Court Opinion

ID: 9455583
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-04 19:26:17.127341+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:34:38.846884
License: Public Domain

BLACKMUN, Circuit Judge
(concurring).
For me, this case is a most troublesome one. Judge Mehaffy’s views in dissent are strong and appealing. Yet I am finally persuaded to join Judge Lay in his conclusion that there was something less here than the required procedural due process and that Cummins’ conviction therefore must be vacated.
I feel compelled to add an observation which, it seems to me, ought to be obvious but which in this troubled day apparently is not obvious, namely, that a registrant, such as Cummins, who displays inconsistency in attitude, who delays until the last moment his claim to conscientious objector status, who jumps from one position to another, who is critical without being constructive, and who gives the impression of opposing for the mere sake of opposing, must not be surprised when his sincerity and his motives are questioned by those who have the unenviable task of passing upon and judging these matters. Cummins did some foolish things and demonstrated immaturity not to be expected of one of his age and development. It may be hard to grow up these days. Others, however, seem to manage it. Cummins’ legal situation would have been much clearer and perhaps might not have been challenged at all had he taken his ultimate position initially or without the abrasive and critical posturing which he assumed.