Legal Document

352 U.S. 330 77 Supreme Court Reporter 510 1 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 376 Matter of the Petition for a Writ Habeas Corpus Harry Atlantic GROBAN and Nathan Groban, Appellants. Number 14. Argued Nov. 6, 1956. Decided Feb. 25, 1957. Mr. James Federal KF105 F3 Graham, Zanesville, Ohio, appellants. Messrs. Earl W. Allison, Jr. Judge Ralston Werum, Columbus, appellee. Justice REED delivered opinion Court. The question presented by this appeal is whether appellants had constitutional right under Due Process Clause Fourteenth Amendment to assistance their own counsel in giving testimony as witnesses at proceeding conducted Ohio State Fire Marshal investigate causes fire. 2 After fire occurred on premises corporation owned operated appellants, started an investigation into subpoenaed appear witnesses. refused permit appellants' be present proceeding, relying § 3737.13 Code, which provides that 'investigation * may private' he 'exclude from place where (the) held all persons other than those required *.'1 Appellants declined sworn testify without immediate presence counsel, who accompanied them hearing. Their refusal was treated violation 3737.12, 'No witness shall refuse or *.' Section 3737.99(A) 'Whoever violates section 3737.12 summarily punished, officer concerned, commitment county jail until such person willing comply with order officer.' accordingly committed time they should testify.2 Appellants' application writ habeas corpus denied Common Pleas, denial affirmed Appeals Court.3 3 We postponed further consideration jurisdiction hearing merits. 351 903, 76 693, 100 L.Ed. 1440. construed authorize exclude proceeding. Since attack constitutionality section, we have appeal. 28 Code KF62 1257(2), Annotated KF65 U5 1257(2). 4 note outset explicitly disavow making any direct Marshal's power summary punishment 3737.99(A). They challenge not validity procedure were jail, but sufficiency grounds so committed. sole assertion authority unconstitutional because right, Clause, testimony. 5 It clear defendant state criminal trial has unqualified heard through his counsel. Chandler versus Fretag, 348 3, 75 1, 99 4. Prosecution individual differs widely administrative incidents damaging economy dangerous public. before trial, nor it would way adjudicate responsibilities solely elicit facts relating circumstances duty 'determine result carelessness design,' arrest against whom there sufficient evidence base charge arson.4 6 fact legal speak might provide basis charges does mean here are information sought cause A grand jury cannot insist, matter being represented counsel,5 can investigatory bodies.6 There no more reason allow trying public interest determine Obviously these situations obtained possibly lay open charges. When made then demand defense. Until protection privilege self-incrimination.7 U.S.Const., Amend. V.; Const., Article I, 10. See Adamson People California, 332 46, 52, 67 1672, 1675, 91 1903. This available investigations well prosecutions. In re 164 St. 26, 28, 128 North Eastern Reporter, 2nd 106, 108, App. 512, 515, 135 477, 480; McCarthy Arndstein, 266 34, 40, 45 16, 17, 69 158; Adams Maryland, 347 179, 74 442, 98 608. doubt prosecutions convictions reasonably feared. Cf. Ullmann States, 350 422, 431, 497, 502, 511. mere suspicion entertained witness, believed existed here, though allegation support belief, bar taking private 7 number people gives greater assurance improper use will witness' presence. think, however, presumption fair orderly conduct officials coercion distortion exists challenged contrary. Possibility exercise opportunity examine our judgment sound set aside State's prevention. As similar situations, abuses corrected arise, example, excluding subsequent improperly obtained. 8 like many maintains division government directed prevention fires reduction losses.8 3737.13, been effect since 1900,9 represents determination Legislature most effective method bringing light concerning origins fires, and, long run, reducing injuries losses caused negligence design. say unreasonable. advisors easily far encumber make unworkable unwieldy. And weighty protect, hold balance contrary 'fundamental principles liberty justice.' Hebert Louisiana, 272 312, 316, 47 103, 104, 71 270. That test measure statute Clause. 9 urge, must considered 3737.99(A), us that, considered, unconstitutional. Oliver, 333 257, 68 499, 92 682, one-man jury, judge, could constitutionally punished contempt allowed see relation between premise representation conclusion questioned representation. contain flaw if exclusion while determines violated orders relied upon only one record here—the authorization testifies—is founded. assisted Marshal, insofar authorizes testifies, repugnant Amendment. 10 Affirmed. 11 FRANKFURTER, HARLAN joins, concurring. 12 To whatever extent history confirm Lord Acton's dictum tends corrupt, doctrine fear hardly serve test, Amendment, particular legislative power. so, statute, expressive view desirable policy dealing rudimentary concerns society—the ascertainment causes—and towards situation, determined deriving troupe hobgoblins assumption particularized justify unlimited, abusive 13 If legislation obvious design toward secret inquisition suspected arson, wholly different situation us. examination suspects. authorizing inquiry chief guardian community hazards fires. sure, preclude possibility suspect turn up among Marshal. But aim expeditious expert prosecutor, may, others, prosecution. various proceedings, instance some workmen's compensation laws, lawyers deemed conducive economical thorough facts. utmost devotion one's profession fullest recognition great role evolution free society lead erect principle camera unless lawyer attend. 14 normal carries deprivation rights citizen assumes inevitable misuse authority. For good reasons, certainly purposes, entertained. potential danger feared invade self-incrimination recognized. amply safeguarded decision case. justified invalidating called aware respond questions answers tend incriminate. At when attained familiarity comic strips, ignorance about too farfetched invalidate legislation. 15 What said disposes suggestion general administrative, non-prosecutorial sustained, follow inquisitorial powers given District Attorney also sustained. disregard vital differences. differences degree, decisive answer degree inherent due regard process. admonished foreign totalitarianism. Equally guided reviewing over totalitarianism country. 16 reasons & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions join 17 BLACK, CHIEF JUSTICE, DOUGLAS BRENNAN join, dissenting. 18 believe protections guaranteed every compel alone law-enforcement give will. Under reasoning majority federal country compulsory examinations. complete departure traditional methods law enforcement go placing 'the man hands petty officer.'1 By sanctioning statutes involved disregards 'this nation's historic distrust proceedings'2 decides laid down its landmark decisions accused '* requires guiding hand step proceedings him.'3 19 deputies broad These officers summon oath.4 punish him refuses disobeys orders.5 wish examination, including counsel.6 questioning deputy believes arson crime.7 Any statements taken during sessions turned Prosecuting prosecution.8 An 'Arson Bureau' established office provided staff charged investigating crime expressly responsible prosecution guilty crime.'9 statutory provisions show ordinary duties policemen respect 'arson crimes.' 20 business Dresden, burned down, marshal summoned records According unchallenged affidavit, appeared lawyer, stating fully interrogation. informed interrogation admit lawyer. conditions testify. proceeded ordered imprisoned secret. adjudged imprisoned. 21 instituted action court contending imprisonment rejected contention judgments lower courts refusing issue writ. upholds below, even narrow chooses decide case think holding erroneous constitutes very precedent.10 below reversed process imprison Deputy 22 proposed fraught dangers highest prosecuted related resulting seems statement allegedly secured used preliminary detention, secure indictment, formal obtain conviction.11 interrogator's what done inquisition. officer's version frequently reflect inaccurate understanding accused's or, occasion, deliberately distorted falsified. While protest misrepresentations, protestations normally vain. particularly true several assistants vouch story.12 public, suspect's misunderstanding twisting greatly reduced.13 23 executive bent enforcing still another witness. Behind closed doors coerced, tricked confused untrue hide truth creating misleading impressions. custody interrogators, practical matter, subject uncontrolled Here pointed out places restrictions interrogations duration. Exemplifying occur repeatedly cases confessions suspects coercive secret.14 each varied, them, common element incommunicado friends relatives, concurring Haley 596, page 605, 302, 306, 224: 'An impressive series admonishes temptations abuse police endeavors suspects, protracted carried secrecy, disquietude fears naturally engender individuals incommunicado, aid unprotected safeguards judicial inquiry.'15 Nothing better calculated prevent official scrutiny disinterested bystanders.16 24 committing faces gravest handicaps defending charge. interrogating assert engaged certain contumacious behavior seek him. Even tried someone interrogators,17 efforts actual events pictured futile call corroborate deprived advice completely unaware crossed obscure boundary become contemptuous. Moreover, somewhat chary exercising actions external scrutiny. 25 firmly interrogated whenever compelled instrumental conviction offense. stage him.18 broader implications seem me type authorized technically fit category substantive eventual quite possible attributable largely hollow thing when, already assured pretrial examination.19 26 Looking substance things, contains partially crime.' Suppose commencement acting authorization, expelled everyone courtroom prosecuting attorney 'privately.' thrown open, recalled, jurors sume transcript purported defendant's excluded defense could. Surely contend law. Yet techniques end effects substantially same. 27 protect himself asserting self-incrimination. proposition collapses anything superficial consideration. average little idea how raise privileges. requirement fire-prevention inform privileged incriminate himself. intricate possibilities waiver surround unwittingly waive it.20 coerced misled interrogators dare privilege. Undoubtedly hanging head times contempt—a whose limitations understand. Furthermore, seldom competent properly claimed wish, instruct correct it. submit interrogation, heavy reliance practice examining surface lend disappears analysis institution. English American composed members selected citizenry locality alleged committed.21 bring room experience, knowledge viewpoint sections community. axes grind personally administration No ferreting crime. difficult seriously deceive jury. Similarly offers substantial safeguard officers' misrepresentation, unintentional otherwise, witness's need unbiased them. 29 relies supposed investigation.22 relevant significant point 1946 Congress specifically Administrative Procedure Act that: 30 'Any agency representative thereof accorded accompanied, represented, advised permitted agency, qualified representative.'23 31 reporting bill enacted Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously declared: 32 'By enacting bill, Congress—expressing people—will laying guidance branches Government interests respecting minimum requirements procedure.'24 33 House stated: 34 'The outline essential procedures.'25 35 Heretofore never agree conducting validly 36 event, inquiries securing useful generally Rather, command apprehension crimes. offense—as apparently were—to oath. previously indicated elicited Once end. All attorney. foregoing clearly demonstrates is, intended be, important integral part crime.26 examined connection crimes destroyed merely euphonious label 'administrative.'27 37 Finally argued choose 'investigatory proceedings' 'unduly encumbered.' From appears primary manner 'encumber' protecting legitimate witness.28 undeniable rack 'hampered' others report convicted.29 procedural imposed full occasionally impede 38 states 'with protect,' public's denying basic justice? Chief Police inquire gave least prevention, majority's approval means 'law enforcement.' fact, readily applied sanction grant trooper, policeman, sheriff, marshal, constable, FBI agent, attorney, immigration official,30 narcotics health officer, sanitation inspector, building tax collector, customs countless violations law.31 novel extremely precedent—one destroy establish authoritarian government. 39 disputes laws. nothing suggests adequate laws extreme here. heretofore inconsistent system justice. Frankfurter announcing Court's Watts Indiana, 338 49, 54, 1347, 1350, 93 1801: 40 'Ours accusatorial opposed system. Such characteristic Anglo-American justice freed itself practices borrowed Star Chamber Continent whereby hours burden proving mouth. case, safeguards, independently skillful investigation.'32 41 Secret inquisitions things justly men everywhere.33 breeding arbitrary often beginning tyranny indispensable instruments survival. Modern ancient bears both innocent seized whisked away worse groundwork securely conviction. labels changed, central wherever remains unchanging—extraction 'statements' incommunicado. reiterate my belief invisible officials. procedures grave threat liberties people. Page's Rev.Code, 3737.13. released bond incarcerated. 477; 106. §§ 3737.08, 3737.10. Black, Cir., 542; accord, Blanton, D.C., F.Supp. 812; Scully, 225 113, 116. Bowles Baer, 142 787; Levine, 127 651. Note, Rights Witnesses Investigations, 54 Harv.L.Rev. 1214, 1216—1217. 511; Hoffman 341 479, 486, 814, 95 1118; Smith 337 137, 150, 1000, 1007, 1264; Hale Henkel, 201 43, 66—67, 370, 375—376, 50 652. National Protection Association Handbook (10th ed. 1948) 41—45; Annual Report Division (Ohio) 1955. Laws 1900, Bill 51. Otis phrase denouncing Writs Assistance General Warrants famous argument Paxton's Case. Works John (Boston 1850), 524. 273, 507, 682. Powell Alabama, 287 45, 69, 53 55, 64, 158. 3737.11, 3737.12. Id., 3737.02. reverse found sentenced benefit choosing act claiming failed Court, convinces raised rights, anxious conclude form. Aetna insurance company Kennedy, 301 389, 393, 57 809, 811, 81 1177; Hodges Easton, 106 408, 412, 307, 310, 169. Jur. 2d, Criminal Law 388. attend recognized times. Matthew 18:15—16: 'Moreover thy brother trespass thee, tell fault thee alone: hear thou gained brother. take two more, mouth three word established.' Blackstone centuries later noted '(The) viva voce, mankind, much clearing truth, writing clerk *. artful careless scribe meant Commentaries 373. Bentham subsequently out: 'In registration recordation evidence, publicity serves security correctness (completeness included) work registrator. material incorrectness, inadvertence,—so auditors eventually capable indicating, character existence error, tenor (or purport) alteration requisite correction it.' Bentham, Rationale Judicial Evidence (1827), 523. See, e.g., Fikes 191, 281, 246; Leyra Denno, 556, 716, 948; 1801; Turner Commonwealth Pennsylvania, 62, 1352, 1810; Harris South Carolina, 68, 1354, 1815; 224; Malinski New York, 324 401, 65 781, 89 1029; Ashcraft Tennessee, 322 143, 64 921, 88 1192; Ward Texas, 316 547, 62 1139, 86 1663; White 310 530, 60 1032, 84 1342; Chambers Florida, 309 227, 472, 716. discussion arising Bar Association's Lawless Enforcement Law, Aug. 19, 1930. Am.J. Science 575. Minker, 188, 287, 185, examinations 'It bespeak depreciation zeal, disinterestedness, ex parte examinations, untrammelled adversary afford ready opportunities unhappy consequences prospective defendants denaturalization suits.' 'wait see' involuntary based statements. 'abuse-by-abuse' approach fails protection. Usually chance showing Only other, able find involuntarily face spontaneous freely given. Apparently jurisdictions, additional obstacle presumed voluntary not. Jur.2d, 387. few prove subjected considerable expense, inconvenience unfavorable publicity. More important, suffered mistreatment interrogators. Here, course, try preferred. Ex Sullivan, 107 514, 517. pages 517—518, district judge observed: (Powell 158), mention cases, unquestionably Petitioners entitled trial. ever skilled, went absolutely control One imagine cynical prosecutor saying: 'Let illustrious now. can't escape noose. do trial." (Emphasis supplied.) Also Jackson, J., 57, 1351, 1801. Rogers 340 367, 438, 344. cited juries suggested less persons. Murchison, 349 133, 139, 140, 623, 626, 627, 942 (dissenting opinion); 283, 283—284, 512—513, 682 opinion). designate pressence supra, 265, 503. equally obnoxious styled simply policemen. authorities offered decisions. 1005(a), 1005(a). S.Rep.No.752, 79th Cong., 1st Sess. 31. H.R.Rep.No.1980, 16. highly unrealistic equate involving claim compensation. Nor defeated besides criminality involved. objectionable. Perhaps, real shown, restricted advising client prohibited asking questions. alternatives, drastic prejudicial satisfactory unduly impairing efficiency examination. proceedings: 'Without publicity, checks insufficient: comparison small account. Recordation, appeal, institutions themselves checks, operate rather cloaks checks; reality, appearance.' 185. deny enforcement-officers. concerned. However not? purposes distinguishing policeman officer. attempted distinction purely artificial. marshals rested conjecture artificial drawn future day. survey British reveals equivalent conduct. Official police. '(W)hen inquiring anyone information; actually brought word.' Machinery England (2d 1953), 137. 1929, Royal Commission Powers Page 118 recommended 'A rigid instruction issued prisoner, 'person custody,' offence charged, permitted.' doubtful admitted Rex Grayson, Crim.App.R. (1921); 43 618; Ky.L.Rev. 403. France unwilling function Juge d'Instruction, training. Prior 1897 oath Ploscowe, Development Accusatorial Elements French Procedure, J.Crim.L. Criminology 372. 1882 Stephen commented follows: 'To accustomed ways thinking feeling utterly intolerable England. substitution (interrogation) magistrate poison source.' Stephen, History (1883), 565. response widespread demands changed appearing d'Instruction M. Constans, sponsors Senate, said: juge d'instruction functionaries. He controlled doing duty.' Quoted 381. Esmein, Continental (1913); Keedy, Preliminary Investigation Crime France, U.Pa.L.Rev. 692. leading Italian jurist recently defend oneself meaning, exist first phase systems pre-trial accused, undefended magistrate, unable innocence strength resist prolonged questioning, put ordeal reduced signing confession Unfortunately, retains sad inheritance era tyranny, unreconcilable human personality applied, inert object mercy inquisitor's violence. Held period examiners, counsel; torture, although formally abolished, returned new guises scientific nonetheless cruel: third endless incessant serum.' Calamandrei, Democracy (Adams transl. 1956), 93—94, 102—103.

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