 361.595(3)(b) 72, 5860.607a (Purdon 1990); R. I. Gen. 44-9-25.1 (2005). 26 6335(a) (requiring Internal Revenue Service personally serve relying mail); 28 3203(g)(1)(A)(i)(IV) written Debt Procedures Act 12 3758(2)(A)(iii) Secretary Housing Urban Development); 3758(2)(B)(ii) unknown). posits "there Street," 233, postal Operations 813.25 (July 2002), http:// www.nalc.org/depart/cau/pdf/manuals/pom/pomc8.pdf (all Internet materials visited Apr. 21, 2006, Clerk file) arrival Form 3849 article reason"). publication, sole effectuating 237. plainly secondary [3] issue not, maintains, "charged agent." 233. discharged [4] uses "Moved, Left Address" "[a]ddressee change-of-address order," "Not Deliverable AddressedUnable Forward" "undeliverable given; file; forwarding expired." DMM 1.4.1. [5] "storm drain" hypothetical, 229, presents harder sentat precise moment places carrier's split observes drop drain. unsuccessful. [6] Interestingly, stops short saddling fails 235-236, namely, searching records, phonebook, Internet, department motor voting rolls, contacting employer, employing collectors. contextthe addressthe far urges. 236. severely (for instance, commonality surname "Jones" fruitfulness searches), principled "impos[e] [by Court]."

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