Legal Document

414 U.S. 21 94 Supreme Court Reporter 190 38 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 179 Louie L. WAINWRIGHT, Director, Division of Corrections, et al.v.Raymond R. STONE and Eugene Federal KF105 F3 Huffman. Number 73—122. Nov. 5, 1973. PER CURIAM. 1 In separate trials, appellees were convicted violating Fla.Stat. § 800.01 (1965), F.S.A., which proscribed 'the abominable detestable crime against nature, either with mankind or beast . ..'1 Having exhausted state remedies,2 sought federal habeas corpus, asserting, among other things, that the Florida statute was impermissibly vague. The writ granted to both appellees. Appeals affirmed on sole ground unconstitutionally vague void its face for failure give adequate notice conduct they forbidden by law. 478 Reporter, 2nd 390 (CA5 1973). 2 We reverse. perceive no violation 'underlying principle man shall be held criminally responsible he could not reasonably understand proscribed.' versus Harriss, 347 612, 617, 74 808, 812, 98 L.Ed. 989 (1954). Stone copulation per os anum, Huffman anum. These very acts had long been constitute nature' under predecessor statutes. Delaney State, So.2d 578 (Fla.Sup.Ct.1966), appeal dismissed, 387 426, 87 1710, 18 866 (1967), declared as much; this case since 1921 Ephraim 82 Fla. 93, 89 Southern KF135 S69 344 (1921). also there complaint vagueness lack defendant's criminal where committed those prior cases covered statute. 3 supporting require reversal Appeals. judgment courts a must made in light constructions For purpose determining whether is too indefinite valid legislation 'we take though it read precisely highest court State has interpreted it.' Minnesota ex rel. Pearson Probate Court, 309 507, 514, 68 665, 669, 92 744 (1940). When construed forbid identifiable so 'interpretation (the court) puts these words definitely if amended legislature,' claims impermissible judged light. Winters New York, 333 840 (1948). This normal view Court. Fox Washington, 236 273, 277, 35 383, 384, 59 573 (1915); Beauharnais Illinois, 343 250, 253, 72 725, 728, 96 919 (1952); Mishkin 383 502, 506, 86 958, 962, 16 56 (1966). Appeals, therefore, free ignore related cases; cases, afforded ample their 4 Appellees rely Franklin 257 (Fla.Sup.Ct.1971), avoid efficacy 800.01. case, decided after appellees' convictions become final, reconsidered intended reach oral anal sexual activity, intention should appear statute; otherwise uncertainty language. But holding did remove fact when changed, clear then construed. Thus, expressly ruled 'this felony retroactive, but prospective only,' id., So.2d, at 24; subsequently denied appellee Stone's request relief based case. supra, n. 2. overrule respect pre-Franklin convictions. Nor constitutionally compelled do make retroactive new construction statute: 'A defining limits adherence precedent may choice itself between forward operation relation backword. It say decisions court, later overruled, are law none less intermediate transactions.' Great Northern company Sunburst Oil & Refining Co., 287 358, 364, 53 145, 148, 77 360 (1932). Contrary time performed convicted. motion proceed forma pauperis reversed. 5 So ordered. 6 Judgment (Supp.1973), F.S.A. presently provides: 'Whoever commits beast, guilty second degeee, punishable provided (other statutory sections).' At maximum penalty 20 years' imprisonment. Appellee conviction direct appeal, 245 91 (Fla.Dist.Ct.App.1971), his post-conviction denied. 264 81 (Fla.Dist.Ct.App.), cert. denied, 267 329 (Fla.Sup.Ct.1972). appears appealed from conviction, seek collateral relief. District found exhaustion unnecessary Huffman's claim already determined adversely ruling discussed text infra.

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