Legal Document

331 U.S. 367 67 Supreme Court Reporter 1249 91 L.Ed. 1546 CRAIG et al.v.HARNEY. Number 241. Argued Jan. 9, 1947. Decided May 19, Mandate Conformed to Oct. 15, See Tex.Cr.App., 204 South Western Reporter, 2nd Series 842. Messrs. Ireland Graves, of Austin, Tex., and Marcellus G. Eckhardt, Corpus Christi, for petitioners. Mr. Jerry D'Unger, respondent. Justice DOUGLAS delivered the opinion Court. 1 Petitioners were adjudged guilty constructive criminal contempt by County Neuces County, Texas, sentenced jail three days. They sought challenge legality their confinement applying Criminal Appeals a writ habeas corpus.1 That court divided vote denied remanded petitioners custody county sheriff. Ex parte Craig, 193 178. The case is here on petition certiorari which we granted because importance problem ruling Texas raised doubts whether it conformed principles announced in Bridges versus State California, 314 252, 62 190, 86 192, 159 American Law Reports 1346, Pennekamp Florida, 328 331, 66 1029. 2 are publisher, an editorial writer, news reporter newspapers published Texas. had before forcible detainer case, Jackson Mayes, whereby regain possession from Mayes business building Christi (who was at time armed services whose affairs being handled agent, one Burchard) claimed under lease. turned Mayes' lease forfeited non-payment rent. At close testimony each side moved instructed verdict. judge jury return verdict Jackson. 26, 1945. returned with Mayes. refused accept again second Once more repeated his prior instruction. It evening 26th not having complied, recessed until morning 27th. Again balked returning But finally stating that acted coercion against its conscience. 3 On 29th new trial. motion enied J une 6th. June 4th officer filed complaint charging publication. publications referred stories 27, 28, 30, 31 connected. We have set forth relevant parts appendix this opinion. Browning, judge, who layman holds elective office, criticised taking jury. called 'arbitrary action' 'travesty justice.' deplored layman, rather than lawyer, sat as judge. Groups local citizens reported petitioning grant trial said group labeled judge's 'gross miscarriage also behavior properly brought down 'the wrath public upon head,' people aroused service man 'seems be getting raw deal,' there 'no way knowing justice done, first rule justice, giving both sides opportunity heard, repudiated.' And fact could no appeal 'familiar proper procedure able interpret weigh arguments opposing counsel' deplored. 4 concluded reports editorials designed falsely represent nature proceedings prejudice influence then pending. contended hearing all did create same impression would been created mind average intelligent through disclaimed any purpose impute unworthy motives or advise him how should decided bring into disrepute. 'quicken conscience judge' 'make careful discharging duty.' 5 Appeals, denying corpus, stated 'issue us' 'whether * reasonably calculated interfere due administration justice' pending case. page 186. held 'there escape conclusion intent publishers force, compel, coerce Judge Browning only reason motive so doing agree Browning's decision conduct According viewpoint, wrong they took themselves make change decision.' Id., pages 188, 189. went say 'It hard conceive press forcibly substantially used applied make, compel done.' distinguished noting statements carried threats future adverse criticism action part publisher if matter disposed accordance views already wellknown, private litigation but suit outcome interest. 188. facts satisfied 'clear present danger' test was, view court, 'because impress (a) unless he subjected suspicion integrity fairness odium hatred publi mind; (b) safe secure course avoid disqualify himself presiding case; (c) overruled trial, produced such disregard over presided give rise practice refuse respect obey order, judgment, decree might render conflict press.' 6 court's statement issue reasons gave holding striking resemblance findings Toledo Newspaper company United States, 247 402, 38 560, 1186 adequate sustain adjudication publication.2 comment federal punishable 'reasonable tendency' obstruct justice. revisited Nye 313 33, 52, 61 810, 817, 85 1172, disapproved it. supra, compulsion First Amendment, made applicable States Fourteenth (Schneider New Jersey, Town Irvington, 308 147, 60 146, 84 155; Murdock Commonwealth Pennsylvania, 319 105, 108, 63 870, 872, 891, 87 1292, 146 81) forbade punishment cases absence showing utterances 260 264, 192—194, 1346. reaffirmed reapplied standard involved matters court. stated, 347, 1037: 'Courts must power protect interests prisoners litigants them unseemly efforts pervert judicial action. In borderline instances where difficult alleged offense falls, think specific freedom heavily possible tendency cases. Freedom discussion given widest range compatible essential requirement fair orderly 7 Neither those nor raises questions concerning full reach state courts. presented narrow, albeit important, phase problem—the promptly without punish awaiting disposition. history (see supra; supra) unequivocal command Amendment serve constant reminders speech impaired exercise power, doubt question serious imminent threat 8 asserted person has deprived fundamental right secured Constitution, independent examination often required made. Norris Alabama, 294 587, 590, 55 579, 580, 79 1074; Pierre Louisiana, 306 354, 358, 59 536, 538, 539, 83 757; Chambers 309 227, 228, 229, 472, 473, 474, 716; Lisenba People 219, 237, 238, 280, 290, 291, 166; Ashcraft Tennessee, 322 143, 148, 64 921, 923, 88 1192. This 9 start articles. A event. What transpires room property. If transcript published, suppose none claim contempt. can see difference though attorneys, jury, even himself, may reflected Those hear what transpired report impunity. There special perquisite judiciary enables it, other institutions democratic government, suppress, edit, censor events transpire 10 articles 28 partial reflect good reporting, failed reveal precise tenant, tendered rental check. disclose check post-dated hence, valid tender. sense unfair transpired.3 inaccuracies reporting commonplace. Certainly laid heels missed point summarize issues accord Conceivable, plan executed poison mind, cause march house, otherwise disturb delicate balance highly wrought situation imperil functioning process. takes imagination possess find sketchy one-sided reasonable fortitude. supra. 11 accounts 30 dealt certain groups proposed do about So far advised, planned take episodes community legitimate Whatever responsibility action, stand different position. Even former contempt, newspaper brings eye. 12 substantial pertains editorial. refusal 'high handed,' justice,' 'outraged.' 'brought head' since deal.' 'judge familiar motions counsel decisions accordingly' 'tragedy.' 'layman' 'competent attorney.' 'first heard when 'repudiated,' 13 strong language, intemperate and, assume, criticism. hold 'who ventures pubish anything tends unpopular belittle *.' Craig Hecht, 263 255, 281, 44 103, 68 293, Holmes dissenting. vehemence language alone measure fires kindles constitute imminent, merely likely, danger remote probable; immediately imperil. 14 below appraised setting preceded followed light environment prevailed time. recalcitrant balked, contrary some index popular dramatic episode hardly help know apt unpopular. law protection judges sensitive winds Judges supposed men fortitude, thrive hardy climate. Conceivably campaign managed aimed sensibilities particular cross forbidden line. fall category. Nor assume 15 editorial's twofold. One objection lawyer bench. comment; relevancy least elected. circumstances amounts very most intimation come next election will support incumbent. contained oppose merits overruled, implied reward changed. reelection run records. rugged envronment. Contract riticism expected. Discussion appropriate, necessary. taste falls short meeting clear test. 16 directed procedure—its failure decided. attempt pass editorial, indeed, done. procedure—that chance heard—reduces salient narrow issue. rehearing, reduced lawyer's trifling consequence. put layman's colorfully phrased consumption, printed does seem us elevate level. well lower standing these demand hearing. reverse position—or else. 17 'Legal trials like elections, won use meeting-hall, radio, newspaper.' 271, 197, menance propriety procedure, ruling. Any challenge, subsequent final disposition likely competence handling said, depends showing. Giving found fail realistic ability consideration rehearing. 18 suggestion litigation, while labor controversies involved, thought apparently permissible greater generates concern. may, course, determining satisfied. But, fashioned needs select types 19 Reversed. 20 Appendix. 21 1945, item stated: 'Burchard further although known option clause, learned proffered $275 rental.' 22 'At p.m., listening argument either plaintiff's motion, Dudley Tarlton Jackson, six-man evidence, 23 'Walter M. Lewright, attorney, protested arbitrary ruled Tarlton's 'one-page motion' need supporting citation authorities.' 24 article said: 'Browning accepted one-page permitting authorities granted. effect jury.' 25 included following attorney 1945: 26 'However, & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions now you law, you, dictates your conscience, sign ordered. 27 'As fact, probable imagine, heretofore taken place verdict, jail. my clients feel done register protest revulsion feeling reached Browning; helpless further; making suffer remaining locked up bit good, suggest homes rights whom feel, evidently gross injustice. 29 'While presenting action—and file argue strenuously hope meantime, error committed rectify same. 'There cannot registering decision, affect him. will. sincerely thank you.' 'Browning's attitude head, so. Emotions aggravated. simply don't idea goings on, especially country seems deal. Then offered client. immediately, cite authority defendant's 32 'That travesty sides. That's legal background served stead. believe hack, high handed instructing It's wonder outraged. 33 'The serviceman lends drama happened anyone, happen sitting fine points involved. True, lawyers qualified occupy offices ground, competent better qualified, office exception. He businessman. 34 'It's tragedy sort controversial last resort. too bad can't district accordingly. 35 appeared resolution passed Sailor's Soldier's Advisory Council 'labeling Joe D. order justice." 36 council's grounds plaintiff. asked granting sit permit retried another climax Saturday night rowning, o n Jackson's counsel, authority, twice refused, times bringing verdicts favor 37 confined courthouse night. Sunday morning, convened, still signed Jackson.DP lock Monday morning. However, Walter Lewright advised jurymen continue 'suffer' longer force appended asserting pressure.' 31, story 'Three preparing petitions requesting Pvt. L. Playboy Cafe ouster suit. 39 'One drawn parents teachers' group, mothers' third circulation among service. 40 follow general outline adopted Tuesday go Action expected shortly. 41 petition, five veterans' organizations membership 1,000, few hours filing LeGrand Woods, counsels *. came kept House. keep together sign, juryman appending conscience.' 42 MURPHY (concurring). 43 While joining Court, overemphasized. free lies heart our democracy preservation survival liberty. inroad constitutional undermine print read truth. view, Constitution forbids summarily punishing editor printing unjust attack method dispensing exception rare instance real impediment Unscrupulous vindictive regrettable. retaliate summary suppression bound Amendment. carries ominous outlaws methods suppression. 45 Silence steady devotion duty best answers irresponsible criticism; visible demonstration feelings advantage various laws impinge press. liberties guaranteed however, prized hazards procedure. 46 FRANKFURTER, CHIEF JUSTICE concurs (dissenting). 47 Today's efect terms, unconstitutional deemed axiomatic. 48 indispensable society presupposes will, occasion demands, freedom. To achieve members independence, Union, beginning throughout history, provided prompt interference impartial process active litigation. Interference punished ordinary distinctive proceeding, character impose punishment. Such protective measures seriously agitate disinterested operation establish courts between beween society. 49 reviews reviewing judgment hierarchy. Formally, doubt, correctness challenged offending Due Process Clause not, therefore, Court; passing considered total possesses Skiriotes 69, 79, 924, 930, 1193. paraphrase Rippey 504, 509, 516, 517, 767, this: expressly shall finding provision collide States? 50 speaking authoritative voice, says: 'When several instant chronological appearance, thereof 178, 51 After painstaking series extended hearing, comprises record 400 pages, conclusion: accomplish likelihood result 'extremely serious' degree 'imminence extremely high." emphasized after notorious shortly heard. crucial fact—that reconsider instruction t plaintiff—the 52 minimizes pointing likeness 1186, inadequate Holmes' dissent, inadequacy subsequently supported 1172. draws applies here. construction statute. Congress allow theretofore vested courts, invoked misbehavior presence 'so near' 'as Act March 2, 1831, Statutes-at-Large 487, § 268 Judicial Code, Code KF62 385, Annotated KF65 U5 385; seen fit restrict legislature 100 years ago restricted Acts 1846, Page 200, Vernon's Statutes, Article 1955. inadmissible jump within Act, exertion offended Yet finds transgressed implications scope Act—a occurred member grounds. 53 basic. concerned with, application statute narrowly Constitutional enforce broader policy. assumed beyond doubt. finished subject people; necessity preventing premature statement, argument, intimidation denied.' wrote Patterson Colorado, 205 454, 463, 556, 558, 879, Ann.Cas. 689. sure, ago, occasions thereafter, formulation profound tolerance expression, spoke out misuse nothing great ever slightest conviction theory system 'that conclusions induced evidence open outside influene, talk print.' 462, whatever immunity smacked proceeding 'scandalizing court,' is, ill institution thereby argumentatively discharge 'pending' term. enough somebody hereafter move something wrote, dissenting, 293. misapplied dissent expressed impatience notice comments indifferent. conveys policy relation limited breath geographic meaning limit considerations. opinions contain remotest hint withdrew base publication adjudication. worthy note phrase Holmes, disapproval. Schenck 279 47, 51, 247, 248, 249, 470. 54 dealing criticisms temperate unbridled, qualifications, general. Comment done—criticism exhausted itself—no ill-informed misrepresentative, precious play violence truth left correction narrative commentary philosophy. plea reform end appealable. thrust him, namely found. abstract stage happenings disclosed record. reference locality easily impart significance elude appreciation 56 locale drama, population less 60,000 census, Nueces 92,000. papers complained common control area. compelling presumption controlled patriotic fervor running high, stirring sentiment powerful small veteran whom, wascharged, natural inference, found, whipped reversal professed instigated sections ask except parties namely, decide another. Only basis find, deny induce Surely facts. ought leeway drawing inferences Because degree, field 'exercise necessarily wide one.' Brandeis Schaefer 251 466, 483, 259, 265, 360. Of usually foreclose scrutiny appraisal novel doctrine indeed consider comes ascertain instance. torturing preclude considering right. violation peculiarly Otherwise, every coming facts, 'most respectful attention' told empty profession. 335, 57 justified 'a substantive evil prevent, purposeful extraneous granted, becomes covering novel, iron doctrine. Hereafter deal direct attempts controversy physically prevents going occurs immediate proximity. pungent pen adequately perversion phrase. 58 Changes rung remark firmness character.' 424, 565, 1186. pertinent observe Olympian currents life newspapers. conscientious serving tenure, dilemma barrage pressing unnaturally urged, impelled display independence behalf serene undisturbed leads motion. unknown persist appearance weakness vacillation. Thus, litgants befo re essence demands unaware extent powers sway have. Or proud unconsciously back stiffened, validity. habitations bloodless categories pursue predestined ends. demonstrated tampered prove with. rely assumption fortitude 'worthy name' influenced toward precludes believing psychological danger, fantastic confesses pressure, avows awfully derelict pressure. profess dogma questionable assumption. condemn outright uttered bear gives indication scrupulous obedience requirements dissenting decided, am unable ground rejecting drew Is conceivable doctrinaire libertarian consonant impartiality publish poll regarding desired case? How insertion scales newspaper's own notion desire ascertained poll? Again, enclosed letter urging, articles, Would forbid corrective contempt? denial carry correspondence principle depart fruitful world diplomacy importation historic actually controversy, offensive contemnor self-interest great, Tumey Ohio, 273 510, 437, 71 749, 1243, Cooke 267 390, 396, 69 break past completely candid. deeper wisdom treat neglect paragraphs intended influenc dispo sition affirmed. JACKSON important development itself. 65 me assigning two untenable, harmful wrong. traditional remedy one. vital one, calm pressures influences. Every right, including itself, depend get dispassionate inherent permit. infringed citizen's exert safeguards lawsuit individuals. claimants tenant 'Playboy Cafe.' interest appear complete monopoly publicity locality. For apparent, unusual proceeding. agrees 'rather case.' overstatement. represented payment rent; postdated therefore all. played favorite veteran. became aroused. attacked retrial prevailing concedes 'strong criticism.' object appears yield effective position clamor defy sentiment. consequence attacks differ temperament Some fright others become bullied. latter type. diverted regarded institute tormentors. 70 imply kind during compound rightfully mean indifference toward, approval of, responsibilities hesitate worse sponsor myth are, negli gible penetrate armor. Says opinion: 'But climate.' With otherwise, illfounded opinion, inform attacking much ill-advised, worse. thickskinned just thickheaded, experience observation confirms insensitive publicity. Who prefer work? fame—a name—is, Milton 'last infirmity noble mind,' frequently mediocre 72 From sheltered position, fortified tenure defenses easy shown face protection. ambition remain dishonorable. Moreover, regard gain courage temporarily confidence profession approve despite reception, many decisions. anchor professional blasts little jolt us, confident indifferent entire jurisdiction perpetrate us. 73 doubtful itself regards insulated Publishers Association brief amicus curiae certiorari. single available tell one: 'This embraces 700 excess eighty per cent daily country. vitally interested courts.' 74 demonstrate judiciary. appropriate type Miller, Tex.Cr.App. 607, 240 Southwestern KF135 S79 944. As violating civil cause, Thomas Collins, 323 315, 89 430. sustained follows: '(a) manifest engender shrinking doing. directly tended incite condition leave acting according convictions awarded relief, restrain obviously produce rendered conceptions sustaining, disregarded performing turmoil publications, covert insinuation, assuredly invited. (d) character, intemperance tendency, conflicted city espoused publications.' 4, 415, 562, charge allegedly false statements: (1) exinsurance insurance time; (2) terms contract sued disclosed; (3) arrangements premises operated months inducted (4) argued granted; (5) materia omitted enabled form estimate controversy; (6) principal plaintiffs respected named. These omissions, reflecting quality

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