Legal Document

431 U.S. 434 97 Supreme Court Reporter 1911 52 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 486 James TRAINOR, etc., et al., Appellants,v.Juan HERNANDEZ etc. Number 75-1407. Argued Jan. 18, 1977. Decided May 31, Syllabus Rather than charging appellees with the crime of fraudulently concealing assets while applying for and receiving public assistance, Illinois Department Public Aid (IDPA) brought a civil action against in state court seeking only return welfare payments alleged to have been wrongfully received, as part writ attachment was issued executed pursuant Attachment Act appellees' property without notice or hearing. Instead prompt hearing moving there quash on federal constitutional grounds, filed suit appellant IDPA officials Federal District Court, alleging that unconstitutional it provided deprivation debtors' due process law, seeking, inter alia, attached property. Declining dismiss complaint under doctrine Younger versus Harris, 401 37, 91 746, 27 669, Huffman Pursue, Ltd., 420 592, 95 1200, 43 482, three-judge held an injunction directing Held: The should dismissed Younger, supra, Huffman, unless their remedies were inadequate litigate claim, since asked by interfered Illinois' efforts utilize integral State's enforcement action. Pp. 440-447. (a) principles are broad enough apply interference ongoing such this, State its sovereign capacity. 443-444. (b) For proceeded case rather remitting pending confronts choice engaging duplicative litigation, thereby risking temporary injunction, interrupting proceedings court's decision at some unknown time future; forecloses opportunity construe challenged statute face challenges would also be before it. Pacific KF135 P2 445. (c) There no basis Court's proceeding judgment ground extraordinary circumstances warranted interference. is suggestion bad faith harass finding violated "express provisions every clause, sentence paragraph whatever manner whomever effort might made it." 446-447. 405 F.Supp. 757, reversed remanded. John Atlantic Dienner, III, Chicago, Ill., Finley Elrod support appellants. Paul Judge Bargiel, Fred L. Lieb, appellees. Mr. Justice WHITE delivered opinion Court. 1 lawsuit Circuit Cook County, October 30, 1974, Juan Maria Hernandez, they had concealed assistance. Such conduct Ill.Rev.Stat., chapter 23, § 11-21 (1973). IDPA, however, civilly sought money received. simultaneously instituted Pursuant Act, 11 (1973) (Act), affidavit setting forth nature amount underlying claim obtained from fraud.1 automatically2 clerk upon receipt this affidavit.3 then given sheriff who it, November 5, belonging credit union. Appellees received attachment, freezing union, 8, when writ, complaint, writ. indicated date 1974.4 appeared informed matter continued until December 19, 1974. never answer either complaint.5 They did not seek hearing, nor attempt procedures surrounding issuance rendered unconstitutional. instant Northern 2, money. law. plaintiffs represent class those "who may creditor's mere allegation fraudulent Act." App. 6-7. named defendants appellants Trainor O'Malley, declaration defendant up all clerks Courts Illinois, another sheriffs Illinois. O'Malley forbidding them attachments issue serve writs Act. preliminary relief form order Sheriff County release which attached. Finally, convening 28 Code KF62 2284. 2 declined rule request because parties agreed one-half union returned. A convened. It certified plaintiff requested. 63. In dated 1975, almost one year after court, 669 (1971), 482 (1975), stating: 3 "In Ohio gave exclusive right state. By contrast, provides cause any person, private. happenstance petitioner proceeding. likewise coincidental arguably quasi-criminal nature; need be. These major distinctions preclude extending based considerations equity, comity federalism, beyond situation set Huffman." Hernandez Danaher, 760 (1975). 4 Proceeding merits, §§ 1, 2a, 6, 10, 14 "on (their face) patently violative clause Fourteenth Amendment Constitution." F.Supp., 762. ordered rest property; enjoined issuing serving currently owner; authorizing applications 65-66. Appellants appealed 1253, claiming passing constitutionality event constitutional.6 Since we agree do here, reach second claim. 5 Because our legal systems overlapping jurisdiction responsibilities, frequently inquired into proper role otherwise within jurisdiction, litigation between same raising issues apparently soon will court. More precisely, challenging law Constitution officers enforcing proceed appears has already enforce latter could tender his claims decided court? 6 Samuels Mackell, 66, 764, 688 addressed these questions where criminal prosecution invalidate brought. circumstances, ruled neither declaratory but case. first justification simply "basic equity jurisprudence courts act, particularly act restrain prosecution, party adequate remedy suffer irreparable injury if denied equitable relief." 43-44, 750. 7 Beyond accepted ordinarily enjoin crime, voiced "more vital consideration," U.S., 44, S.Ct., 750, namely, Union both Government entities, basic concerns federalism counsel courts, through injunctions otherwise, legitimate functions, operation courts. Relying cases declared give "scrupulous regard (to) rightful independence governments," Beal Missouri R. Co., 312 45, 50, 61 418, 421, 85 L.Ed. 577 (1941), held, intergovernmental context, two classic preconditions exercise assumed new dimensions. Although existence barring normally determined inquiring available Great Lakes company 319 293, 297, 63 1070, 1072, 87 1407 (1943), here inquiry broadened focus " 'The accused rely defense even though involves challenge validity statute, plainly course afford protection.' 751, quoting Fenner Boykin, 271 240, 243-244, 46 492, 493, 70 927 (1926). Dismissal "naturally presupposes raise timely competent tribunal involved." Gibson Berryhill, 411 564, 577, 93 1689, 1697, 36 488 "The policy restraint . founded premise fair sufficient vindication rights." Kugler Helfant, 421 117, 124, 1524, 1531, 44 15 8 concluded other precondition satisfied threatened great immediate. burden conducting warrant laws; suffice.7 As later explained, afforded vehicle vindicating plaintiff's rights "would entail unseemly failure effect principle solemn responsibility equally courts" safeguard "reflec(t) negatively ability" so. Steffel Thompson, 415 452, 460-461, 462, 94 1209, 1216, 1217, 39 505 (1974). prevented "effectuating substantive policies, continuing perform separate function providing forum vindicate objections interposed policies." 604, 1208. 9 involved propriety execution entered state-court nuisance statute. proceeding, require dismissal suit. Noting "in aid closely related statutes," "an offense interest (which) likely bit proceeding." Thus, traditional maxim strictly speaking 'more consideration' comity, id., 601, 1208, counseled strongly context stay hand. 10 We recently applied analysis similar actions judicial contempt proceedings. Juidice Vail, 430 327, 1211, 51 376 (1977). again stressed consideration" regular system whether labeled civil, criminal, sufficiently important injunctive standards met. control here. An recover allegedly obtained. thought policies irrelevant suits private well State; coincidence "arguably" But fact remains administering public-assistance programs. Both accompanying safeguarding fiscal integrity authorities option prosecutions. See 435. Although, Juidice, "(p)erhaps quite laws maintenance .," 335, capacity.8 12 remit confront future. foreclose actual privilege wholly shared Of course, us thetate invalidated prohibited using purpose. eviscerating impact many readily apparent.9 This disruption capacity, combined negative reflection ability adjudicate occurs whenever enjoins leads conclusion interests Mackell primarily full force pendency called present warranting 13 No purpose harassing urged comes exception said exist 'flagrantly express prohibitions paragraph, it.' 53-54, 755, Watson Buck, 313 387, 402, 962, 967, 1416 (1941). Even below, doubt (see 439), light cases. Compare North Georgia Finishing, Incorporated Di-Chem, Inc., 419 719, 42 751 Mitchell W. T. Grant 416 600, 1895, 40 406 presented question, placed rejection broader grounds. heavily laden local instance.10 grounds refused infirm; therefore error, entertain behalf unnamed statute.11 16 reversed, remanded further consistent opinion. 17 so ordered. 18 STEWART substantially agrees views expressed dissenting opinions BRENNAN STEVENS. Accordingly, he respectfully dissents 19 BLACKMUN, concurring. 20 & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions join write stress substantiality factor abstention beginning. discussing clearly taken account: 21 concept does mean blind deference 'States' Rights' more means centralization over National Framers rejected courses. What sensitivity Governments, Government, anxious protect interests, always endeavors ways unduly interfere activities States." Id., 751. 22 Consistently requirement balancing previous imposed must show own refrain exercising jurisdiction. itself, relied concern administration laws. dealt party. statutes. deemed found Younger. Similarly, (1977), substantial. 23 attenuated, abstention. (1974), merely threatened, free merits judgment. 1217. case, "the adjudication forum, authorized Declaratory Judgment becomes paramount." Ellis Dyson, 426, 432, 1691, 1695, 274 generally Kanowitz, Deciding Law Issues Civil Proceedings: Versus Trial Courts, Hastings Const.L.Q. 141 (1976). 24 Application me reversing remanding Like am pending. Ante, 444, 446, n.9. I, too, find significant capacity 444. Here, emphasize importance my view, criminally impose sanctions concealment applies receives assistance demonstrates Huffman. depend less drastic, perhaps lenient, route. addition, notes, played benefits recovery funds enjoyed taxpayers State, reasonable recognize distinction status creditor procedures. 25 me, foregoing factors brings squarely prior rulings. 26 BRENNAN, whom MARSHALL joins, dissenting. continues on, improper deny invoking 1983 meritorious view disregards Congress' enacting open indefensibly departs decisions dissent. * savings filing initiated filled blanks standard-form "Affidavit Attachment" 29 years preceding disposed hinder delay creditors." (Italics indicate inserted IDPA.) 18. 30 wording repeats verbatim language Act,1 factual allegations determination can disposition justified.2 affidavit, 31 date, meantime, deprived use faced rent car repair bills, past electricity, gas, telephone bills. On weeks restraining custody sheriff. effected agreement whereby funds, accordingly motion order.3 32 required abstain deciding challenge, "patently flagrantly constitution." (ND Ill.1975). reverses holds suit, thus furthered Term actions. II 33 out length reasons disagreement extension cases, 1983, 613, 1212 (dissenting opinion), 341, 1220 repeat suggests like enacted statutory close theater previously adjudged shown obscene films. stated, words quoted today, "was 'in statutes.' 443. states precise question be: 34 "(S)hould court?" 440. 35 Emphasizing sued "vindicate policies," concludes capacity." framing narrowly, desires once leave "for day" applicability generally. 445 n. 8; 345 n., 1222 (BRENNAN, J., dissenting); see 607, 1209. insistence here," ante, signal "merely formal announcement being postponed," dissenting). federal-court results "(p)ending viewed paradigm involving paramount interests." 345, developed avoid interfering prosecutions manifestly inapplicable 37 which, properly speaking, all. granted way mechanism attaching hoped satisfy prevailed lawsuit. To say insure payment liability yet established play force" "all federalism" wrong. Fuentes Shevin, 407 67, 92 556 (1972), prejudgment replevin precisely point. future (but rather) summary extra-judicial seizure property," posed bar granting sought. 71 3, 1989. Lynch Household Finance Corp., 538, 554-555, 1113, 1123, 424 Gerstein Pugh, 103, 854, 54 38 application inappropriate seeks relies fortuitous presence conclude hard pressed understand why "mere happenstance," 760, invoked makes reliance suggest differently instance party, reason advanced enjoy advantage ordinary citizen plaintiff.4 Under analysis, seems solicitousness ancillary hardly compelled mutual respect account progeny. strength inflexible courts' enjoining justified longstanding "courts prosecution." 43, comparably rigid suggested cannot compelling outweigh litigants expressly Congress provide assuming conceivably appropriate transformation what think absolute crosses line abdication. When weighed competing demands "Our Federalism," consciously forum. recognized, altering federal-state balance theretofore existed, "offering uniquely incursions claimed authority secured Nation." Mitchum Foster, 225, 239, 2151, 2160, 705 (1972). are, bound follow ordained, constitutionally may, "primary powerful reliances" 1983. 464, 1218, (1974) (emphasis original). If flatly prohibited, regardless individual violation rights, implementing "uniquely remedy" purported suits, "effectively cripple(d) congressional scheme 1983." 343, 1221 III 41 assuming, arguendo, principles, falls exceptions principles. example "extraordinary circumstance" justify intervention, referred 'might Explicitly relying 760. insufficient bring "might , cases." disagree. Obviously, Buck formulation literally renders meaningless, and, Brother STEVENS demonstrates, post, 461-464, elevates literalistic definitional obviously meant illustrative nonexhaustive. human mind possess clairvoyance foresee "every paragraph" sensible construction test treat etc.," redundant, least make clear much 1530, stating "Younger left room intervention trial prohibitions.' (Emphasis supplied.)5 Clearly "flagrantly prohibitions" relevant struck down garnishment permitted containing conclusory allegations, "no provision early demonstrate probable garnishment." 723. indistinguishable Finishing. contained preprinted requiring affiant fill names persons whose wished attach. Upon course. Far "early hearing" unilaterally 60 days execution. 11, And, 60-day interval necessarily outer limit willing grant 30-day continuance go forward time. seriously contend remotely resembles sustained Sniadach Family 395 337, 89 1820, 349 (1969), carved upheld Louisiana sequestration 'the appear(ed) specific facts,' 605, 1899. showing judge clerk, 606, 1899, debtor entitled "immediately possession following writ," 610, 1901. None procedural safeguards unanimously correctly "is Amendment." 45 gives bare citations Finishing Grant, 447, declines discuss analyze most cursory manner. holding silence, compliance literal confirms conviction extend "state Younger," 1212, narrowest possible reach. STEVENS, 47 Today adds four complexities bewildered several years.1 First, finds meaningful difference procedure Constitution" it."2 Second, collection used agency, others, "a procedures."3 Third, greater protection mandated tax collector. Fourth, disagreeing unconstitutional, remands enable decide invalid rights. comment each shed character now 48 (N.D.Ill.1975). hand, writes: 49 "It 446-447 added).4 50 whatsoever actually said, expression refer uncertainty crux ." is, therefore, consider today's decision. source passage Black written earlier 1416, complicated antitrust certain sections entire Act.5 holding: first, invalidity Act; second, eight valid. explanation branch holding, pointed few, any, statutes totally part.6 construed affected constitutionality, Black's emphasized point untried consideration attack century. Nothing implies limited portion long standing improper. 53 wrote excerpt prosecution.7 He not, imply rigidly defined boundaries kind rationale itself. saying unconstitutional" -type unavailable title, severability innocuous provision. reading opinion, significance. effect, treatment preserves illusion flexibility abstention, eliminates doctrine. typical focuses one, objectionable features. Watson, conceivable statutes, possibility remote. importantly, explained considered itself governmental served refusing address stage 55 explicitly "whether litigation." n.8. Its rests litigant, procedure. tenable collecting creditors community. seem obvious far Consequently, adjudicated involved. accept contrary evaluation principled majestic 56 valid taxes obligations. recognition desire minimize matters, taxpayer "plain, speedy, efficient law.8 restriction power taxpayer's fact, plain, speedy efficient.9 Quite contrary, qualifying prohibition taxes, directed review adequacy remedies. 57 Moreover, repeatedly uncertain, relief. Holmes put "we ought speculation brought." Wallace Hines, 253 68, 435, 436, 64 782.10 58 interpret 1341.11 confronted restriction, reluctant adequate. special agency suing collect nontax Equitable (as federalism) unwarranted surely Nevertheless, fashioning nonstatutory requires litigant regarded needs. IV 59 remand ironic. includes among undesirable features rules effectively true (1973), allows file sufficiency truth facts bond. Section precludes issues.12 allow quash, summarily reject fear reversal; denying interlocutory nonappealable.13 ruling become final tort contract resolved. At time, will, moot prevailing attachment. rights,14 points larger problem confronting Due Process Clause Amendment. 62 339, 1219, itself.15 raised serious about fairness procedure, follows inappropriate. Thirty ago Rutledge characterized series foreclosed "procedural labyrinth entirely alleys." Marino Ragen, 332 561, 567, 68 244, 170. appropriately characterization increasingly Daedalian nine grounds: "First: Where resident State. "Second: conceals himself stands defiance officer, him. "Third: departed intention having effects removed "Fourth: depart "Fifth: remove creditor. "Sixth: required, conveyed assigned effects, thereof, creditors. "Seventh: has, "Eighth: conceal, assign, dispose "Ninth: debt contracted debtor: Provided, statements debtor, agent attorney, constitute fraud, shall reduced writing, signature thereto, himself, attorney." sounding examined oath damages suffered exceed part: "2. Affidavit Statement Examination oath. 2. entitle attorney circuit practicable, allowing just credits set-offs, causes mentioned section place residence defendants, known, diligent able ascertain together statement, embodied separately attorneys representing creditor, sound tort, designation day summons action." normal post bond equal twice for, posted. 4a provides: (and, service summons, person summons), interested, disqualified acting, coroner county commenced, returnable designated plaintiff, ten sixty date." answer, traversing stated issued, verified affidavit; if, thereon, thereto defendant, quashed, costs commenced summons." argue perfected appeals connection argument meritless. below; benefit affects way; obtain chooses perfect appeal. 124-125, 1530-31, (1975): "Although cost, anxiety, inconvenience defend single alone 'irreparable injury' 'special sense term,' (Younger U.S.) 46, 'bad faith' 'harassment' responsible 54, ' prohibitions," 53, 'extraordinary necessary absence usual prerequisites harassment.' Ibid. companion Perez Ledesma, 82, 674, 701, '(o)nly proven harassment undertaken hope obtaining appropriate.' 85, (674.) 677. 230-231, 2156, 705. short, 460, 505. Only circumstances' render incapable fairly fully adjudicating relaxation accorded process. very circumstances,' impossible anticipate define create threat great, immediate, (Footnote omitted.) else 'extraordinary' creating extraordinarily pressing immediate relief, presenting highly unusual situation." Title 2283 "(a) except Congress, effectuate judgments." applicable application, (1972); purposes discriminate Furthermore, 1341 district enjoin, suspend, levy tribunals. Prior distinguish type contemplated officers. Wilson Schnettler, 365 381, 384-385, 81 632, 634-635, 620 (1961); Allegheny Mashuda 360 185, 189-190, 79 1060, 1063, 1163 (1959); Alabama Service commission Southern 341 349-350, 762, 768, 1002 (1951); Burford Sun Oil 315, 317-318, 1098, 1099, 1424 (1943); 297-298, 1072-1073, Brillhart Excess insurance 316 491, 494-495, 1173, 1175, 86 1620 (1942); 400-401, 966-967, (1941); 49-50, 420-421, Spielman Motor Sales Dodge, 295 89, 95-97, 678, 680-681, 1322 (1935); Pennsylvania Williams, 294 176, 380, 385, 841 Hawks Hamill, 288 52, 60-61, 243, 77 610 (1933); Matthews Rodgers, 284 521, 525-526, 217, 219, 76 447 (1932); Massachusetts Grange Benton, 272 525, 527, 189, 190, 387 (1926); 336 n.13, occasion litigation. below fraud continue unimpeded fraud. appear contest Thus "pending" issue, asserting, denying, dissent, offers additional concluding offer litigating resolve conflicting views. argued favor members barred them. certified, argument. Rev.Stat., instituting thereafter cases: "concealed creditors" unsworn true. alleges personal appellees, 1(i), tracks (Ninth) (1973): hhhhhh writing sel(f) hhhhhh." However, form, half record. 438-439. order, resulted savings. practical matter, speculative. significance, fail accord taxes. conclusively 464-466, standard today goes predicated 1341. quotation, 125 4, complete carefully identified "one Curiously, 442 7, quotes Kugler's abridged formulation, explain reference finally See, example, Pell's search synthesizing article, Abstention Primrose Path Any Other Name, DePaul L.Rev. 926 turn 754-55, 669. BLACKMUN's concurring 450. cavalier statement unconstitutionality ignores careful defects 760-762, BRENNAN's Florida legislation regulated business music copyrights combinations illegal trade. conflicted copyright considering remaining sections, sections. "Passing significance manifold advance analogous rendering advisory hypothetical 967. "There harassment. indicated: 'It "Other situations calling arise, attempting specify be." 755. Indeed, routine e. g., Tully Griffin, 429 227. Hopkins Rptr. California (West’s) Tel. 275 393, 400, 180, 182, 72 329; Mountain Power Montana, 299 167, 170, 168, 169, 99. ("A 'plain, remedy' problematical outcome consideration"); Spector Service, McLaughlin, 323 101, 106, 65 152, 154, 101. Douglas wrote: "(T) concerning (state) speculative affords Hillsborough Cromwell, 326 620, 625, 66 445, 449, 90 358 added), cited approval 76, 223. Hillsborough, uncertain extent inadequate. Shaffer Carter, 252 48, 221, 224, tax, wrong tax-collection "Hence, least, resort relief; 'do justice halves,' prevent, possible, multiplicity extends bill." ancient vintage. Judiciary 1789 withheld law." Scott Neely, 140 110, 712, 714, 358, noted "declaratory controlling earliest period England, country. And often whenever, respecting violated, affording remedy, aggrieved jury, pursue equity." One Dredge Dock 299, 1073, 1407, although specifically judgments nonetheless, result. "(W)e unnecessary inquire prohibit tax. led refuse save exceptional procedure." 1073. pronouncement read prohibiting Central Howlett, 525 Reporter, 2nd 178 (C.A.7 1975) (Sprecher, J.). 28, "(n)o thereon restored, filed, amended, originally sufficient." pleaded amendment improperly affidavit. Smith Hodge, Ill.2d 197, 148 Eastern 793 (1958); Brignall Merkle, 296 Ill.App. 250, 150 (1938); Rabits Live Oak, Perry Gulf 245 589 (1927); American Mortgage Corporation First 528 1965). 1974 (10 attached), "were 1974," 437, later. out, sues discretion anywhere chance challenged; up, month longer. three months longer entertained. noted, "(s)ection immediately seizure." contains compared direct jury impaneled property" needs response interpleading claimant signifies general lax attitude takes (who "and continued" month) "did unconstitutional." 437-438. "provisions Practice hereunder, added.) note discussion authorize cites Ill.Sup.Ct. Rule 184, "call after" disposition. This, hearing; ask one. Neither 184 assures overrides attacking wrong; indeed, basing acknowledges fundamental majority "State (appellees) (their) court." proceeds quote numerous (requiring "first protection"); (dismissal presuppos(ing) involved"); (abstention rights"). 441. judgment, challenged, independent impartially wanting. "uncertain," exists.

Classification Label: 8