Legal Document

345 U.S. 395 73 Supreme Court Reporter 760 97 L.Ed. 1105 POULOSv.STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Number 341. Argued Feb. 3, 1953. Decided April 27, Rehearing Denied June 8, See 978, 1119. [Syllabus from pages 395-396 intentionally omitted] Mr. Hayden C. Covington, Brooklyn, N.Y., for appellant. Gordon M. Tiffany, Concord, N.H., appellee. Justice REED delivered the opinion of Court. 1 This appeal presents validity a conviction appellant conducting religious services in public park Portsmouth, New Hampshire, without required license, when proper application license had been arbitrarily and unreasonably refused by City Council. The conclusion depends upon consideration principles First Amendment secured against state abridgment Fourteenth.1 2 Appellant is one Jehovah's Witnesses. Permission another witness, now deceased, was sought to conduct Goodwin Park on 25 July 2. They offered pay all fees charges, complied with procedural requirements obtaining permission use park. When May 4, nevertheless held planned continued them until arrested. He charged violation § 22 city ordinance set out below.2 On Municipal he fined $20 took an which entitled him plenary trial before Superior Before that moved dismiss complaints ground 'the as applied unconstitutional void.' motion constitutional question, pursuant Hampshire practice, transferred It ruled, it former prosecution under different clause identical section, so far pertinent, statute, Cox. State versus Cox, 91 N.H. 137, 143, 16 Atlantic Reporter, 2nd Series 508, that: 3 'The discretion thus vested authority (city council) limited its exercise bounds reason, uniformity method treatment facts each application, free improper or inappropriate considerations unfair discrimination. A systematic, consistent just order treatment, reference convenience highways, statutory mandate. licensing has no delegation power excess legislature granting has, attempted delegate did not possess.' Derrickson, 91, 92, 81 312, 313. 4 In Cox 312 569, at page 572, 61 762, 765, 85 1049, we affirmed acknowledging usefulness court's carefully phrased interpretive limitation authority. went hold challenged this present valid also these words: 5 issue case whether Portsmouth can prohibit church meetings Sundays system treats groups same manner. Whether could parks doubtful question need decide case. What do may take small devote nonreligious purposes administered fairly bias discrimination.' 6 Thereupon discharged 7 result action open here trial. At evidence, raised federal issues complaint below.3 passed raised. determined section attack; refusal licenses Council arbitrary unreasonable, but because: 8 respondents have their right speak civil proceedings Court, they chose deliberately violate ordinance.' 9 appeal, affirmed.4 face 1049. While involved ordinance, relating 'parade procession any street way,' thought 'under requires air be held.' first ruling speech clause. Cf. 508; 573, 764, As court remedy certiorari review unlawful grant holding then defending because arbitrary. 10 Appellant's challenge grounds courts difficult epitomize. By paragraph his dismiss, note supra, relied protection ordinance. statement jurisdiction, presented, I, illegal denial urged principles.5 brief, phrases differently indicated below.6 We conclude appellant's contentions are, first, ceremonies such requirement would abridge freedom religion guaranteed Fourteenth Amendment; second, even though required, Council, resulting delay, if must, decided, pursue judicial remedies, unconstitutional, prohibition religion. delay through obtain carry exercises. due process part latter contention disappears our holding, later opinion, Hampshire's following are valid. analysis showing attack repugnant determination us jurisdiction appeal.7 affirmance, i.e., failure refusing constitutionality 11 First. consider must obtained exercises Park. Our takes into repeated quoted Page (73 763). interpretation written itself. Winters People York, 333 507, 514, 68 665, 669, 92 840. uniform, nondiscriminatory administration streets ways Park, abutting thereon.8 two opinions precise words reasonable opportunities other property granted organizations controversy Derrickson case, decided exclude, discrimination, desired, leaving park, among several, there being unique advantages meetings, retreat quietness, contemplation activities. determine excluded times. That appeal. Informed witnesses contradiction testified were ever licensed There allocation between meetings. unreasonable. Obviously kind prepublication deemed liberty since time John Milton ministerial, police routine adjusting rights citizens opportunity effective preserved.9 assertion invalidity face, applied. Dahnke-Walker Milling company Bondurant, 257 282, 287, 42 106, 107, 66 239; Charleston Federal Sav. & Loan Association Alderson, 324 182, 185—186, 65 624, 627, 89 857.10 only decisions and, written, made obligatory Ports-mouth Council's bar sustained Hampshire. continues claim follows: 12 'This exception presented question. enforced policy refuse Constitution.' 13 construction left officials permits, discriminate, control over speech. therefore place narrowly drawn regulatory merely calls adjustment unrestrained religions comfort whole city. Had not, sure, next go futile gesture told municipal Amendment. Such conclusions invalid, although leave refusals rights. 14 treated promise everyone beliefs express gather around group discussion instruction. nonsequitur say regulated preferred position hierarchy guarantees incidents freedom. never indeed definitely contrary. approval regulation governmental preserves peace, tranquillity deprivation speech, press religion.11 considering specifically parks, taken position. quotation Hague below Kunz 340 290, 293—294, 71 314—315, 95 280; Saia 334 558, 562, 1148, 1150, 1574. cases, ordinances meeting instruction complete hands officials. heard placed uncontrolled Chief Police.' 560, '(W)e consistently condemned systems vest administrative official withhold permit broad criteria unrelated places.' 294, 315, 280. 15 basis saying compatible. decision desperation. Regulation suppression same,12 either purpose result, justice tell difference. assume entitles Witnesses hours times, will promptly administer responsibility issuing permits request. Second. compelled requested demand brings problem. man convicted enactment—the case—has wrongfully municipality? 17 Constitution religion, defense prosecution. His argument asserts punished exercised after wrongful illusory. objects preach postponed possibly years, reaches final adjudication Poulos risk speaking defeat withheld. 18 admitted correction administrators perform duties laws exulcerating costly. But allow applicants proceed run businesses, erect structures, purchase firearms, transport store explosives inflammatory products, prior safety arrangements unauthorized apt cause breaches peace create dangers. good public. unreal failures act accordance law, redressable procedures, acts violative Constitution. Delay unfortunate expense annoyance litigation price life orderly society where real abiding meaning. Nor state's redress appropriate procedure violates process.13 19 said Royall Virginia, 116 510, 29 735; Cantwell Connecticut, 310 296, 306, 60 900, 904, 84 1213, Thomas Collins, 323 516, 430, stand contrary judgment. statutes involved. One laid down attorneys practice law Virginia special 'revenue license.' statute enacted, permitted paid 'tax coupons' money. Subsequently concerned. provided 'lawful money United States'. tendered amount fee, refused, proceeded license. requiring payment unconstitutional: 20 'Admitting this, still contended, behalf commonwealth, plaintiff error profession officers compel it. doubtless true, general rule, officer whose duty refuses so, applicant conditions entitle it, mandamus rule apply cases willful commissioned act. different. based assembly state, which, null void, applicant, gives color character refusal; although, election aggrieved party, might subjected compulsory performance duty, who done everything cannot regarded violating if, formality withheld him, pursues business calling, itself, circumstances, prosecute. error, forbidding tax coupons, receivable contract protected constitution States, unconstitutionality infects nullifies antecedent legislation becomes part, applied, enforce enactment fault, seeking constitution. * 21 'In prevented profession, States. To punish practicing equally account 582—583, 515, 735. forbade solicitation causes discretionary secretary welfare council: 23 'Upon person cause, shall bona fide object charity philanthropy conforms standards efficiency integrity, find, approve charge certificate effect.' 302, 902, 1213. said, secretary: 24 'If finds solicit crime. matter course. involves appraisal facts, judgment, formation opinion. authorized determines one. censorship means determining survive included within Fourteenth.' Id., 305, 904. Texas labor union organizers organizer's card soliciting membership. Vernon's Ann.Civ.St. art. 5154a, 5, 519, 317, 1. enjoined membership violated injunction. 518, 317. concluded forbidden making speeches anywhere 532 et seq., 315. legislative power. said: 26 'We think register undertakes make enlist support lawful movement quite incompatible Amendment.' 540, 327. 27 allowed used contempt 28 clear neither both above unconstitutional. fee construed 'to impose mere ministerial council.' depended 'religious cause.' Therefore authorizing previous restraint corrected Act prohibitory private registration. exist. offenses law. remedial error. determine, interest, is, certiorari. does require occurred application. Affirmed. 30 FRANKFURTER, concurring result. 31 N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions am constrained protest Court's deals here. 32 area adage 'silence golden' more speak, than series problems reconciliation rise. counsel wisdom. speak. pronouncements, call them, sanctioned history reinforced costly experience occasional departures especially compelling involving scope limits These perhaps most courts. very vastness, themes translated lend themselves too readily innocent deceptions rhetoric. Every new attempt translate legal content liberties impliedly attempts; least encourages further efforts exegesis. 33 correctly defined addresses itself contentions: 34 'first, religion.' 35 If lucid English what unambiguously says, 'first' quotation—'no Amendment'—means Due Process Clause bars 'an meeting,' Portsmouth.1 And terms (for jurisdictional purposes, statute) void face. precisely explicit scheme bounds. unanimous directed. From beginning explicitly rejected subsequent stage claimed void. No reply opposition, brief merits. Kai gar, expressive Greek phrase ran—naturally so. Experienced tried himself distinguished (the codefendant, died Court) comply necessary expenses.' estopped himself, applying thereafter assailing throughout conceded 'valid face.' Poulos, 352, 354, 88 860, 861. 36 makes review, briefs filed, oral argument, founded fact denied up prosecution, denying acted unreasonably. arises $20, fine, concededly agreed 37 put entire accuracy found unexceptionable: 38 "Counsel theory issue. rules properly proceedings." 353, 39 certiorari—is it: 40 'According (Superior) defendants misconceived remedy. transfer (of Court), well one, language (State of) disputed applies scene objection areas place, finding respect thereto.' 41 Nowhere four documents submitted us. grievance that, having duly short, discussed namely, congregation wholly pertinence record. 43 claim—having face—that 'as applied' case.' 'facts'? these: want agency. 44 'second' contention: 45 'second, 46 contention. proceeding reviewing, contention, however variously phrased, here.2 contention—the sense—that 47 here, agree barred unlawfully permit. agree, fixes penalty $20. nothing record suggest confined effectively frustrated utterance, let alone circumvented pretense. Poulos' 1950, absence available prompt remedy3 secure right, judicially acknowledged emphatically confirmed invoke relief way own infringe limitations places trivialize constitutionally system, should adjudicated instance or, event, appropriately designed penal action. 48 reaching construe ordinance; technical meaning phrase, statute. see reason', 'for overruling stated acting stretches doctrine 239, beyond find requirement. rather common Therefore, think, 49 BLACK, dissenting. 50 recent fail protect Americans freely. join DOUGLAS' forceful dissent wish add few words. 51 phase upheld recognized regulate traffic carried parades.1 Nothing censor speakers certain heard. Here shows doubt talking rooted permissible made. For tells 'arbitrarily unreasonably' 'license' talk. State's actually speech.2 holds branded criminal talk legally forbid. prosecute follow letter procure 'run businesses,' 'erect structures,' 'purchase firearms,' 'store explosives,' add, pawnshop. affords protection; believe prohibits convicting crime offense illegally me subtle creeping loose land. 52 DOUGLAS, whom BLACK concurs, 53 concedes, decisions, contained flout address 2, arrested defend An necessarily nullity; intermediate consequences binding people. Chicot County Dist. Baxter Bank, 308 371, 329. proscribe citizen's lawlessly; citizen matters all. De Jonge Oregon, 299 365, 57 255, 260, 278. 54 reason press, assembly, 530, 322, 430; Murdock Com. Pennsylvania, 319 105, 115, 63 870, 876, 87 1292. command (made applicable States Fourteenth) abridges those regulate, control, condition. program field business, labor, housing, like usually manner degree person. 55 imposing restraint, Near Minnesota, 283 697, 625, 75 1357, odious history. commands government keep off say, print handbill, compose newspaper, deliver sermon asking anyone's permission. suggestion abhorrent traditions. 56 tamper rights, why agency administers defiance hardly less harmful order. vice exacts adds burden right. administering spend months years win says deny. dictum 582, 735, rule,' officer, entrusted power, 'ministerial' perform, officer' court, imposes council. construction, bound, wide range 58 highways (here parks), 513. 59 stay reason' 'free discrimination' reasonably, capriciously arbitrarily. compatible Amendment.1 Of course, deny conflict. vests gloss grants reasonably unfortunately slowly law.2 there. dangerous destructive great So, answer gone issuance argued limit acts. offer grounds. court. second availability event save Roberts, writing this. 904: 62 '* abuses leaves inadmissible. obnoxious providing action.' Roberts needs again. sense war nature particular matter. Those wrote conceived independent anyone. judiciary privilege proved judges sometimes tyrants. Schneider Jersey, 147, 160, 146, 150, 155. Constitution, Amendment: 'Congress respecting establishment prohibiting thereof; abridging press; people peaceably assemble, petition Government grievances.' privileges immunities States; nor deprive life, liberty, property, law; equal laws.' 'Section 22. License Required. theatrical dramatic representation performed exhibited parade way, thereon unless therefor 23. Form. specify day hour exhibit, parade, meeting. 24. Fee. Three Hundred Dollars licensee exhibit procession, hall exceed Fifty Dollars. 25. Penalty. Any Article Twenty Dollars.' '1. undisputed evidence members council arbitrarily, talks occasions '2. dedicated deed dedication talks. '3. justify convictions worship, Bill Rights Amendments States.' 863. 'Is question—so completely enforced, brought giving permit, according holdings below—an States?' enforcement applications worship Constitution? 'Does writ remedies correct Constitution?' King Mfg. Augusta, 277 100, 101, 489, Jamison Texas, 318 413, 869. docketed hearing Code KF62 1257(2), Annotated KF65 U5 Rules 12(5), 94, 312. Niemotko Maryland, 268, concurrence 325, 333, 267: 'A standard differs toto coelo terms, like.' 'It transfer, 'Again attention consists 862—863. Distinguishing C.I.O., 307 496, 954, 83 1423, 'Permits but, unlike bar, prosecutions contemplated invalid.' defendant Pulos unreasonable accordingly proceedings.' follows Stevens, 78 269—270, 99 723, L.R.A.1917F, 528, erroneous attacked collaterally Constitutionally circulate publications include door-to-door canvassing subscriptions Breard Alexandria, 341 622, 641, 920, 932, 1233. Lovell Griffin, 303 444, 451, 666, 82 949: comprehensive distribution. covers every sort circulation 'either hand otherwise.' restriction place. inconsistent maintenance order, disorderly conduct, molestation inhabitants, misuse littering streets. distribution literature time, manager.' 502, 958, 1423. gave Director Public Safety wrote: 'Wherever title rest, immemorially trust mind, communicating thoughts citizens, discussing questions. ancient privileges, immunities, citizens. communication views national questions interest all; absolute, relative, subordination convenience, consonance order; guise regulation, abridged denied.' 515 964, 160—161, 155: 'Municipal authorities, trustees public, communities' primary dedicated. So long end rightfully impart information literature, lawfully using example, taking middle crowded street, regulations, maintain stoppage traffic; distributors insist form cordon across pedestrian pass accept leaflet; guarantee municipality enact regulations throwing broadcast Prohibition activity bears relationship write, distribute opinion.' 306—307, 1213: 'Even some slight inconvenience injury. Without fraudulent stranger community, permitting publicly funds purpose, establish identity purports represent. likewise generally, safety, convenience. condition aid perpetuation rests lay conviction, unlicensed provisions similar 'Civil liberties, imply existence organized maintaining lost excesses abuses. assure safeguarding ultimately depend. travel cities familiar illustration recognition social need. Where relation promote all, disregarded circumstances protection. justified ignoring red light disobey direct announcement opinions.' 574, parades processions, undoubtedly give consideration, uses impossible conferred contravened right.' 576, 766. 712, 629, 1357; 1233; states, proof sufficient defense. true others activities refusal. Commonwealth McCarthy, 225 Mass. 192, 114 Northeastern KF135 N59 287; L.R.A.1917C, 528; Phoenix Carpet State, 118 Ala. Southern S69 627; Montpelier Mills, 171 Ind. 175, 6; Gardner, 241 86, 134 638; Orr, Conn. 770, L.R.A. 279; Malden Flynn, 276, North Eastern 107. close parallel exists unavailing. allowed. settled engages criminally prosecuted show individual given choice securing staying occupation, acts, authority's Likewise complying engaging activity, act, petitioning tribunals modification regulation.' Slobodkin, D.C., F.Supp. 913, 917. cited, particularly Hall Geiger Jones Co., 242 539, 554, 217, 222, 480. stipulation essentially findings 'if adequate meetings.' remand resulted 'arbitrary unreasonable.' assumed unlawful. Accordingly subject operate 1, supra. See, e.g., Nelson Morse, 177, 178, 61. 'They (appellants) distributing leaflets, conveying placards otherwise, invitations meeting, expressing beliefs. Their things apart procession' addressed complained us.' council's unreasonable' freely Amendments. marks distinction sole appellants 'taking controlling states. problem arising Amendment, required. Beauharnais Illinois, 343 250, 72 725, 96 919; Dennis 494, 857, 1137; Feiner 303, 267. American Communications Douds, 339 382, 70 674, 94 925; Osman 846, 901, 1328.

Classification Label: 2