Legal Document

427 U.S. 328 96 Supreme Court Reporter 2709 49 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 534 Lonnie NORTH, Appellant,v.C. baron RUSSELL et al. Number 74-1409. Argued Dec. 9, 1975. Decided June 28, 1976. Syllabus Under Kentucky's two-tier court system, police courts (the first tier) have jurisdiction of misdemeanor cases, but an accused has appeal right from a judge's decision to the circuit second tier), where there is trial De novo. The State Constitution requires cities in Kentucky be classified according population size. By statute judges less than certain need not lawyers, larger they must be, and all are lawyers. In this challenge constitutionality statutory scheme Held : 1. An accused, who charged with for which he subject possible imprisonment, denied due process when tried before nonlawyer judge one smaller cities, later novo available court. Ward versus Village Monroeville, 409 57, 93 80, 34 267; Tumey Ohio, 273 510, 47 437, 71 L.Ed. 749, distinguished. Pp. 333-339. 2. Nor does deny such equal protection laws by providing law-trained some lay others, depending upon Constitution's classification population, since as long people within each area treated equally, different classifications system justified. Missouri Lewis, 101 22, 25 989. 338-339. 540 South Western Reporter, 2nd 4, affirmed. Charles E. Goss, appellant. Robert L. Chenoweth, Lawrenceburg, Ky., appellees. Mr. Chief Justice BURGER delivered opinion Court. 1 question presented case whether under State's system; denies population. 2 (1) 3 Appellant North was arrested Lynch, on July 10, 1974, driving while intoxicated violation Ky.Rev.Stat.Ann. § 189.520(2) (1971). If offense, penalty fine $100 $500 provided; if subsequent same fine, imprisonment more six months.1 189.990(10)(a) 4 Appellant's scheduled 18, at 7 Page m., Lynch City Police Appellee C. Russell, lawyer, presiding judge. request jury although law entitled trial. Ky.Const. 11; §§ 25.014, 26.400 pleaded guilty. found guilty sentenced 30 days jail, $150, revocation his driver's license. 5 Section 156 There classes cities: fifth-class between 1,000 3,000; sixth-class 1,000. city. 81.010(5) A fifth- voter resident city least year bonded, 26.200 (1971); lawyer. first-class populations over 100,000, qualifications judge, 35 years age, citizen Kentucky, two-year district, practicing attorney eight years.2 130; 26.140 terms four years. fourth-, fifth-, or may either appointed elected.3 Ky.onst. 160. 6 jurisdiction, concurrent courts, penal cases punishable and/or 12 months. 26.010 system. provided that had. 23.032 Ky.Rule Crim.Proc. 12.06. did entitled. After being appellee appellant challenged described above writ habeas corpus Harlan County Circuit Court, represented attorney. contended federal rights had been abridged because convicted presided wiout legal training thus without competence. issued writ, granted bail, held evidentiary hearing. 8 noted challenging adequacy proceedings hence rested appellant's pleadings, were purposefully limited issue could legally trained persons similarly situated residing would law. relief basis Appeals holding Ditty Hampton, 490 772 (1972), dismissed, 414 885, 94 219, 38 133 (1973). turn affirmed denial supra, noting apply bail event judgment. 516 103 (1974). 9 When came here we vacated judgment remanded it "for further consideration light position presently asserted Commonwealth." 419 1085, 95 673, 42 677 Attorney General motion dismiss affirm requested remand violations state based suggestion "mistakenly imposed sentence offense intoxicated, whereas authorized punishment offenders . .." conceded should opportunity correct error. 10 On remand, however, declined decide grounds General, constitutional "was only us." That sought "test status criminal cases." 74-723 (Mar.21, 1975). 11 probable jurisdiction. 422 1040, 2652, 45 692 (1975). (2) 13 claim confinement penalty, required Due Process Clause Fourteenth Amendment lawyer-judge available.4 14 It recognized wide gap functions general dealing complex litigation, local trying typical "drunk" driver other traffic violations. However, once appears commands scrutiny. See Argersinger Hamlin, 407 25, 92 2006, 32 530 (1972). 15 argues counsel articulated And Gideon Wainwright, 372 335, 83 792, 799 (1963), meaningless understand arguments counsel. also increased complexity substantive procedural now lawyers order able rule correctly intricate issues lurking even simple cases. context procedures, unnecessary reach defendant imprisoned after proceeding afforded conducted instances, facing automatically vacates conviction de plea court; awaiting trail deovo. (Ky.1974). 16 obvious many defendants uncounseled appear They unaware their Trial entered likely prompt. We assume recognize obligation inform lawyer imposed. testified informing "the standard procedure." App. 32. defendants, including those waived whom imposed, unconditional necessity "appeal" filed implement right. 12.04. 17 Colten 104, 1953, 584 considered grounds. noted: 18 "The new absolute. allege error inferior proceeding. seeks trial, contemplates slate wiped clean. Prosecution defense begin anew. regarded exactly brought instance." Id., At 113, S.Ct., 1958. 19 went note justifications urged continuing tribunals5 "ineasing burdens judiciaries" "interest both State, provide speedier costly adjudications" "where full range guarantees available. ." 114, 1959. Moreover, policy takes into account convenience near own community, rather travel distant provided, option, here, regular business hours. took these practical considerations 20 "We persuaded, arrangement serious offenses disadvantages any trials instance, latter always Proceedings speedy, and, results Colten's evidence, characteristically severe. Such offer learn about prosecution's chooses, reveal own. He plead promptly secure jurisdiction." 118-119, 1961. 21 61-62, 83-84, 267 instance. mayor village received substantial portion its income fines him Similarly 749 (1927), directed education bias interest outcome case, Monroeville compensation directly fines. Financial thought risk finding guilt fixing amount fines, potential impermissible. 22 Colten, can initial pleading court, bypassing seeking Trial, "erasing consequence otherwise follow tendering (guilty) plea." U.S., 119-120, 1962. 23 Our concern prior judicial performed nonjudicial officers independent, neutral, detached judgment, training. Coolidge New Hampshire, 403 443, 449-453, 91 2022, 2029-2031, 29 564 also, g., Whiteley Warden, 401 560, 564, 1031, 1034, 28 306 Katz States, 389 347, 356, 88 507, 514, 576 (1967); Wong Sun 371 471, 481-482, 407, 413-414, 441 (1963). Yet Shadwick Tampa, 345, 2119, 783 relevant; magistrates empowered warrants deal evaluation concepts cause sufficiency warrant affidavits. Indeed, probable-cause made magistrate related charge "impaired driving."6 24 (3) provisions classifying permitting preside requiring others guaranteed Amendment. given size equally. 26 Supra, reasons differing size: 27 "1. greater volume attorneys enable operate efficiently expeditiously (not necessarily fairness impartiality). "2. Lawyers staff cities. "3. financial resources better qualified personnel facilities courts." S.W.2d, 776. then "That factors justify recognized." 776-777. relied 989 (1880), equally: 31 "Each establish another rural districts, territory portion. Convenience, necessity, often done, seriously interfere power regulate internal affairs right." 30-31, generally Salsburg Maryland, 346 545, 74 280, 98 281 (1954); Fay York, 332 261, 67 1613, 2043 (1947); Manes Goldin, 400 F.Supp. (E.D.N.Y.1975) (three-judge court), summarily aff'd, 423 1068, 851, 80 (1976). 33 conclude tier traditionally violate States; accordingly us Affirmed. BRENNAN concurs result. 36 STEVENS no part case. 37 STEWART, MARSHALL joins, dissenting. haled tried, convicted, term Judge Russell. Russell coal miner whatever.1 & N Immigration Nationality Decisions believe constitutionally intolerable. deprives effective assistance Sixth Amendments, well law.2 39 * Atlantic 40 why needs assist nowhere put oft-quoted words Sutherland's Powell Alabama, 287 45, 53 55, 77 158: 41 heard little avail comprehend Even intelligent educated layman small sometimes skill science crime, incapable, generally, determining himself indictment good bad. unfamiliar rules evidence. Left aid proper charge, incompetent evidence irrelevant inadmissible. lacks knowledge adequately prepare defense, though perfect one. guiding hand every step against him. Without it, guilty, faces danger know how innocence." 68-69, 64. So that, beginning capital extending through felony 799, culminating 530, Court's decisions firmly established person accorded cannot day imprisonment. 43 But essential presupposition basic conducting will what defendant's talking about. For ignorant law, he, too, incapable "is bad." He, "unfamiliar evidence."3 ableo do nothing prevent unjust conviction. becomes hollow mockery "a teasing illusion like munificent bequest pauper's will." Edwards California, 314 160, 186, 62 164, 172, 86 119 (Jackson, J., concurring). B 44 jury, clearly request. proceeded impose unauthorized 189.520(2), demonstrate particular egregiously unfair, think Any violates never showing specific individualized prejudice procedure itself violated "(A)t times employed involves probability result deemed inherently lacking process." Estes Texas, 381 532, 542-543, 85 1628, 1633, 543. Rideau Louisiana, 373 723, 1417, 663; Hamilton 368 52, 82 157, 114. 46 "charged duty insuring justice, broadest sense term, achieved trial." Faretta 806, 839, 2525, 2543, 562 (Burger, dissenting). Geders 425 86-87, 1330, 1334-1335, 592. Among critical frequently perform acceptance plea. Henderson Morgan, 426 637, 2253, 108, determination voluntariness confession, Jackson Denno, 378 368, 84 1774, 908, advising rights, Boykin 395 238, 89 1709, 274; instruction Bollenbach 326 607, 612, 66 402, 405, 90 350. simply performing functions. aware incompetence, perhaps instinctively prosecutor advice direction.4 practice compounds violation. re Murchison, 349 133, 136, 75 623, 625, 99 942.5 characterized kind place "absurdity." my view, absurdity constitute gross law.6 II 48 seems say deficiencies swept rug forgotten agree. 267, clear (cannot) acceptable eventually offers impartial adjudication. Petitioner neutral 84. Callan Wilson, 127 540, 1301, 223 (right instance). 50 distinguish "directed training." Ante, 337. surely meaningful difference fundamentally unfair bias, ignorance law.7 51 protect immediately wholly unpersuasive. First, argument assumes factual support informed novo.8 Second, still necessitate multiple appearances, cost delay burden attorneys' fees costs. Third, solemn proceeding, see 274, sham. short, accept prerequisite fair stand up open fact believes not. 52 Runnymede 1215 King John pledged barons "not make Justiciaries, Constables, Sheriffs, Bailiffs, excepting knows land Magna Carta 45. Today, 750 later, leaves promise unkept. respectfully dissent. carries monetary schedule, three months; 189.990(9)(a) (Supp.1974). second-class (population 20,000-100,000) years, 26.150 third-class 8,000-20,000) fourth-class 3,000-8,000) resident. 26.190 Assembly Commonwealth 1974 session, Senate Bill 183, enacted Act proposing amendment relating branch government. November 1975, voters ratified Constitution, January 1, provides, part, 1978, county, quarterly, justice peace, combined district 120 counties. These counties allocated among 55 districts elect licensed Kentucky. multicounty appoint commissioner county resides. duties prescribed mooted continue function until permits sit. prison sentences so provides. Article III course, unlike constitutions, see, N.Y.Const., 6, 20(a); S.D.Const., 5, silent requirement States' Justices "learned law." excess 95% Of England officers. D. Karlen, Judicial Administration: American Experience (1970); Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Abraham, 246-247, n. (2d ed. 1968). utilize mandatory voluntary programs, Iowa Code Ann. 602.50(6), (1975); La.Rev.Stat.Ann. 49:251.1 (Supp.1976); Miss.Code 7-5-59, 9-11-3 (1972); Mont.Rev.Codes 93-401 (Supp.1975); Nev.Rev.Stat. 5.026 (1973); N.Y.Uniform 105 (Supp.1975-1976); N.C.Sess.Laws, chapter 956, N.D.Cent.Code 27-18-08 (Interim Supp.1975); Pa.Stat.Ann., Tit. 42, 1214 (Supp.1976-1977); Utah 78-5-27 (Supp.1975), manuals, G. Brownlee, Montana Peace (1970). brief Amicus curiae York Association Magistrates informs judges, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Mexico, Carolina, Dakota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming Alaska, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Wisconsin programs. observed first-tier tribunals, "(s) ome (States), record positions experience schooling." Appeals' comment " 'the designed equipped conduct error-free trials, insure recognition freedoms. convenience, speedy inexpensive means disposition charges minor offenses.' Commonwealth, 467 (374) 379." 117, 1960. cautioned: "(O)ur warns converting desirable commandment. recognizes plural diverse activities key national innovation vitality. flexibility leeway 353-354, 2124. North's hearing concluded: "I (Judge is) doesn't hasn't studied high school education. concerning This therefore, involving special several apparently provide. 333-334. 4. study California's 1972 showed 37% Had beyond 13% formal Gordon Cal.3d 323, 330 7, 115 Cal.Rptr. 632, 525 Pacific 72, 76 7. 1966 survey revealed 5% Virginia's justices peace college graduates, Note, Va.L.Rev. 151, 177, 1958 one-half completed school, 69 W.Va.L.Rev. 314, 323. 1969, Assistant Mississippi told Judiciary Commission "33% educational background extent capable learning necessary elements Hearings Courts Judges (testimony R. Hugo Newcomb, Sr.), quoted Comment, Miss.L.J. 996, 1000 two Constitution. supra ; Shelmidine Jones, 224948 (Utah 3d Jud. Dist., 3, Contemporary studies systems unanimous calling elimination judges. Bar Standards Administration, Organization 1.21 (1974); National Advisory Criminal Goals, Task Force Report: Courts, Standard 8.1 President's Law Enforcement Administration Justice, Intergovernmental Relations, State-Local Relations System, Recommendation Consensus Statement Conference Judiciary, J.Am.Jud.Soc. 29, familiar statutes procedure, deposition Carolina provides illustration inadequate judges: "Q. What books you Magistrate?" Magistrate McLendon: got stack courthouse job, red books. sir, names them?" "No, sir. Tell me your understanding Laws is, contained Laws, understand?" "Well done reading it. You occasion refer it?" sir." Deposition Magistrate, McLendon, Oct. 15, 110, Frierson West, Civ. 74-1074 (SC May 61 1454, 1456 Harv.Civ.Rights Civ.Lib.L.Rev. 739, 746-755 323-326 1004-1008 Ore.L.Rev. 411, 428-430, 437 187 advice: Prior appointment previous kind?" Russell: Have appointment?" "Well, thing say, doubt, just consult receive attorney, advice?" "Yes, 116 1975) (stating "would come George Stuckey attorney) find out do"). 430; 1469-1470, 74; 755. scarcity areas serve this. cite example, managed devise adequate large portions sparsely populated fewer House 1975 First Special Session, amending 78-5-4. 763-767 reliance 584, misplaced. valid, quite following violating Pearce, 711, 2072, 656. indicates taken jail sentencing obtained freedom signed ordering release. hardly spent night avoid asking states assumption advise clients 335. devoid present record. Although stated procedure" counsel, unwilling advised right, unreservedly advised.

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