Legal Document

420 U.S. 738 95 Supreme Court Reporter 1300. 43 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 591 James R. SCHLESINGER et al., Petitioners,v.Bruce COUNCILMAN. Number 73—662. Argued Dec. 10, 1974. Decided March 25, 1975. Syllabus After court-martial charges were preferred against respondent Army captain for the sale, transfer, and possession of marihuana, he brought suit in Federal District to enjoin petitioner military authorities from proceeding with court-martial. The granted a permanent injunction, Appeals affirmed, on ground that offenses charged not 'service connected' hence within jurisdiction. Petitioners contend this (1) any federal-question jurisdiction might have had under 28 Code KF62 § 1331 been removed by Article 76 Uniform Military Justice (UCMJ), which provides proceedings 'are final conclusive' 'all action taken pursuant those (is) binding upon all . courts States,' (2) improperly intervened pending proceeding. Held: 1. does stand as jurisdictional bar respondent's suit, subject-matter 1331, assuming requisite amount. Pp. 744-753. (a) general rule 'the acts court martial, scope its duty, cannot be controlled or reviewed civil courts, writ prohibition otherwise,' Smith versus Whitney, 116 167, 177, 6 570, 575, 29 L.Ed. 601, is subject own qualification court-martial's 'within duty,' collateral relief consequences judgment barred if was void. 746-748. (b) finality clause more than describe terminal point system, Gusik Schilder, 340 128, 71 149, 146, legislative history article support conclusion it intended confine attack III exclusively habeas corpus. 748-753. 2. When serviceman crimes can show no harm other attendant resolution his case federal district must refrain intervention, way injunction otherwise. There nothing circumstances outweigh strong considerations favoring exhaustion remedies system warrant intruding integrity processes, enacted Congress an attempt balance unique necessities equally significant interest ensuring fairness servicemen offenses. 753-760. 481 Reporter, 2nd 613, reversed. Sol. Gen. Robert Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Bork petitioners. Nicholas D. Garrett O. Christopher Meyers, Lawton, Okl., respondent. Mr. POWELL delivered opinion Court. 1 On 27, 1972, Bruce Councilman, active duty at Fort Sill, Okl. alleged Captain Councilman wrongfully sold, transferred, possessed marihuana. July 6, Western Oklahoma permanently enjoined petitioners, Secretaries Defense Commanding General Staff Judge Advocate Councilman's impending appeal, Tenth Circuit holding therefore 613 (1973). 2 judgments predicated certain assumptions, hitherto examined Court,1 concerning proper relationship between justice established powers responsibilities courts. In view we take matter, presents occasion merits 'service-connection' claim. Although may jurisdiction, think factors governing exercise equitable normally weighs otherwise, proceedings. We see alters balance. Accordingly, reverse. 3 * parties shipulated relevant facts.2 They need only summarized here. Army's Criminal Investigation Detachment Sill received information confidential informant using marihuana off-post apartment. detachment erranged invited party, where introduced Specialist Four Glenn Skaggs, enlisted man working undercover agent. who used name Danny Drees activities, identified clerk-typist Training Center. Shortly after their initial meeting, allegedly transferred Skaggs small quantities once sale gift. both occasions, off post uniform. and, appearances, well. Thereafter, based Skaggs' investigations, apprehended civilian authorities, searched appartment discovered additional later remanded authorities. He having violated 134 Justice3 selling, transferring, possessing Following investigatory hearing,4 referred trial. 4 At preliminary hearing held June represented counsel, moved dismiss charges, contending court-maritial lacked Court's decision O'Callahan Parker, 395 258, 89 1683, 23 291 (1969), because connected.' evidentiary hearing, presiding judge denied motion scheduled begin 11. 5, Court, moving temporary restraining order prevent claimed since over offenses, '(would) suffer great irreparable damage (might) deprived liberty without due process law, Court-Martial Proceedings are permitted 11 ..' following day, service-connection issue, court-martial.5 5 did meet tests service connection set forth supra, elaborated Relford Disciplinary Commandant, 401 355, 91 649, 102 (1971). found one enumerated decisions pointed case: 'factor relat(ing) rank persons involved incident fact servicemen.' F.2d, 614. concluded factor, standing alone, insufficient sustain distribution 'affect(ed) discipline commission crime serviceman.' Id., 615. behalf Solicitor filed petition certiorari addressed 'service-connected' offense issue,6 noting existence conflicts issue below Appeals.7 petition, 414 1111, 94 839, 38 737 (1973),8 although do consider questions raised neither nor Richardson, 418 166, 206, 2940, 2961, 41 678 (1974) (Stewart, J., dissenting), equity issues necessarily implicit seemed sufficiently important raise them sua sponte. See, e.g., Younger Harris, 37, 40, 746, 748, 27 669 (1971); Duignam States, 274 195, 200, 47 566, 568, 996 (1927), cases there cited. requested supplemental briefs 'on remedies, (3) propriety enjoining proceeding.' Since our these disposes case, express question. II 7 Presumably 1331,9 grants actions matter controversy exceeds $10,000 '. arises Constitution, laws, treaties States.' No contention made claim fails assert arising Constitution. See supra. argue, however, even otherwise enactment Justice, 10 876. That article, margin,10 pertinent part proceedings, findings, sentences courts-martial approved, reviewed, affirmed required chapter 8 rely demonstrating limit convictions writs corpus 2241. If so, petitioners further argue remove intervene before has place. short, argued respect convictions, pro tanto repealer statutes, exception 2241, conferring 9 declined decide question past.11 now conclude highly intervention into ascribe it. This repeatedly recognized that, necessity, '(m)ilitary law jurisprudence exists separate apart governs judicial establishment.' Burns Wilson, 346 137, 140, 73 1045, 1047, 97 1508 (1953); Parker Levy, 417 733, 744, 2547, 2556, 439 (1974). empowered I, 8, 'make Rules Government Regulation land naval Forces.' It has, never deemed appropriate confer 'appellate supervise administration criminal military.' Noyd Bond, 683, 694, 1876, 1883, 631 (1969). Ex parte Vallandigham, Wall. 243, 249—253, 17 589 (1864).12 Nor conferred directly review determinations. valid, like competent direct errors res judicata effect preclude litigation merits. 1B Moore, Practice 0.405(4.—1), Pages 634—637 (2d ed. 1974). adhered uniformly otherwise.' 601 (1886). Hiatt Brown, 339 103, 111, 70 495, 498, 691 (1950); re Grimley, 137 147, 150, 54, 34 636 (1890). But carries duty.' Collateral seeks, necessary court's power grant, declaration void.13 A judgment, rendered void merely error, granting mean invalid purposes.14 contrary, means purposes hand effect: lack some fundamental defect, justifies bars consequences. 12 These settled principles start fully applicable determinations.15 Habeas remain far most common form judgments; but historically they exclusive attack. earliest. Wise Withers, Cranch 331, 457 (1806), trespass collector fines, plaintiff, official, exempt 'it principle, such tribunal, clearly protect officer executes it.' 337. Dynes Hoover, 20 How. 65, 15 838 (1857); Martin Mott, Wheat. 19, 537 (1827).16 end last century, basis same principle approved backpay suits Claims. E.g., Runkle 122 543, 1141, 30 1167 (1887). cases, early cases,17 demonstrate uniform approach problem judgments: unless appeared void.18 B 13 effected change regime, solely judgments, course, concern least normal sense, Instead, alleging likelihood injury, sought injunctive asserted, relief, entered would impeachment, habeas. Thus, legal rested go beyond grounds attack.19 effect, attempting collaterally authorities' convene refusal charges. 76, gives also proceedings.' agree stands precisely footing seeking possible forms relief. habeas, prior judgment. 14 expressly Its language defines become requires given effect. But, past, inconsistency standard review, impeached jurisdiction.20 146 (1950), determine 53 Articles War, immediate statutory predecessor present containing identical language.21 Petitioner entertain attacking thus worked unconstitutional suspension give suggested construction: 'We read doing describing system. deprive exercised beginning, break so marked believe purpose plain unmistakable. adequately serves restricted strained construction stir constitutional tendered.' U.S., 132 133, S.Ct., 152. 16 insofar holds remains available despite mandate 76. argued, itself establishment comprehensive military, said, acknowledging special status Suspension Clause,22 shared particular statements House Senate Committee reports '(s) ubject court, (Art. 76) judgments.'23 addition, Report explained Appeals, Code, resort except right corpus.'24 Petitioners' interpretation full reach accepted, obtaining injunctions traditional could satisfy requirements As out above, alternative particularly backpay, available. Indeed, availability reiterated shortly Code. Shapiro 69 F.Supp. 205, 107 Ct.Cl. 650 (1947). Yet distinguishes consistent well-established rules distinction, selected singularly inapt 18 justify odds clear purport. recently repeat, 'repeals implication disfavored,' canon applies force when asserted remedy Regional Rail Reorganization Act Cases, 419 102, 133—136, 335, 353—355, 42 320 true, urge, occupies position jurisprudence, consequence historical importance ultimate safeguard unjustifiable deprivations liberty. attending congressional consideration addressing affecting corpus, significance vital interests protects mode convictions. affirmative intent whatever ground, inferred scattered history. Restraint liberty, perhaps immediately onerous, serious conviction. Such result, example, deprivation pay earned promotion, discharge dismissal conditions cause lasting, life.25 19 say, every depends whether recognizes distinction attack, able grant. Part III, infra. emphasize invariable. For impeachment cognizable sufficient Lacking statement other, properly void—i.e., hand—may turn nature gravity sought. Moreover, assessed light deference should accorded carefully designed Congress. concerned here petitioners' broad argument, reject reasons stated above. reiterate accepted including Appeals,26 accordingly hold suit. 21 Our amount,27 carry concerned, falls limited consistently remedial powers.28 22 prayer incur 'great law. .' refused rejecting argument connected act them. intervened, tried. convicted entirely conjecture. And supposed almost certainly rejected eventual reason conviction inevitably affirmed. appears 'threatened (no) injury incidental lawfully good faith.' Douglas City Jeannette, 319 157, 164, 63 877, 881, 87 1324 (1943). Of inevitable injury—often proportions—incident prosecution. invoked state prosecutions, '(c)ertain types particular, cost, anxiety, inconvenience defend single prosecution, (can) themselves considered 'irreparable' sense term.' 46, 751. 'The maxim will prosecution summarizes centuries weighty experience Anglo-American law.' Stefanelli Minard, 342 117, 120, 72 118, 96 138 (1951). originated corollary subordination 'may originally grown peculiar English 44, 750.29 familiar enough. ancient lineage, sprung longer existent, establishes contemporary utility caused delay vindication individual rights. 24 justification reside peculiarly compelling demands federalism 'special delicacy adjustment preserved State 120. precise content rights invariably turns context arise. quite capable determining facts, alone define interpret Equally important, VI share equivalent responsibility enforcement rights, expect fulfill. comity, necessity coordinate systems, led averted 'both immediate,' kind 'cannot eliminated defense prosecution.' Fenner Boykin, 271 240, 46 492, 493, 927 (1926); Dombrowski Pfister, 380 479, 85 1116, (1965). Precisely underlie requirement first exhaust remedies: 'not presume Royall, 117 241, 252, 734, 740, 868 Darr Burford, 204 n. 587, 590, 761 (1950). 25 To extent, practical supporting barring extraordinary similar administrative remedies. Myers Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp., 303 41, 50—51, 58 459, 463—464, 82 638 (1938). latter rule, looking competence agencies reposed perform tasks, allow develop apply expert, correct errors. ensures informed narrowed agencies' decisions. avoids duplicative often agency's obviate intervention. McKart 185, 194—195, 1657, 1662—1663, 194 (1969); Parisi Davidson, 405 34, 92 815, 817, 31 (1972). 26 equal measure prosecutions something view, counsels strongly where, appropriate.30 While implicated, deficiency supplied compelling. 'a specialized society society' 'laws traditions (developed) during long history.' 743, 2555. primary business armies navies fight ready wars arise,' Toth Quarles, 350 11, 17, 1, 100 (1955). prepare role, insist counterpart life. laws history; founded exigencies powerful past. Their vitality enacting attempted formulate mechanism competing adjusted. created integrated procedures, critical element consisting judges 'completely influence persuasion,'31 gain time thorough familiarity problems. 694—695, 1882—1883. impeachment. scheme embodied generally adequate responsibly assigned task. respected assumed vindicate servicemen's this, well requirements, petitions prisoners exhausted. supra.32 striking power. Respondent seeks avoid result pointing several allowing supra; Reid Covert, 354 77 1222, 1148 (1957); McElroy ex rel. Guagliardo, 361 281, 80 305, 282 (1960). civilians contended courts-martial. presented & N Immigration Nationality Decisions interfere forcing answer each disruption lives accompanying 'especially unfair require complainants substantial arguments denying try all.' 696 1884, 8. turned whom noted Noyd, 'did expertise extended claims type presented.' Ibid.33 Assuming, arguendo, absent incarceration progeny failure him brought. authority disciplinary sanctions levied through injustice requiring submit legitimate connected,' impose punishment whatever. major gauging impact effectiveness, deterring distinct greater society, vindicated matters facts occurred. More importantly, relevant, indispensable inform courts.34 circumstances, any, justified. disclosed here, discern outweighs warrants processes. 32 Reversed. 33 Chief BURGER, concurring concur postjudgment attacks dismissed complaint 35 BRENNAN, DOUGLAS MARSHALL join, dissenting part. 36 876, join opinion. 37 dissent, applied challenge connected, avenue determination question, until does, 'federal imposes restraint conceded persuasive. today's departs unbroken line that—consistent basic tenet subordinates authority—restricts cognizance narowest absolutely necessary, precludes expansion expense constitutionally application (1960); is, applications raising exhausted distinguished situations presenting challenges charged, 'vindicated complainants' remedies,' '(w)e presented. especially 1884. 39 fits situation case. raises 'substantial (him) all,' utterly suggest 'expertise courts,' approximates Thus compelled favor reached Guagliardo. 40 reasoned departure holdings case.1 surprising plainly wholly lacking tribunals ordinarily relied requirement, namely, know-how 'expertise' agency knowledgeable questions. simply special, connected.2 Civilian defer involve 'extremely technical provisions Code,' 696, unnecessary friction prevail situation. enmeshed 'technical Code.' everyday drug encounter country day. agrees transaction service-connected participants servicemen. Rather, analogizes cases—and though all. mere suggestion analogy nigh incredible. bring bear practice carried becomes servicemen.3 virtually hornbook 'courts-martial institution inept dealing nice subtleties 265, 1687, "it arise." 262, 1685. Dealing 'nice law' (if the) judges. baffles me how expertise, preference judges, decision-making. grounding notion baffling. concede regard connection' various kinds probably unsuccessful.' Brief Jurisdictional Issues 19. cursory survey suggests positive concession. Rose, U.S.C.M.A. 3, C.M.R. Beeker, 563, 275 Teasley, 131, 131 One latest Sexton, 101, 48 662 (1974), sales transfers agent connected. track record compels highest upheld posture (respondent, he) await case.' Guagliardo McElroy, 104 U.S.App.D.C. 112, 114 4, 259 927, 929 (1958), aff'd conclude, therefore, refusing deciding connection. circumstance, affirm Appeals' affirmance 44 365, 655, (1971), weighed connected: 45 '1. serviceman's absence '2. crime's away base. '3. place control. '4. territorial limits occupied zone foreign country. 49 '5. peacetime being unrelated stemming war 50 '6. defendant's duties crime. 51 '7. victim's engaged performance relating military. 52 '8. presence prosecuted. '9. flouting authority. 54 '10. threat post. 55 '11. violation property. 56 '12. offense's among traditionally prosecuted courts.' 655. 57 weighing factors, post; occurred apartment, while duty; committed peacetime; crime; regularly available; security property, true performing superiors. eliminate factor 7, candidly admit 'Skaggs, 'victim' plainclothes policeman intend use drug.' Merits 5. Schroth Warner, 353 1032, 1044 (D.C.Haw.1973), 'is function significance.' 59 urge bearing discipline, morale, effectiveness fighting forces,' suffices establish, two reasons, First, respondent, officer, knew man, 'in tightly-knit, rumor-prone word usually circulate ranks officer's participation unlawfulness,' id., causing breakdown morale. Second, 'possession marijuana proscribed drugs, base on,' tends impair Armed Forces.4 60 Neither supported record. stationed community evidence impaired threatened personnel Sill. Similarly, related, devoid amounts adversely affects duties. Whatever medical, psychological, sociological research particulars, none 61 affirm. Secretary Navy Avrech, 676, 2039, 1033 Pet. Cert., App. E, 23—25. 934. prohibits, inter alia, disorders neglects prejudice armed forces.' provision Term vagueness First Amendment overbreadth challenges. (1974); repeated 32, 832. subsequently reconsideration, institute Fed.Rule Civ.Proc. act. papers Councilman—motions affidavit briefs—although formally denominated complaint, apprise invoke court. authorized 8(f), comply Rule nunc tunc, 15(b), conforming pleadings rules. objection disposition mater. actually existed exist filed, 9, infra, defect manner instituted processed entry valid 3.04, 718—720, 3.06(1), 731 732 Pet., Castro, 598, 310 Adams, 75, 75 (1969) (off-post illegal narcotics connected); (unlawful barbiturates another connected). Cole Laird, 468 829 (CA5 1972) (holding Moylan 305 551 (R.I.1969); Lyle Kincaid, 344 223 (MD Fla.1972); 1032 (Haw.1973); Redmond 355 812 (Haw.1973) lacks offenses). Contra: Scott Schlesinger, C.A. 4—2371 (ND Tex. Oct. 1973) 1254(1). 'complaint' nowhere mentioned amount controversy. nonetheless C. Wright, Law Courts 290—291 1970). fatally defective contains allegation controversy, see, Canadian Indemnity company Republic Co., 222 (CA9 1955), exceed 4—5. Defective allegations amended, 1653. served formal amendment stage. appellate records trial provided chapter, dismissals discharges execution approval, affirmation conclusive. Orders publishing departments, agencies, officers new section 873 title (article 73) 874 74) President.' Augenblick, 393 348, 349—353, 528, 529—532, Cf. Warner Flemings, decided together Gosa Mayden, 413 665, 93 2926, Yamashita, 327 66 340, 344, 90 499 (1946); Vidal, 179 126, 48, 118 (1900). Crawford 970, 1349, 281 (1965) (motion leave file denied). Restatement Judgments (1942); KF105 F3 James, Civil Procedure 11.5 Compare Ashe McNamara, 277 (CA1 1965), Davies Clifford, 496 1968). Fay Noia, 372 391, 423—424, 83 822, 840 841, 837 (1963). Weckstein, Review Courts-Martial Proceedings: Delicate Balance Individual Rights Responsibilities, Mil.L.Rev. Bishop, Judges Justice: Convictions, Col.L.Rev. (1961). Dynes, stated: 'Persons, then, belonging army navy irresponsible martial .. everything done void—not voidable, void; failed, party redress, injured judgment.' How., 81. Reed, 13, 538 (1879). McClaughry Deming, 186 49, 786, 1049 (1902) (habeas corpus); 206 620, 1046 (1907) (backpay suit). Wales 564, 1050, (1885), custody. observed that: 'If finds guilty, imprisonment sentence, then relieve imprisonment. office, sue inquired stopped, whole part, thing. modes 1055. had, species pre-judgment 15, 12. 62 Statutes-at-Large 639. U.S.Const., 9. 344; 399—400, 827—828. S.Rep.No.486, 81st Cong., 1st Sess., (1949); H.R.Rep.No.491, (1949), U.S.Code Cong.Serv. 1950, Page 2258. H.R.Rep.No. 491, 7. Cong.Rec. 5721 (1949) (remarks Rep. Brooks). committee hearings restriction Hearings H.R. 2498 Subcommittee Services, 799 (1949). Senator Kefauver, discussing 'Congress, enactment, not, matters.' 1414 Augenblick 377 586, 592, 180 (1967), rev'd grounds, Kauffman Air Force, 135 415 991, 995, cert. 396 1013, 572, 505 (1970). Frischholz, 151, 306, 307 (1966), '(Article insulate subsequent forum. best interpretations court-martial, involved.' 2.08, 406 continuing justified 'under erosion role jury duplication 750. Fiss, Injunctions relevance justifications context, Levy Corcoran, 128 388, 390, 389 929, 931 (opinion Leventhal, J.), denied, 960, 88 337, 369 (1967). Sherman, Judicial Determinations Exhaustion Remedies Requirement, Va.L.Rev. 483, 496—499 131—132, 151—152, drew explicit 711—712, 2952—2953 (Marshall, dissenting). 114, aff'd, Dooley Ploger, 491 608, 612—615 (CA4 1974); Sedivy 485 1115, 1118—1121 (CA3 1973). Nelson Westbrook, Jurisdiction Over Servicemen 'Civilian' Offenses: An Analysis Minn.L.Rev. 50—52 BRENNAN states: 'Military Post, 764-765. 'that duties.' 769. address factual opinion, note—in BRENNAN's position—the General's 'drug abuse life.' 15. seriousness indicated committees 86,000 underwent rehabilitation fiscal years 1972 1973, 52% return rehabilitation. 17—18, citing Hearing Drug Alcohol Programs Abuse Services 93d 109, 110 Abuse, 1971, Alcoholism Narcotics Labor Public Welfare, 92d 120—127 surprising, magnitude problem, 565, 275, 'use significance' 'disastrous effects' substances "on health, morale fitness forces." doubt qualify evaluate fitness. distinguish Toth, Reid, civilians, servicemen, challenged military's Bond fact. focused deal issues. '(W)e reliance federal-court misplaced. Ante, 754-757. Those equity, 'Our Federalism' counsel interference comparable competence. pays deserved observing 'critical element(s) persuasion,' problems,' ante, 758, adding to, will, task.' Ibid. agree, 'thorough problems' familiarity' problems 'military problem.' charged. rarely confronted tribunals, composed courts-martial, convened effectively six ago There, nonmilitary 'no intimate concerns discipline,' follows accused member Forces, identifiable irrelevant court-martial.' 267, 1688. essential follow ascertainment 'status' completes inquiry regardless nature, time, offense.'

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