Legal Document

485 U.S. 693 108 S.Ct. 1502 99 L.Ed.2d 785 UNITED STATES, Petitionerv.PROVIDENCE JOURNAL COMPANY and Charles M. Hauser. No. 87-65. Argued Jan. 20, 1988. Decided May 2, Syllabus Respondents, a newspaper its executive editor, violated temporary restraining order issued by the District Court in civil suit brought to enjoin dissemination of surveillance logs memoranda concerning plaintiff's deceased father. Although court subsequently vacated order, it nevertheless appointed private attorney prosecute respondents for criminal contempt declining ask United States Attorney pursue matter because his representation federal defendants underlying action. The ultimately found contempt, but Appeals reversed on ground that was "transparently invalid" under First Amendment. Solicitor General denied special prosecutor authority represent this seeking reinstatement judgment, filed petition writ certiorari, which granted, briefed argued case. Held: Since lacks before Court, certiorari is dismissed want jurisdiction. Pp. 699-708. (a) Title 28 U.S.C. § 518(a) regulations empower or designee conduct argue suits "in interested." 699-700. (b) This case one interested," within plain meaning 518(a). action initiated, continues be litigated here, further States' unique sovereign interest vindicating Judiciary. rationale Young v. ex rel. Vuitton et Fils S.A., 481 787, 107 2124, 95 740—which affirmed inherent courts appoint attorneys disobedience orders assure Judiciary an independent means authority—does not necessitate prosecutor's appearance Court. Nor does create exception §§ 516 547, therefore similar provisions Unlike 518(a), both 547 give exclusive control over litigation involving "except as otherwise [provided authorized] law." simply acknowledges excepted provision authorization statutory provisos. 700-705. (c) If judicially initiated citation were policies 518(a)—that speak with voice reflect common Government people development law, rather than variety parochial, inconsistent interests shaped immediate demands sub judice —could undermined by, anomalous consequences could result from, deluge unauthorized petitions Attorneys prosecutors at behest district judges. 706-707. 820 F.2d 1342 (CA1 1986) 1354 1987), BLACKMUN, J., delivered opinion BRENNAN, WHITE, MARSHALL, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, JJ., joined. concurring opinion, post, p. ----. STEVENS, dissenting REHNQUIST, C.J., joined, KENNEDY, took no part consideration decision Robert D. Parrillo, Providence, R.I., petitioner. Floyd Abrams, New York City, respondents. Justice BLACKMUN 1 seeks judgment against editor violating invalid publication. Having concluded court-appointed who sought without may we dismiss certiorari. 2 * On November 8, 1985, Raymond J. Patriarca, son L.S. then deceased, Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI), Director, Department Justice, States, Providence Journal Company (Journal), WJAR Television Ten (WJAR), compiled from 1962 1965 during course illegal electronic surveillance, see Co. FBI, 602 1010, 1013 1979), cert. denied, 444 1071, 100 1015, 62 752 (1980), complaint, amended, based Freedom Information Act (FOIA), 5 552 (1982 ed., Supp. IV), III Omnibus Crime Control Safe Streets 1968 (Title III), 18 2510 seq. Fourth Amendment, alleged FBI had improperly released pursuant FOIA request following death senior Patriarca. summons, motion served 12, 1985. next day counsel various parties gathered conference Chief Judge Rhode Island. During conference, which, apparently, there transcript, entered barring publication set hearing Friday, 15.1 Counsel objected order. 3 evening 13, respondent Hauser, Journal, first advised After discussing other executives perils noncompliance, Hauser decided publish story memoranda. day, 14, published article about Patriarcas another "clash" between Journal. See App. 39, 18. Patriarca forthwith have adjudged contempt.2 Id., 223. 4 however, declined motion,3 action.4 Invoking Rule Criminal Procedure 42(b), William A. Curran Island Bar "prosecuting full prosecute" pending motion. 237-238. Curran's application, ordered show cause why they should contempt. 31-32. Following February 10, 1986, 13. jurisdiction consider whether Patriarca's Amendment claims merit, privacy outweighed Journal's publication, thus preserve status quo significant legal issues valid, even though been vacated. fined $100,000 suspended jail sentence placing him probation months ordering he perform 200 hours public service. 194-197. 6 Respondents appealed, Circuit In re Co., (1986). constitutionality collaterally challenged proceedings. 1353. According court, none grounds asserted support including FOIA, III, provided colorable basis prior restraint 7 Appeals, sitting en banc, summarily modified panel's holding those subject transparently must make good-faith effort seek emergency appellate relief. It ruled, publisher proceed challenge proceeding if timely access available forthcoming. convinced obtained relief final run unfair substantial sanctions failing follow newly announced procedures. (1987). 8 Because importance issues, granted 484 814, 65, 98 II 9 Before can decide properly held Court's invalidated respondents' appears manner unusual reached us departed significantly established practice. and, file here By letter dated July 1987, authorization. Brief Amicus Curiae Response Respondents' Motion Dismiss 1a-2a (SG Letter). that, permission, cannot While denying appear behalf questioned our recent 740 (1987), rendered such unnecessary charge prosecuted 42(b). SG Letter. also n. 2. We find implication Young, conclude party entitled 1254(1), heretofore-granted jurisdiction.5 10 provides relevant part: 11 "Except when particular directs otherwise, shall appeals Supreme . 12 regulation has delegated General: 13 "The following-described matters are assigned to, conducted, handled, supervised General, consultation each agency official concerned: 14 "(a) Conducting, assigning supervising, all cases, appeals, opposition briefs arguments, settlement thereof." CFR 0.20 15 Thus, unless conducted designee. Cf. Winston, 170 522, 524-525, 701, 702-703, 42 L.Ed. 1130 (1898); Confiscation Cases, Wall. 454, 458, 19 196 (1869). B 16 present clearly vindication "judicial Power States," Const., Art. (emphasis added), interest, sovereign, now reinstate possible prison individual defendant fine defendant. fact allegedly concerns violation instead law prohibition render prosecution any less exercise power States. Indeed, just last Term, much like one, 401(3),6 flatly stated: "Private ." U.S., 804, S.Ct., 2136 added). Gompers Bucks Stove & Range 221 418, 445, 31 492, 499, 55 797 (1911) ("[P]roceedings ."). 17 interested" phrase, used refers solely cases where Executive Branch issue. litigation, argument goes, acted Judicial Branch, furtherance Executive's constitutional responsibility, II, 3, "take Care Laws faithfully executed." suggested interpretation presumes more "United States" something "the composed three branches. Nixon, 418 683, 696, 94 3090, 3102, 41 1039 (1974). proposition somewhat startling, particularly supported office whose would substantially diminished adoption, reject construction seems elementary exercising distinct jealously separated powers, branches "co-ordinate parts government." J.W. Hampton, Jr., 276 394, 406, 48 348, 351, 72 624 (1928). Congress familiar enough language separation powers assume intended, saying so, exclude referred "interest States." Moreover, while well uniquely concerns, do think fairly described broad reaffirmed initiate ability 793, 2130. power, considered judicial function, grounded foremost upon necessity: punish regarded essential ensuring vindicate own complete dependence branches." 796, 2131-2132. necessary authority. For "at mercy branch deciding proceedings initiated," ibid., lacked charge, vulnerable General's withholding defend it. argument, overlooks circumstances actually came position review 20 When, court's appeal, professional appeals' merits review. generally 17. Sometimes, apparently occurred will disagree respect presents worthy That kind disagreement arises regular representing agencies States.7 But interfere Judiciary's protect itself. very case, consent ever became relevant, members erred adjudging Where majority panel perhaps, banc itself favor contemner, necessity required appointment faded indeed, longer present.8 21 hand, affirmed, little need services fulfill her duties. only contemner consulted participation oppose judgment. Under circumstances, declines authorize defense prevented proceeding, might threatened: agreed disobeyed contrary threaten undermine decisions. threat, inconsequential, discretion below, amicus curiae oral See, e.g., Bob Jones University 456 922, 102 1965, 437 (1982) (order appointing judgment); Fausto, 480 904, 1344, (1987) (same). 22 argues apply unilaterally sustained despite 516, certainly requires attorney: 23 authorized agency, officer thereof party, interested, reserved officers direction General." 24 Also, requires: attorney, district, offenses concludes necessarily implies these broadly worded reservations litigating authority, hand. 25 neither expressed nor implied proceeding. Both statutes implicated discussed provide specified except law. A fair reading indicates 547. " 'power contempts courts,' recognized Young; rather, 'has many times settled law.' 795, 2131, quoting Michaelson Chicago, St. P. M., O.R. 266 42, 65-66, 45 18, 19-20, 69 162 (1924). intimation, did read into 547; instead, consistent provisos sections. Section way vivid contrast, contains proviso.9 C 26 reason persuade accept objections observe salutory approach urged General. Among reasons reserving concern usually reflects parochial people. Without centralization deluged every prosecutor, instrumentality, urging positions judice, term 27 procedures out evident Attorney. 801, 2134. whereby free speculate how resolve conflict duty "to preservation authority," Attorneys' Manual 9-39.318 (1984), superiors Justice,10 hand creates potential conflict. Similarly, reversing merit seem interpretation, judge purposes 9, 7. But, surely, force historical practice, protecting dignity court—whose appeal—warrants attributing judge. regardless action.11 Absent proper representative petitioner prosecution, lacking heretofore dismissed. 29 so ordered. 30 KENNEDY concurring. 32 I join ably demonstrates according fully continue believe, possess contemners judgments derivative prosecutions. id., 825, 2147 (SCALIA, judgment). 33 whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE joins, dissenting. 34 statute enacted 1789 created some responsibilities office. provided: 35 ". And meet person, learned act attorney-general sworn faithful execution office; concerned, advice questions President requested heads departments, touching their receive compensation provided." 1789, ch. 35, Stat. 93 supplied). 36 amended clear essentially same others. ante, 1506-1507. substance, remained unaltered nearly years; General—and well—is charged conducting "concerned" "interested." 37 Most interested is, course, Government. Orderly administration supervision single wisely accomplish mission. unlikely, foresaw possibility contempts, legislative Anderson Dunn, Wheat. 204, 242 (1821); McGrain Daugherty, 273 135, 47 319, 71 580 (1927), veto, INS Chadha, 462 919, 103 2764, 77 317 (1983), justiciable controversies diverge Government, concerned." equally unlikely Congress, through amendment provision, perceived, endorsed, view place exclusively hands Branch. texts foreclose either participate long construing statute, bound literal statute—"however words 'superficial examination' "—when doing leads "absurd," "unreasonable," results. American Trucking Assns., Inc., 310 534, 543-544, 60 1059, 1063-1064, 84 1345 (1940) (citation omitted); Offshore Logistics, Inc. Tallentire, 477 207, 106 2485, 91 174 (1986); O'Connor 479 27, 347, 206 California Savings Loan Assn. Guerra, 272, 284, 691, 613 (1987); Wells Fargo Bank, 1179, 368 (1988). 38 history sense never intended grant coequal government maintains substantial, interest. As early 1818, House Representatives adopted resolution directing Speaker employ counsel, John said Thomas expenses defrayed contingent fund House." Annals Cong. 434 (1818). retained Wirt suit, congressional supra. serving nonetheless deemed retain capacity pay $500 suit. State Papers, Misc. Vol. 932 (1834) ("A statement sums paid Wirt, beyond salary, law"). Had concerned" extend already obliged "prosecute" "conduct" separate retainer agreement necessary. Committee later explained payment above salary "for belong office, perform, therefore, them, man be."1 931. 39 numerous occasions since seen fit interests. Kilbourn Thompson, (13 Otto) 168, 377 (1881); Pocket Veto Case, 279 655, 49 463, 73 894 (1929); Powell McCormack, 395 486, 89 1944, 491 (1969); Gravel 408 606, 92 2614, 583 (1972); (1983); Bowsher Synar, 478 714, 3181, Judiciary, well, represented several occasions. Will 389 90, 88 269, 305 (1967); Chandler Council Tenth Circuit, 398 74, 90 1648, (1970); Calvert Fire Ins. 2552, 57 504 (1978); Yet, time Dunn until today, heard bothering determine approved litigation. addition, frequently counsel—sometimes designated "amicus curiae," see, Myers 272 52, 21, 160 (1926); (appointing counsel), 461 574, 2017, 76 157 (1983)—without asking approval taking 518(a),2 confirmed interested. 40 previously unquestioned practice comports sense. "[e]xcept mandatory. appeal Of quite adversely affecting Instead, acts strategically, choosing most important likely prevail. separating wheat chaff, makes series what officer,3 reasonably weigh agencies. When faced difference coordinate government, faces undeniably intolerable encountered sector. essence, she asked conflicting clients. Common dictates intend Office General.4 compellingly unreasonable abdicate function determining Certainly, offices weighing competing interests, authority—absent legislation5—to deny Not common-sense 518, correct provision—the General—places text. brief submits: "[Title] vest applies 'interested' virtue Branch—the serves. ICC Southern Ry., 543 536 (5th Cir.1976) (Section 'not centralizes responsibility enables President, supervise branch')." 43 agree respectfully dissent. Judge's chambers 12:30 p.m. prepared hear but, accommodate a.m. 15, scheduled, hearing. preliminary injunction Tuesday, 19, extending date. 58-71. hearing, injunctive WJAR, defendants. 71-89. Our event, prohibited instructed declined, party. curiae, legally "insufficient" undertake pose attorneys. 1, 1. disposition address prescribed requesting appropriate prosecuting action, bypassed. hold deprives filing petition. eventually "interest" taken prosecutor. Karcher May, 72, 388, 327 Diamond Charles, 476 54, 63-64, 1697, 1703-1704, 401 reads: "A imprisonment, discretion, other, (3) Disobedience resistance lawful writ, process, rule, decree, command." fact, relies decline lost appeals. Andres 333 740, 764-765, 68 880, 892, 1055 (1948) (Frankfurter, concurring); McCree, His Client, 59 Wash.U.L.Q. 337, 341 (1981). Griswold, Representing Interests Mo.L.Rev. 527, 535 (1969) ("The obligation aid serve client. providing attend 'interests always understood mean long-range terms fisc, success people") (footnote omitted). emphasized: "This principle counsels caution repeat necessity. completely dependent redress direct affronts powerless prosecution. [T]he self-protection resort." resolves express therein vests elsewhere. begins law" general rule contradicted provision. application having well-established requirements. admits exception, chooses, exempt blanket coverage statute. mean, scrutinized subjected ordinary tools supersede suggest exceptions Courts Improvement 1982, 169, 96 51 (preserving existing Tennessee Valley Authority choosing," adding, 117, 32, Claims named 518(a)); Ethics 1978, 601(a) 594(a)(9) (authorizing prosecutions competent name States"). cited Act, Sealed 267 U.S.App.D.C. 178, 838 476, prob. juris. noted nom. Morrison Olson, 1058, 976 Stern, "Inconsistency" Litigation, 64 Harv.L.Rev. 759 (1951) (discussing Interstate Commerce Commission). pausing construe effect enactments, note indication 42(b) longstanding practice—of aware—of actions. 793-796, 2130-2132. nothing precludes Members adding views intervenors amici recognized, (1986), instances directly 288e(a). be, contends, pursuing remains, practical purposes, standpoint Solicitor's permit stake How captioned significance holding. observed, "courts look behind names symbolize controversy presented." ICC, 337 426, 430, 1410, 1413, 1451 (1949). recaptioned "adversary nature proceeding," Petitioner's Objections however styled, At Representatives, Monroe transmitted "information relating amount money fixed information accompanied Presidential message sheds light understanding providing, "By 24th September, instituting made concerned. seen, communicated, whatever character, belonging 931 (1834). nonsalary payments scope duties: "That defined 'to .' appointments made, allowed, reference constitution duties it, stated. "It follows right, call duties; difficult greater citizen gratuitous estimated for. "In extensive interesting nation, happen, happened, occasion bound, or, able afford. "Where occasional afforded interference duties, objection being employed footing—of receiving service required. design appeared, stated salary; deprive right talents learning benefit, done prejudice performance reviewing past, then, committee finds disapprove. additional employed, proper, compensated reasonable amount. allowed be. 930-931. provides: 501 "[t]he department 505, turn, Senate, assist duties." avoided delegate asserts doubt mandatory merely reallocate back them whenever so. legislation creating Senate Legal Counsel. 1875, 288 ed. III). 288e(a) "When directed ., intervene Constitution placed issue." 2881 "[p]ermission section 288e right. 288k relieves certain representational notified handling "notify determination enable No 288. H.R.Conf.Rep. 95-1756, 80 (1978). enacting saw Rather, determined institution reliance ad hoc wholly unsatisfactory." S.Rep. 95-170, (1977). Representation unsatisfactory branch," 11-12, unacceptable continued rejected high cost retaining case-by-case basis, maintain consistency among often insufficient locate counsel. 14-15. hire in-house permitting form engaged years.

Classification Label: 8