Legal Document

339 U.S. 162 70 Supreme Court Reporter 519 94 L.Ed. 734 DENNISv.UNITED STATES. Number 14. Argued Nov. 7, 1949. Decided March 27, 1950. Rehearing Denied May 1, See 950, 799. Mr. George W. Crockett, Jr., Washington, D. C., for petitioner. Philip baron Perlman, Sol. Gen., respondent. [Argument of Counsel from page 163 intentionally omitted] Justice MINTON delivered the opinion Court. 1 The question we have determination here is whether a challenge cause to jurors on voir dire because employment by Federal Government should been sustained under circumstances this case. 2 Petitioner was convicted violating R.S. § 102, United States Code KF62 192, Annotated KF65 U5 willfully failing appear before Committee Un-American Activities House Representatives in compliance with subpoena duly served upon him. Appeals affirmed, 84 U.S.App.D.C. 31, 171 Reporter, 2nd Series 986. We granted certiorari limited employees could properly serve jury which tried 337 954, 69 1527. 3 voluntarily appeared had consideration two bills outlaw Communist Party. and General Secretary Party States. On his voluntary appearance Committee, petitioner refused answer questions as name date place birth. Chairman directed that be forthwith petitioner, requiring him April 9, 1947. appointed sent representative but did not accordance subpoena. reported refusal Representatives, adopted resolution certifying report Attorney District Columbia. subsequently indicted. 4 When case called trial, made motion transfer ground he obtain fair impartial trial In affidavit supporting motion, posited contention mainly employees, who comprise large part District's population, are subject Executive Order 9835, 5 631 note, 12 Fed.Reg. 1935, providing standards their discharge reasonable grounds belief they disloyal He argued would afraid risk charge disloyalty or possible termination allegedly flow vote acquittal. denied. Both sides conducted further examination at conclusion court's questioning panel. questioned individually each member panel indicated employed Government. then challenged all employees. court denied challenge. exercised three peremptory challenges against exhausted challenges. Seven twelve finally selected were Each seven expressed render verdict. 6 Is entitled new sustained? presence Columbia juries controversy. It has previous occasions. Crawford versus States, 212 183, 29 260, 53 465, 15 Ann.Cas. 392; Wood, 299 123, 57 177, 81 78; Frazier 335 497, 201. defendants charged conspiracy defraud held statute prescribing eligibility control subject. turned common law force Maryland when formed, found servant where master party trial. such case, bias implied matter law. concluded it error deny employee party. 7 1935 Congress, prompted paucity qualified resulted decision, passed an Act redefining service After exempting certain classes, provided: 'All other persons, otherwise according * shall exempt *.' 49 Statutes-at-Large 682, D.C. Code, 11-1420 (1940). 8 constitutionality 78, defendant petty larceny private corporation. contended right within meaning Sixth Amendment Constitution pointed out expounded Blackstone, King's therefore jury, view carried into Amendment. 9 Chief Hughes, speaking Court, meticulously examined problem. Blackstone's statement disqualification reference only servants parties, there no established practice respect even if existed, Congress power remove it. Unlike left doubt intended qualify jurors. declaration presented first time. carefully emphasized accused persons free show existence actual bias. Only presented. guarantee impaired, stating: 'It manifest act meet public need interference impartiality contemplated. enactment itself tantamount legislative prior artificial necessary secure impartiality. To impute more sensible than storeowners householders cases burglary.' supra, pages 148-149, 150, 186, 187, 78. 10 last term 201, problem reexamined. There Narcotics Act, 26 2550 et seq., composed entirely, due fortuitous otherwise, Rutledge, reexamined rule Wood disqualified serving again 'actual bias.' 11 work supererogation attempt clarify after cases. Some may wisdom Court's decision laying down rule, can spoken very clearly, once, twice. No us. way open every raise realm speculation fact. both stressed while impaneling serious duty determine bias, broad discretion its rulings therefor. 133-134, 179, 511-512, 209. reaffirm those principles. exercising discretion, must zealous protect rights accused. And agree do without accused's political religious beliefs, however beliefs received predominant segment our population. Ideological status appropriate gauge high standard justice toward courts content strive. But one unpopular minority group accorded solicitude accompanies person, unusual protection exception. 13 asserts order constitutional held, special biased appears fact record. As far appears, willing consider any evidence indicate investigatory agencies recognized past take cognizance future acquittal, proof made. Nor climate among jeopardize tenure provoke investigation Rather asks recitation following circumstances: Communist; instigator charges notice acquittal; issue contempt Congress; Government's interest vindication direct affront, distinguished role ordinary prosecution. primarily bases request, effect, judicial taken aura surveillance intimidation said exist outstanding time 14 'Loyalty Order,' popularly known, requires entering civilian States; already service, heads departments making retained. maintains Order, hesitant acquittal action might interpreted 'sympathetic association' Communism. Of course, Loyalty notice. Such notice, however, give illumination. proper observe solely Communists, crime peculiar Communists. Further, preceded instant about months. promulgated President 21, This began June 23, 1947, 26, submitted request appropriation carry Order,1 enacted until July 1947.2 August 18, Standard Form 84, requesting pertinent information federal employee, available.3 16 administrative implementation yet come, apparently anticipatory fear these Their answers interrogatories influence categorically contrary.4 credit representations, particularly so absence opposite One know altogether understand imponderables think what thinks, surely trying honest man live up sanctity oath well say unbiased mind matter. 17 Ultimately, petitioner's contentions amount this: Since Communist, surrounding exception carved laid statute, construed Frazier, reason employment. Thus apply congressional committee, Communist. uniformly applied. A holding disqualify relationship longer permissible. makes distinctive circumstances. states that: government Preservation opportunity prove defendant's jury. adhere challengeable 18 follows unable conclude failure sustain 'impartial jury.' 'Impartiality technical conception. state mind. For ascertainment mental attitude indifference, lays particular tests procedure chained ancient formula.' 145-146, 185, injustice miasma claimed peculiarly vulnerable—and citizens implication immune. Vague conjecture does convince intimidated cringe loss jurors, same imposed them. disclosure record bring bear, custom personal liberty hinges determination, sense responsibility individual integrity men judge men. 19 judgment affirmed. 20 Affirmed. 21 REED concurs 22 reads mean barred brought attention suitable Absent showing, merely 23 DOUGLAS CLARK took 24 JACKSON, concurring result. 25 ways avoid affirming conviction Dennis. rescind general is, contemplation 'impartial,' entirely retain, thereby strengthen, create exemption & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions increasing my dissent 514, 210. dug pit dangerous civil liberties. stands guardian over rights. Reference reports will believe: bare majority, try person consisting plus juror wife another worked office department head responsible enforcement violated. instinct dealing experience lawyers alike reject holding. Whenever majority mustered overrule weird misguided 27 get hole fell dig worse one. actually urged hold kind depends opinions affiliations. offense Dennis Congress. That touches immediate security Nation. guilt innocence depend views membership. bound learn prominent figure acts orthodox Democrat. sole creating Communists now exceedingly Washington. highlights unfairness provides overruling it; justifies proposed decision. 28 doctrine knew type times. handed December 20, 1948, present just around corner. affirmed highly publicized proceedings occurring few city blocks us; petition filed four us dissenting warned specifically times using never pry lives thoughts All nothing situation decided was. proposal partial repeal—for only. Courts advantage defendant. inconceivable being entitle more. Let picture operation. Two One, defied UnAmerican Committee. other, Republican, investigating State Department. make well-founded claims branch hostile them; ask exclude obligation adversaries. grant Republican! What becomes equal law? 30 true current phobia always, since remember, some investigated castigated here. At various Bundists Germans, Japanese, lobbyists, tax evaders, oil men, utility bankers, brokers, labor leaders, Silver Shirts Fascists. times, usually dramatic exposures, members groups offense. none them ever forced defend themselves accusations long Republicans, Dixiecrats, Socialists, Democrats put 31 BLACK, dissenting. 32 Dennis, wilfully refusing testimony Activities. exceptionally strong. how strong evidence, jury.1 test 'impartiality' good harassing investigations perhaps cost job. am convinced denial deprived 33 Although asserted she adverse consequences, cannot accepted conclusive sufficient believes do. Long ago Marshall ruled 'may declare feels prejudice case; cautiously incapacitates suspects prejudice, similar feel prejudice.' Fed.Cas. 50, 14,692g. Burr's Trial 414. recognizing 'highest honor greatest self-sacrifice' influenced financial losses, 'every offer temptation average balance nice, clear, between denies latter process law.' Tumey Ohio, 273 510, 532, 47 437, 444, 71 749, 50 American Law Reports 1243.2 34 depart 'average man' Those involved convictions theft dope-peddling. They mere governmental enough, standing alone, automatically disqualifying criminal proceeding clearly 'particular issues circumstances' require exclusion assure jury.3 complete harmony principle declared Burr cases, cautioned 'in nature employment, relation activity matters prosecution, *.'4 134, factors support bias' 'prejudice subjective sense'. 510-511, n. 19, 208. 35 Special decisions are, judgment, shown difficulty securing revealed number potential felt Dennis's position country alone prevent giving trial.5 prevailing pattern loyalty threatened purges wholly unrealistic expect enter box quality disinterestedness essential 36 reasons change venue. sworn allegations essence, constant scrutiny committees sympathy affiliated organizations; issued vigorous demands committee initiated prosecution lose job 'loyalty test' 'reasonable grounds' disloyal; stated anything less imposition maximum punishment expose therefor Communism;6 consequently voting.7 cited challenging although bother reargue facts 'clear all.' judge's substantial 37 objective like disregard human nature. Probably period nation's history 'loyalty' subjected many agents secret informers. years press radio crowded officials others writings, friendships, associations branded 'disloyal.' acquit else 'subversive' flimsy prosecution's considered 'disloyal' easily probability evoke clamorous publicly discharged outright; least result whisperings, suspicions, blemished reputation. 38 regarded 'far-fetched chimerical' suggestion voted endangering agree. seems equally 'farfetched suggest innocence, completely disobeying command My offense, whatever affiliation, accept juror. want unfair advantage. course easier. precisely designed prevent. commands jury-box. Impartiality survive shadow threats juror's reputation livelihood. 39 FRANKFURTER, 40 Acquiescence precedent approval extension. Jackson 210, urge overruled. abiding assent enlarging areas undesirability. jury' casts judiciary exercise determining preclude free, fearless disinterested capacity analyzing indispensable jurymen deal impartially accusation. thus finding 'disqualification belong class psychological judgment. founded learning. follow prosecutions deemed concern nation. 41 whole law's recognition run instances likely generate consciously unconsciously, hopeless endeavor search impact individual. why influences consanguinity canvassed. response life recognizes operation though entertained. manifestation reality. basic Founders gave unlimited tenure. independence, Framers realized, freedom effect 'occasional ill-humors society,' Alexander Hamilton Federalist 'the conjunctures.' Federalist, 78 400 (Beloff ed. 1948). 42 judges assured 'Judges apt naif, simple-minded men.' Holmes, Collected Legal Papers 295. naivete unmindful considerations set forth known pervasiveness atmosphere Washington whereby forces released supporters cloud emotionally different come play offenses implications touch Considering find through alleged associations, asking warrants 'uncommon portion fortitude' nation thought given supra. 43 ought asked decide understanding involve country. Questions prospective choice answer. Men brave indifferent enveloping atmosphere. confess weaklings nor assumed fully conscious pressures move considerable forensic know, confident knowledge prey unconsciously See, e. g., Oliver Rex Davies, [1945] K. 435, 445. well-known observations Holmes pertinent: 'This polite presumptions; look face. Any sat knows that, spite forms, extremely impregnated environing atmosphere.' Frank Mangum, 237 309, 345, 349, 582, 594, 595, 59 969. irrelevant note living inroads secrecy room agree, harassment disclose room. Ought administration situations contemplate inquisitions manner oath? 44 inherently touching Government, feeling notoriously running high, ipso facto sitting drug addict thief, things same. relevant. recognize characterized discriminate favor. If group, pressure popular hostility, susceptible expression regard life. respected parties sit involved, operating freely fairly belonging ostracized group. 45 misunderstanding. whose feared despised community remotely imply measures avert towards enforce justice. favorites. boast protects accused, legal can, belongs. enforced tenets group—whether old Locofocos Know-Nothings, Ku Klux Klan coddle professions all. wise greater inequality treatment unequals. 46 concerned something important sustaining conviction. Many conflicting criteria society good, revealing characteristics punitive single aspect precious seek administer morally fastidious standards. These reveal confidence institutions, reason, fairness. powerful claim behalf civilization represented system vindicated strengthened threaten employ seat Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 R. Doc. 242, 80th Cong., 1st Sess. (1947); 93 Cong.Rec. 4977 (1947). 61 696, 700. Investigations Subcommittee Expenditures, Investigation Employees Program, S.Rep.No.1775, 2d (1948). Personnel Manual I2-4. release dated November Civil Service Commission announced appointment Review Board. Board regulations published January 1948. 253. 'Mr. McCabe: You familiar investigation? 'Juror Holford: believe am. heard Do you rendering verdict guilty conclusion, stop you, criticism embarrassment your fellow employees? None whatsoever. Or superiors? friendliness communism? No; worried way.' Now, Jones, heard, going Have that? Jones: Yes, have. Are aware friendly association organizations? not. employee. Yes. despite protection, still organization ineligible continue position? What? not.' replies vein. crimes 'shall enjoy jury'. see 535, 445, 1243: 'No him, judge.' related interests mayor defendants, principles applicable enployed Department Treasury, enforcing anti-narcotic laws. distinguish sufficiently timely challenge, raising belatedly also imputed 'simply virtue partiality growing cases.' U. S. 149, obtaining indignation aroused became during World War I. Judge Amidon, veteran trier Espionage described experiences follows: 'For six months 15, 1917, war candid, sober, intelligent business whom thirty years, highest declarations law, looked back eyes savagery wild animals, saying manner, 'Away twiddling, let him.' believed loyalty, guilty.' Quoted Chafee, Free Speech (1941Ed.). connection 'have openly floor demand of, disloyalty, Communism.' oral argument venue accompanying continuances, counsel elaborated facet reading Congressional Record colloquy congressmen. substance impeached unless obtained quick trials committee. 3815, 3816. read part: 'The enormous consequences referred above absolutely impossible leader Party, involves permanent branding undesirable possibility earning livelihood future. expected lightly incurring himself, family associates. undefined assurance include himself construe it, assume Communism flowing voting Party.'

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