Legal Document

414 U.S. 488 94 Supreme Court Reporter 669. 38 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 674 Michael O'SHEA, as Magistrate of the Circuit for Alexander County, Illinois, and Dorothy Spomer, Associate Judge Petitioners,v.Ezell LITTLETON et al. Number 72—953. Argued Oct. 17, 1973. Decided Jan. 15, 1974. Syllabus Respondents, 17 black two white residents Cairo, brought a civil rights class action against petitioners, magistrate circuit court judge, who allegedly engaged under color state law, in continuing pattern practice conduct consisting illegal bond-setting, sentencing, jury-fee practices criminal cases, which assertedly deprived respondents members their Constitution 42 Code KF62 §§ 1981—1983, 1985. The District dismissed want jurisdiction to issue injunctive relief sought on ground judicial immunity. Appeals reversed, holding that issuance injunctions officers was not forbidden if intentionally racially discriminatory cognizable persons. Absent sufficient remedy at it held proved allegations, should fashion appropriate enjoin petitioners from depriving others constitutional while carrying out duties future. Held: 1. complaint fails satisfy threshold requirement Article III those seek invoke power federal courts must allege an actual case or controversy, where none named plaintiffs is identified himself having suffered any injury manner specified, claim alleging only most general terms, there are no allegations relevant statute unconstitutional its face applied have been will be improperly charged with violating law. Pp. 493—499. (a) If purporting represent meets case-or-controversy requirement, may behalf other member class. 494—495. (b) That satisfied by assertions inferences course activities prosecuted valid laws. Pacific KF135 P2 497. (c) Where can speculated whether arrested ordinance statute, particularly absence statutes being employed deter constitutionally protected conduct, pointed imminent prosecutions contemplated them so they do right engage proscribed therefore presumably permissible laws, otherwise intention themselves, threat alleged attack too remote permit adjudication court. 497—498. 2. Even were considered present existing adequate basis equitable has stated. 499—504. would constitute major intrusion into daily proceedings, sharply conflict recognized principles restraint, Younger versus Harris, 401 37, 91 746, 27 499—502. Respondents also failed establish basic requisites relief—the likelihood substantial immediate irreparable injury, inadequacy remedies law—in view conjectural nature threatened subjected, available procedures, both federal, could provide relief. 502—504. 7 Cir., 468 Federal Reporter, 2nd 389, reversed. Robert O'Rourke, Chicago, Ill., petitioners. Alan M. Wiseman, respondents. Mr. Justice WHITE delivered opinion Court. 1 19 individuals commenced this action, individually citizens city State's Attorney his investigator, Police Commissioner here, O'Shea County Court, respectively, in, various patterns administration justice system deprive secured First, Sixth, Eighth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth Amendments, 1981, 1982, 1983, complaint, amended, alleges since early 1960's, together small number persons behalf, actively, peaceably lawfully seeking equality opportunity treatment employment, housing, education, participation governmental decisionmaking ordinary day-to-day relations officials have, important part protest, participated encouraged participate economic boycott merchants consider racial discrimination. Allegedly, had resulted great deal tension antagonism among Cairo. 2 individual class, classes, purport include 'all who, account race creed because exercise First Amendment rights, (been) past continue subjected selectively enforcement County,' well financially poor 'who, poverty, unable afford bail, counsel jury trials violation cases.' charges Attorney, intentional discrimination performance duties, laws procedures deliberately more harshly Cairo inadequately victimize blacks, engaging lawful attempt achieve equality. Specific supporting examples such involving some detailed investigator. 3 With respect county denied deny three respects: (1) set bond cases according unofficial schedule without regard facts circumstances defendant Eighth Amendments; (2) 'on information belief' sentences higher impose harsher conditions than persons, (3) require when violations ordinances carry fines possible jail penalties fine cannot paid, pay trial Amendments. Each these carried protections similar activities. further law requests enjoined. No damages case, nor specific instances forth officers. 4 prayed immune suit acts done duties. Pierson Ray, 386 547, 554, 87 1213, 1217, 18 288 (1967), relied, did forbid knowingly intended discriminate race. ruled event proceed prevent future.1 We granted certiorari. 411 915, 93 1544, 36 306 (1973). 5 * reverse judgment Appeals. imposed controversy. Flast Cohen, 392 83, 94—101, 88 1942, 1949—1953, 20 947 (1968); Jenkins McKeithen, 395 411, 421—425, 89 1843, 1848—1851, 23 404 (1969) (opinion Marshall, J.). Plaintiffs 'must resulting putatively before assume jurisdiction.' Linda R.S. Richard D., 410 614, 617, 1146, 1148, 35 536 (1973).2 There 'personal stake outcome' 'assure concrete adverseness sharpens presentation issues upon largely depends illumination difficult questions.' Baker Carr, 369 186, 204, 82 691, 703, 663 (1962). Nor principle different statutory raised. Cf. SCRAP, 412 669, 687, 2405, 2415, 37 254 Abstract enough. It plaintiff 'has sustained immediately danger sustaining direct injury' result challenged official conduct. Massachusetts Mellon, 262 447, 488, 43 597, 601, 67 L.Ed. 1078 (1923). 'real immediate,' 'conjectural' 'hypothetical.' Golden Zwickler, 394 103, 109—110, 956, 960, 22 113 (1969); Maryland Casualty company Coal & Oil Co., 312 270, 273, 61 510, 512, 85 826 (1941); Public Workers Mitchell, 330 75, 89—91, 556, 564—565, 754 (1947). Moreover, establishes requisite controversy defendants, class.3 Bailey Patterson, 31, 32—33, 549, 550—551, 512 (1962); Indiana Employment Division Burney, 409 540, 883, 62 See 3B Moore, Practice, 23.10—1, n. 8 (2d ed. 1971). 6 In began sole 'have . all continues their' and, again, rights' practices. None specified. sharp contrast misconduct particular alleged, terms. At oral argument, respondents' stated plaintiffs-respondents, name necessary, actually defendants proceedings practices.4 Past exposure does itself show regarding relief, however, unaccompanied continuing, adverse effects. Neither suggested time filed themselves serving sentence awaiting Indeed, then unlawful sentence, inappropriately modification current, custody. Preiser Rodriguez, 475, 1827, 439 Furthermore, provide. 669 (1971); see Part II, infra. thus strain read inappropriate meaning conclusory complaint. Of course, wrongs evidence bearing real repeated injury. But here prospect future rests again trial, sentencing Important assessment State Illinois might possibly enforced improvidently made pressed, question becomes perceived sufficiently simply anticipate tried offenses, appear do, affected charged. Apparently, proposition violate unchallenged charged, answer, followed. seems us attempting crime either petitioner takes area speculation conjecture. supra, 41—42, 749. described detail threats them. Accepting deeply involved program eliminate tensions high, we nonetheless conclude within avoid prosecution conviction said followed As doubt "sufficient immediacy reality" warrant invocation There, 'it wholly another occasion arise Zwickler distributing handbills referred complaint.' U.S., 109, S.Ct., 960. Here speculate arrested, first time, municipal Perez Ledesma, 82, 101—102, 674, 685, 701 (1971) Brennan, though attacked he previously prosecuted, new jurisdictional requirements courts. Similarly, naturally suggest one expects Yet vulnerability necessarily contingent bringing Under circumstances, indicate 9 Boyle Landry, 77, 81, 758, 760, 696 (1971), ordered insufficiency inferring 'that jeopardy suffering left free prosecute intimidation normal manner.' expressed 'the disrupted blocked last analysis amount nothing about future.' Ibid. A element uncertainty likely occur reluctance interfere operation strengthens conclusion insubstantial merits claim. II 10 foregoing considerations obviously shade determining states sound relief; even inclined presenting firmly disagree recently reaffirmed 'basic doctrine equity jurisprudence act, act restrain prosecution, moving party suffer relief.' 43—44, 750, (1971). Additionally, recognition need proper balance concurrent counsels restraint showing "both immediate." Id., 46, 751. See, e.g., Fenner Boykin, 271 240, 46 492, 70 927 (1926); Douglas City Jeannette, 319 157, 63 877, 1324 (1943). § 1983 Congress falls 'expressly authorized' exception absolute bar directed provided 28 2283, expressly observed intend 'question quality way equity, comity, federalism asked proceeding.' Mitchum Foster, 407 225, 243, 92 2151, 2162, 32 705 (1972). Those preclude intervention here. 11 strike down single applied; fact, apparently contemplate seemingly What injunction aimed controlling preventing occurrence events take place trials. order thought operative pending beneficiaries injunction. Apparently interruption adjudicate noncompliance This less ongoing audit indirectly accomplish kind interference related prevent. 12 intervene intrusive unworkable. concluding statutes, misconceived underlying withholding disrupted. objection unwarranted anticipatory process means continuous piecemeal interruptions litigation courts; object sustain '(t)he special delicacy adjustment preserved between own law.' Stefanelli Minard, 342 117, 120, 72 118, 96 138 (1951).5 Cleary Bolger, 371 392, 83 385, 390 (1963); Wilson Schnettler, 365 381, 81 632, 620 (1961); Pugach Dollinger, 458, 650, 678 cf. Rea States, 350 214, 76 292, 100 233 (1956). An type disrupt via resort determination ab initio, just request found Younger. supervision over broadly defined class.6 disclaimed requiring sit constant officers, but 'periodic reporting' warranted7 form monitoring functions antipathetic established comity. Greenwood Peacock, 384 808, 86 1800, 16 944 (1966). obligations compliance, arises how compliance charge disobeyed. Presumably, appeared accused adjudicated contempt court's order, review decisions perhaps, Apart inherent difficulties defining standards claims measured, significant problems proving noted. 13 failed, moreover, circumstances—the already canvassed subjected. And ever illegally sentenced, wrongful alleged. Open victim asserted substitution judge change venue, Ill.Rev.Stat., chapter 38, 114—5, 114—6 appeal postconviction collateral review, demonstrate prejudicial disciplinary including possibility suspension removal, warranted. Ill.Const., VI, 15(e). habeas undoubtedly available. 14 true unless deterrent effect circumstances. Judges willfully citizen alleges, 242. 830, 1813; Price, 383 787, 793 794, 1152, 1156, 267 (1966); Guest, 745, 753—754, 1170, 1175—1176, 239 Screws 325 91, 101—106, 65 1031, 1035—1038, 1495 (1945); Classic, 313 299, 1368 (1941). Monroe Pape, 167, 187, 473, 484, 492 (1961). section provides: 15 'Whoever, ordinance, regulation, custom, subjects inhabitant deprivation privileges, immunities punishments, pains, penalties, alien, reason color, race, prescribed punishment citizens, shall fined imprisoned ..' Whatever liability generally, willful corruption, Alzua Johnson, 231 106, 110—111, 34 27, 28—29, 58 142 (1913); Bradley Fisher, Wall. 335, 347, 350, 354, 646 (1872), never judicial, legislative, executive requires contemplates immunization rights. Ex parte Virginia, 339, 25 676 (1880). On contrary, judicially fashioned immunity reach 'so far immunize Act Gravel 408 606, 627, 2614, 2628, 33 583 Considering availability avenues open serious assert, abrasive unmanageable intercession represent, that, apart presented adjudication, erred deciding entertain Reversed. BLACKMUN, concurring part. N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions join Court's holds 'failed controversy.' Ante, 493. 21 When arrive conclusion, follows, me, precluded considering review. Thus, additional discussion amounts advisory powerless render. Hayburn's Case, Dall. 409, 436 (1792); Evans, 213 297, 301, 29 507, 508, 53 803 (1909); Muskrat 219 346, 360—361 (1911); Stearns Wood, 236 229, 59 475 (1915); Coffman Breeze Corps., 323 316, 298, 264 754, 31 250, 255, 55 246 (1947); Paschall Christie-Stewart, Inc., 100, 313, 315, 298. Frankfurter applicable speaking International Longshoremen's Warehousemen's Union Boyd, 347 222, 223, 74 448, 98 650 (1954): 'On appeal, appellee contends reached questions—that 'case controversy,' lack standing union's bring .. Since conclusive, end matter.' 24 adhere principle. Either matter, go decision merits. my view, ways. DOUGLAS, whom BRENNAN MARSHALL concur, dissenting. 26 indigent Illinois. Suing court, 1960's actively equal quest, blacks local deemed Alleging quest generated officials, 1985, past, includes Among claims, now judges County,1 These punishment, merely assure appearance trial; citizens; paid. obliquely jurisdiction, but, focusing fact matters discretion, concluded magistrates reversing remanding barred contained factual averments Fed.Rule Civ.Proc. 8(a). 389. decides deficient controversy' III. 30 raised closely contested barrier, our consideration it. reasoning say least tour de force quite inconsistent requirements. know record argument boiling conflicts. 1985 vast invasions says infringement injured latter, cited support. given sue, statement '(t)hey part,' id., 550, dictum authority McCabe Atchison, T. S.F.R. 235 151, 162—163, 69, 71—72, 169, action. turn resolved Sec. 62. For received any, mootness so, dissents. upshot crucial makes decided argued very full-dress point. press point, amended trial. respects O'Shea, Magistrate, Judge, concerning follows: excessive bonds required Amendments follow cases; belief, persons; times sentenced fines, jury. Spomer 'continue practice' deprive' whites generate police commissioner following ways: '(a) Defendant caused cooperated making arrests filing warranted purpose harassment discourage exercising 39 '(b) colorable arrest charge, much severe like person.' 40 support justice. 41 wrongdoings clearly sense. They 404, Doe Bolton, 179, 739, 201, controversies presented. Specificity proof many forthcoming; specificity clear. plaintiffs, recurring establishes, proved, legal regime control used keep them, protection activities, weight scales repeatedly side prejudices protests, fears, suffering. pervasive scheme suppression seen. survive concept watered longer recognizable. please superstructure, violence conception evenhanded envisioned Constitution. 44 Suits exceptions 2283.2 705. pass after tried. ended, proceeding seem appropriate. Or final come narrow discrete orders prohibiting precise labels 'ongoing proceedings.' foster. supreme power-structure disregard it, extraordinary demanded. cross bridge contours problem 45 To repeat, instant lower-court discriminating determinations imposing bail. effects results persist aside disposition substantive functionally unreviewable. observed, 408, find difficult, impossible, obtain limits manifestly harsh unjustified, citing rule 'imposition matter manifest abuse discretion altered reviewing court.' People Bonner, Ill.2d 553, 563, 229 North Eastern 527, 533 cert. denied, 910, 2067, (1968). primarily excessively treatment, scale, rather especially favor prosperous defendants. Such denials subject constituted abuses long wealthy same receiving relatively lenient judges. instance conscience coupled justify developed bail vehicle developed. 47 Whether forward evidence, frame suitable are, questions answered resolution properly reviewable. abstention comity initio. 48 Because believe question, merits, case. agree, nonetheless, Brother BLACKMUN opinion, stated, determined APPENDIX TO OPINION OF J., DISSENTING 49 seven addition 'express exceptions' policy nonintervention enunciated anti-injunction statute: Bankruptcy Act, seq., specifically 2283. 233, 2157, Interpleader 1936, 2361, allowing suits property interpleader actions. Treinies Sunshine Mining 308 66, 74, 60 44, 48, 84 85. 1851 limiting shipowners providing cessation deposit value ships 185. Providence N.Y. S.S. Hill Mfg. 109 578, 599—600, 379, 393, 1038. (4) Frazier-Lemke Farm Mortgage 203(s)(2) (1958 ed.). Kalb Feuerstein, 433, 343, 370. (5) Habeas Corpus 2251, permitting stay pending. Royall, 117 241, 248—249, 734, 738, 868. (6) Section 205(a) Emergency Price Control 56 Statutes-at-Large 33. Porter Dicken, 328 252, 66 1094, 1096, 90 1203. (7) Legislation removal simultaneous 1446(e). French Hay, 857. 50 relitigation proceeding. Tribe Ben-Hur Cauble, 255 356, 338, 673; Julian Central Trust 193 93, 112, 399, 407, 629. protect acquired res. Kline Burke Construction 260 226, 79, 226; Toucey New York Life insurance 314 135—136, 139, 144, 100. directly Leiter Minerals, Incorporated 352 220, 77 287, 267, agency asserting superior interests, NLRB Nash-Finch 138, 373, 328. While specify exactly what justified, reports types aggregate data actions sentencing.' F.2d, 415. dissenting urged district supervise regulate mandatory powers vested majority proven, necessity defending motivations each fixing Negro granted, citation failure comply awarded. 415—417. noted 'Congress enact creating invasion creates standing, exist statute. Trafficante Metropolitan 205, 212, 364, 415 (1972) (White, concurring); Hardin Kentucky Utilities 1, 6, 651, 787 (1968).' 617 3, bestow sue indication occurred occur. Title particular, provides 'party injured' redress. Perforce, remains. still grounds made. Petitioners assert raise buttressed incongruous represent. variously incompatibly white, boycotted certain businesses combatting discrimination, application (though respondents), counsel, cases. light ambiguous contradictory definition proffered, bolsters hear Tr. Oral Arg. 21, 23, 26. 'we withheld recognizing comparable create cause damages. Compare Giles 180 639, 909, Lane Wilson, 307 268, 872, 1281.' 122, 121. supra. instituted. became July 1971. 2283 that: 'A grant except authorized Congress, necessary aid effectuate judgments.'

Classification Label: 8