Legal Document

373 U.S. 647 83 Supreme Court Reporter 1441 10 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 605 Donald WHEELDIN and Admiral Dawson, Petitioners,v.William WHEELER. Number 493. Argued April 23, 1963. Decided June 3, Mr. Atlantic L. Wirin, Los Angeles, Cal., for petitioners. Alan S. Rosenthal, Washington, D.C., respondent. Justice DOUGLAS delivered the opinion of Court. 1 Petitioner Dawson1 was served with a subpoena to appear before House Un-American Activities Committee. He alleges that signed in blank by Committee Chairman respondent Wheeler, an investigator Committee, filled Dawson's name without authorization We read complaint, as does Solicitor General, most favorably Dawson conclude complaint no member even attempted delegate Committee's power Wheeler. The also Wheeler intended subject petitioner, when he appeared witness public shame, disgrace, ridicule, stigma, scorn obloquy, falsely place upon him stain disloyalty any opportunity fair defense, petitioner's irreparable injury. not only lack authority fill but unconstitutionality Resolution Act Congress, 60 Statutes-at-Large 828, authorizing act witnesses. mere service on cost his job caused be made while petitioner at work knowing loss employment would result. It prays declared void force or effect, asks damages injunction. 2 District denied declaratory injunctive relief, holding since appearance did seem imminent case ripe equitable intervention apprehension federal right might infringed some future time warrant relief present time. held cause action stated respects dismissed jurisdiction over matter. Appeals being within Court's discretion, properly claim had become moot. held, however, 'in sense Bell versus Hood, 327 678, 66 773, 90 L.Ed. 939,' there 'jurisdiction entertain money damages,' extent reversed. 9 Cir., 280 Federal Reporter, 2nd 293. On remand opinion. affirmed. 302 36. is here petition writ certiorari which we granted. 371 812, 58, 54. basic question presented whether stated. 3 agree its first (280 293) face court jurisdiction. As 685, 777, 939, 'the petitioners recover under their will sustained if Constitution laws are given one construction defeated they another. For this reason district has jurisdiction.' And see Bock Perkins, 139 628, 630, 11 677, 35 314. 4 But undisputed facts, argument case, can out. main reliance Fourth Amendment, protects person against unreasonable searches seizures. Its violation, contends, occurred unauthorized him. neither search nor seizure arrested detained pursuant subpoena; nor, so far discloses, respond either testify refuse testify; used cite contempt. Cf. Williams States, 341 97, 71 576, 95 774. In short, facts alleged do establish violation Amendment. provisions Civil Rights clearly inapplicable kind case. See R.S. §§ 1979, 1980, 42 Code KF62 1983, 1985;2 Tenney Brandhove, 367, 783, 1019; Monroe Pape, 365 167, 81 473, 5 492. Apart from rights may arise Congress created abuse officer, least where never coercive effect. No Tort Claims reaches far.3 Hatahley 351 173, 76 745, 100 1065. There much discussion briefs Barr Matteo, 360 564, 79 1335, 1434. libel brought official Columbia. immunity doctrine Howard Lyons, 593, 1331, 1454, rested, relevant here, for, General conceded, allegations acting sufficiently scope bring into play. 6 argued statute governing issuance subpoenas4 having been complied with, 'arises' it meaning 28 § 1331. creation courts common-law rights, perhaps needless state free-wheeling days antedating Erie R. company Tompkins, 304 64, 58 817, 82 1188. instances have common law few restricted. Clearfield Trust 318 363, 63 573, 87 838, govern transactions commercial paper States; view desirability uniform rule area. Id., Page 575. qualified Bank America Nat. & Sav. Association Parnell, 352 29, 77 119, 93. Tunstall Brotherhood, etc., 323 210, 65 235, 89 187, derived duty union bargaining representative all members union.5 difficult us how statute, grants issue subpoenas, implies power. done what Textile Workers Union Lincoln Mills, 353 448, 912, 923, 972, left process. 7 When comes suits power, officials usually governed local law. See, e.g., Slocum Mayberry, Wheat. 1, 10, 12, 169. law, supplies conduct complained federally imposed (see, Mayor Aldermen City Nashville Cooper, Wall. 247, 18 851; cf. Tennessee Davis, 257, 25 648), suit. supra; supra. could, course, provide otherwise, so. Over years considered problem civil criminal actions many times. Hart Wechsler, Courts System, 1147—1150. general making officers liable acts committed 'under color,' passed. provided removal action, criminal, '(a)ny officer * *, him, color such office *.' 1442(a)(1). That governs shown fact possible nondiversity because interpretation defense makes 'arising under' States. Gay Ruff, 292 25, 34, 54 608, 612, 78 1099. conclude, therefore, hiatus 8 pendent Hurn Oursler, 289 238, 53 586, 1148, presented, hold conceded judgment must Affirmed. BRENNAN, whom CHIEF JUSTICE BLACK join, dissenting. 12 characterized petitioners' suit follows: 'The gravamen subpoenas were invalidly, maliciously mischievously issued sole purpose exposing them consequent esteem. They assert protection process; appellee securing subjected himself personal liability.' 36—37. not, decide 'federal right' exists and, so, denial it. dismissal ground allegedly unlawful line therefore immune principles announced Court, appearing counsel respondent, candidly admits misapplied Matteo. upheld governmental-officer respect 'action taken outer perimeter duty.' U.S., 575, 1341. suggested beyond perimeter, shield wholly own. A remains 'manifestly palpably authority.' Spalding Vilas, 161 483, 498, 16 631, 637, 40 780; Colpoys Gates, 73 App.D.C. 193, 118 16; Kozlowski Ferrara, 117 F.Supp. 650; Note, Remedies Against Officials, 70 Harv.L.Rev. 827, 835 (1957). Liberally construed, Virgin Islands Corporation W. Taylor Co., 202 61; Moore, practice (2d ed. 1948), 12.08, 2245, less.1 'secured staff said large numbers' (emphasis supplied), read, concedes, 'to allege Wheeler.' Since according authority.'2 13 N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions think proper disposition vacate Appeals' judgment, based erroneous ground, consideration questions found unnecessary decide. recommend course instant seems raise novel important adequately briefed parties consequently, today, treats cursory fashion. 14 states 'Dawson's Amendment.' cannot this. correctly apprehended, notion tort malicious process officer. This me raises number questions. Does actionable principles? If creature nevertheless entertained courts? Under theory, any, deemed original Courts? apparent, these questions, shall discuss order, require reference Amendment.3 15 described claiming But, defined, 'is actor employs legal manner technically correct, wrongful attain unjustifiable end Harper James, Torts (1956), 4.9; Restatement 682; Prosser, 1955), 100. succinctly, 'perversion' Mayer Walter, 64 Pa. 283, 286. abused judicial, legislative. consider distinction material. Comment, Col.L.Rev. 326, 327, n. (1963). Abuse administrative recognized aspect tort, supra, 4.10; 680; National Surety Page, 145; Petherbridge Bell, 146 Va. 822, 132 Southeastern KF135 S6 683, judicial Dishaw Wadleigh, App.Div. 205, 44 New York Supplement 207. congressional less mandatory than Watkins 354 178, 187—188, 1173, 1179, 1273, placing governmental compulsion recipient, Sinclair 279 263, 292, 49 268, 271, 692. may, link chain leading eventual prosecution. 102, amended, 192. should point out conventional assumes wrongdoer private who procures valid, authorized process, albeit intention end. 13. thus, depend validity 'technically correct,' yet still abusive. liability sought issues vel non essence.4 Pertinent settled principle accountability, damages, individual consequences wrongdoing. Entick Carrington, 19 Howell's State Trials 1029 (C.P. 1765); Marbury Madison, Cranch 137, 163 168, 60; Wolf Colorado, 338 30—31, 69 1359, 1362—1363, 93 1782. With officers, see, Little Barreme, 170, 243; Elliott Swartwout, Pet. 373; Mitchell Harmony, How. 115, 75; Buck Colbath, 334, 257; Bates Clark, 204, 24 471; Kilbourn Thompson, 103 26 377; Belknap Schild, 18, 443, 445, 599; Philadelphia Stimson, 223 605, 619, 32 340, 343, 56 570. principle, combination ample concluding action. Compare cases process: Kozak, KF105 F3 Dean Kochendorfer, 237 N.Y. 384, 143 Northeastern N59 229; Hoppe Klapperich, 224 Minn. 224, North Western 780, 173 American Law 819. 17 assume California law5 (postponing, moment, law), then two theories sustaining relies drawn 1148. asserts nonfrivolous attaches, thereby permitting decision same id., 686, 778 (dissenting opinion).6 Whether matter best determined instance below. accept flat assertion 'petitioner law,' liberality pleading Rules. 'A motion dismiss aid anything except itself, undesirable way defendant seek victory. For, motion, construe complaint's language favorable plaintiff; ambiguous, seldom it, thus generously fail show action.' 65. second theory builds Smith Kansas Title 255 180, 41 243, 577. shareholder sued enjoin Company, Missouri corporation, investing certain bonds, unconstitutional. claimed investment securities vaid ultra vires enjoinable. state-created. Nevertheless arising predecessor section 1331(a). Fielding Allen, 181 163. later decisions, Puerto Rico Russell 288 476, 447, 903; Gully First Bank, 299 109, 57 96, 70, repudiated Smith. London, 'Federal Question' Jurisdiction—A Snare Delusion, Mich.L.Rev. 835, 853 (1959). those decisions distinguishable attempts 'remote premises, permission other merely defenses.' System (1953), 769. firm 'where inserted itself texture founded national legislation could forum' Mishkin, 'Question' Courts, 157, 166 (1953). Stated differently, essential ingredient plaintiff's relief.' 766. federal-question proposition inherent claim. Jurisdiction Revision Judicial Code, Contemp.Prob. 216, 225 (1948). How fare standard? free doubt, arguable, least, propositions network statutory constitutional investigations. words, implicit controlling use Concretely, respondent's 'unjustifiable end,' 655, surely contours classification justifiable ends matters Thus, just incorporates standards reference,' 225, 46, element body defining legislative wish, understood suggesting analogy perfect.7 20 come now apart terms confers remedy officer.8 (1) implied respecting subcommittees, (2) 21 Legislative Reorganization 1946, chapter 753, 121(b), Rule XI(1) (q)(2), provides part: 'Subpenas signature chairman committee (on Activities) subcommittee, designated provision interpreted prohibit issuing own,9 favor injured direct consequence subpoena? why not. 'Implied contingent affirmatively indicates intended. contrary, unless evidences contrary intention.' Brown Bullock, 194 207, aff'd grounds, 294 415. Increasingly, tendency infer statutes defeat manifest purpose. Texas Pac. Rigsby, 241 33, 36 482, 874; Brotherhood Locomotive Firemen Enginemen, 187; Neiswonger Goodyear Tire Rubber 761; Reitmeister Reitmeister, 162 691; Fitzgerald Pan World Airways, 229 499; Roosevelt Field, Incorporated Town Hempstead, 84 456; Wills Trans Airlines, Inc., 200 360; Loss, Securities Regulation 1961), 932—956; 48 1090 presume specifying conditions lawful delegation Activities' mindful grave injustices individuals result flouting conditions. sense, XI(1)(q)(2) protected class persons true, member. Moreover, affords practicable means redressing wrong alleges. called circumstances surrounding defensively,10 reason, prayer struck below moot, 293 (per curiam). Pauling Eastland, 109 U.S.App.D.C. 342, 126; Mins McCarthy, 220, 209 307. 22 Nor (in contained Congress) stands different footing, enforcement, administrative, executive, conduct. long rules committees judicially cognizable. Christoffel 84, 1447, 1826; Smith, 286 6, 52 475, 954; Ballin, 144 507, 321. objection grounding rule. 23 final approach founding jurisdiction11 Brandeis' dictum: 'There 78, 1188, cannot, full breadth. '(A) lthough deal problems cut down realm absence governable remained unimpaired dealing independently, wherever necessary appropriate, essentially matters, though acted about specific question.' Standard Oil 332 301, 307, 67 1604, 1608, 91 2067. 'Were bereft our system impotent.' D'Oench, Duhme Deposit insurance Corp., 315 470, 62 676, 86 956 (concurring opinion). wide variety assumed fashion rights.12 Ordinarily, sure, fashioning aegis more jurisdictional grant test set forth recognize existence 'wherever appropriate' 'essentially matters.' Plainly, supports recognition complaint. '(A)ctions necessarily concern.' 220. say implicated whenever Johnston Earle, 245 793. where, powers injury person, looked basis liability. circumstances, interest generous jurisdiction, every practicality justice argues construction.13 To once recognized, much-mooted arises decided question.14 position does, my separate Romero International Terminal Operating 358 354, 389 412, 468, 489—501, 368, Kurland, Case Some Problems Jurisdiction, 831—833 (1960). Let make clear am enjoys freedom create truly courts. matrix duties, immunities authority. excess concern, justifies, view, exercise residual unquestionably possess. 'At very effective Constitutionalism requires declare, 'judicial legislation,' interstitially otherwise effectuate patterns enacted Congress.' Variousness Law': Competence Discretion Choice Rules Decision, 105 U. Pa.L.Rev. 797, 800 Thus ultimately coalesce. 'It monstrous imply lays foundation condemns wrong, nothing history.' Powell, Use Common-Law Techniques Statutory Enforcement—A Study Behavior, 900, 902 (1944). foundation; superstructure various sources canvassed. like believe helpless inaugurate salutary '(r)estoration government civilly responsible discretion motivated vindictiveness desire gain.' 1230. remitted entirely Foote, note 13, trenchant criticism existing remedies officers. Mapp Ohio, 367 643, 651—652, 1684, 1689—1690, 1081. dealt foregoing deliberately tentative manner. My suggestive, exhaustive; prepared offer definitive solutions. permeate justify adoption Hood remanding instance. Wheeldin granted certiorari. moved leave withdraw petition, hereby grant. By 1983 'every person' color' territorial deprives anyone laws' (see Screws 325 91, 108, 111, 1031, 1038, 1040, 1495; 171 475—484, 492) 1985 applies (compare Collins Hardyman, 651, 937, 1253) conspire others commit falling narrow confines conspiracy involved. generally, Emerson Haber, Political 79—100; 1961 Commission Report, Book 5, 77. 2680 provides: (the Act) apply to— '(h) Any assault, battery, false imprisonment, arrest, prosecution, libel, slander, misrepresentation, deceit, interference contract rights.' Public Laws Statutes-at-Large) 601, 828: cited singularly inapposite. Holmberg Armbrecht, 392, 582, 743, enforce apply. diversity that, although right, privilege formulated 597, 1333. withdrawn contended orders superior reasonably believed authorized. Gray, Private Wrongs Servants, 47 Cal.L.Rev. 303, 317—318 (1959); 334 involved Congressmen themselves suits. 378, 789, 1019. confining discussion, mean intimate Amendment whether, available. latter question, compare Wiley Sinkler, 179 17, 45 84; Swafford Templeton, 185 487, 46 1005; 684, 776, 813; These too, 939. is, distinct Even immunity, 'outer perimeter' officers' 'line That, defense. framed establishing took place, apparently, California, both residents California; appropriate referent. Neither canvassed possibly authorities independent investigation question. 3281 Code: 'Every suffers detriment omission another, fault compensation therefor money, damages.' 813, 817; Toscano Olesen, 189 118; Police Violations Individual Rights, 39 Minn.L.Rev. 493, 502 503 (1955). agrees conferred dispose merits, earlier phase litigation. compelled relying 820. criticized, suggestion however (might) convincingly supported saying dog wagged tail plenary trial ancillary primary disposed pleadings.' 808; 1018, 1025—1026 (1962); Salganik Council Baltimore, 192 897. merit applicability say. completely insubstantial ground. Levering Garrigues Morrin, 103, 105, 549, 550, 1062; Emmons Smitt, 149 869. finally pertains claims. F.Supp., error. Manosky Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard, 177 529; 1034—1041 (1962). Company securities. substantially Here, besides subpoena, malice, thought rooted deny equal laws. 1980 Third, 1985(3). breach marshal's bond, 544; litigation, marshal sheriff frivolous. Act, 2671—2680, imposes pertain excludes intentional torts. 2680(h). reach discussed staff; contends attempted, 654, Arguably, challenged prosecution refusal presumably willful default subpoena. 192; McPhaul 364 372, 138, 136. 1331(a), part Congress. difference cites rather H.Res. 85th Cong., 1st Sess., wherein adopted haec verba Cong.Rec. E.g., Southern Express Byers, 240 410, 825; Sola Elec. Jefferson 317 172, 165; 838; County Allegheny, 322 174, 183, 908, 913, 88 1209; 395, 584, 743; Fullard-Leo, 331 256, 269—270, 1287, 1292—1293, 1474; Rea 350 214, 233; 457, 918, 972; 1333, 1454; Machinists Central 372 682, 691, 693, 956, 962, 963, 67; O'Brien Tel. 113 539; Kaufman 723, 728; Kardon Gypsum 798; Hart, Relations Between Law, Col.L.Rev., 489, 530—535 (1954); unsettled 388—391, claims party totally remediless. Teal Felton, 284, 990; 257. adequate remedy. relied confine seeking invoke splitting So also, broad commenced 1442, unfairly give access defendants plaintiffs. 220 221. allow measure presently available 512 majority maritime decisional purposes considerations peculiar purport resolve broader 492 (separate

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