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Richards v. United States
192 F.2d 602
D.C. Cir.
1951
Check Treatment

*1 сourt, trial in the exer the the of the plaintiff, as husband of “2. The discretion, of her of to make awards defendant, required pay cise be per reasonably character to be included $60,000.00 as final lump sum support concept and maintenance. and in release in lieu of alimony manent against plain Quarles U.S.App.D.C. rights Quarles, and her all claims support lump right F.2d sum 57. tiff and estate. endowment, pres paid permanent right not the $60,000.00 final to be beyond clearly award in the latter cate to and ent falls alimony shall additional be joint gory. safe is intended as a means $60,000.00 Alimony taken from the deposit carrying obligation retained of out husband’s boxes defendant and by provide mentioned, $60,000.00 support; must said its amount as above deposit by boxes measured tests relation safe sound bearing taken said shall, ship objective; virtue of cannot retained defendant .it action, up judgment dividing Court in this used as the hus of the device ‘for property property. band’s to be become and continue solely.” of the defendant accordingly aspect, We will remand this to the District Court for re- item mention- regard to the With second action, entry consideration of its and for ed, appears that her husband while opinion. order consistent with this city, just their prior to absent from the opened two separation, final Mrs. Keleher affirmed; No. 10647 and No. 10649 are joint deposit their names safe boxes held in No. part, 10648 is affirmed in reversed in. belonging funds and removed therefrom part and remanded. $60,000.00. her in the amount of husband Mrs. Keleher no claim There was The action funds.

she owned these ab- respect to these with

the trial court funds, coupled when stracted alimony, $60,000.00 lump sum

award a total wife of grant to a to the amounted quote the sum,” “a $120,000.00: RICHARDS UNITED STATES. court, “which is excess of 35% * * * No. 10700. value of total husband’s] [the property, record established Appeals United States Court (Finding Fact this cause of action.” District Columbia Circuit. 6)No. Argued June 1951. Subsequent ho this action Sept. Decided 1951. Court, our District we rendered decision Wheeler, U.S.App.D.C. in Wheeler where we said right or element of owner

“absent some

ship, part equitable, legal or on the husband,

wife, property of the to order the transfer for the court error ques to her.” While property proper to real us related

tion then before

ty, underlying rea that the same we think

soning precludes the sort of division of property and other funds

husband’s recognize We

was ordered in this case. Reilly belongs еrty citing her”: “the added in the same ease that We U.S.App.D.C. 345, rights Reilly, 182 F.2d adjudicate property spouses, prop- wife award the *2 Washington, C., with Lyman, D. Josiah ‍‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​​​​​​​‌​‌​​​​‍Kathryn Schwarz, Washington,

whom M. brief, D. C., appellant. was on the (Joseph Atty., Sommer, A. Asst. U. S. Washington, C., George D. whom Fahy, part. Judge, Circuit dissented Fay, Atty., Morris U. S. and Harold H. Joseph Howard, Bacon and M. Asst. U. S.

Attys., Washington, C.,D. were on the brief, appellee. Before PRETTYMAN, FAHY WASHINGTON, Judges. Circuit WASHINGTON, Judge. Circuit The defendant Richards convicted of grand larceny in the United States District Court for Columbia, the District of appeals.

I. We are confronted the outset Government’s contention that this court jurisdiction appeal lacks because the days not taken entry “within after judgment appealed or order required by Rule 37(a)(2) of Fed- Procedure, еral Rules of Criminal 18 U.S.C. appears criminal docket District Court contains two entries re- gard disposition case, of Richards’ namely: imprison- 1950—Sentenced to “June period ment Twenty (20) months years. Five (5) Attor- ney Lyman pres- Josiah Kirkland, ent. J.” 19, 1950—Judgment and commit- “June 6/16/50, ment of filed. Kirkland, J." appeal Notice was filed on Richards’ 27th, days behalf more than ten June 16th, after which the Government con- June date, the crucial tends is but within ten days 19th.

We think that ap this notice of timely. expression peal was “entry of used judgment”, 37(a)(2), in Rule explained defined or Criminal is not Goodyear, Wall. 73 U.S. any decisions ber Co. v. Rules.1 found Nor have we Polleys Black River 18 L.Ed. regard. interpreting the Rules Co., requires judg Criminal Rule that a 32(b) *3 authority, though persuasive likewise ment shall more Other of conviction be than strictly point, plea, in looks in the same di the not formality; “set forth must Neely Trust of adjudication rection. v. Co. Merchants findings, verdict 525; Cir., requires Bank, J.,N. Red 3 110 F.2d 32(b) further and sentence.” Rule 80; Heffron, Cir., 131 9 F.2d signed by Rosenberg v. judgment that “The shall be Moore, Cir., 5 182 F.2d (Judge United v. judge by and entered the clerk.” As 336; Cir., Rayburn, 91 8 Magruder in United States v. the First Circuit has said of Hurley Co., 5 162; F.2d In re Mercantile context, similar the clear im somewhat Cir., 56 Hill v. U. S. F.2d 1023. See also judgment “the plication the Rule that is of 460, 464, Wampler, ex rel. 298 56 S.Ct. pre-exist perform U.S. can must before the clerk 760, 80 L.Ed. entering 1283. of the clerical or ministerial act Cir., Corp., 1 177 it.” In re Forstner Chain logi appears us be to conclusion 572, docu F.2d 576. The formal inescapable, under cally wording of reflecting judgment ment and commit we time, Rules.2 the same we think At by present case, signed ment to be should add that does not seem us judge, “On 16th begins with the recital this prejudicial of a conclusion the interests * * * day June, adjudged of It 1950 is the defendant. either the Government or no date. and bears is, sure, a favorable to the conclusion day; judge signed may well it on that have remedy appeal—a remedy we of are perhaps presume that he we even did so. effec inclined to As far undervalue. course, was, day which 16th on of June Richards im tive date defendant’s of sentence of open court. sentenced in concerned, prisonment is a matter is that of But clerk not make did record express provisions, governed by statutory judgment docket signed the criminal on by ruling here. 18 U.S.C. affected our 19th, entry until made when June in this 3568. do not need to decide We § “Judgment 6/16/50, and commitment of ap whether, takes an if defendant Kirkland, We think that this filed. J.” immediately peal sentenced “entry judgment” of entry judgment before speaks. Rule Decisions 37(a) (2) effectively appeal taken. We think prior promulgation to the however, proper note, is au that there sup Rules, though controlling, lend thority appeal proposition an Hark, v. port to view. United States this fully nullity, taken is not a but becomes ’ 290; 531, 359, 64 U.S. S.Ct. 88 L.Ed. 320 subsequent entry judg effective Foote, 290, 295, How. Silsby 20 61 U.S. v. United ment. Luckenbach S. Co. v. See S. Seymour 822; 290, Freer, 186, 5 15 L.Ed. States, 533, 535, S.Ct. 71 272 U.S. 47 564; 822, Cir., 18 L.Ed. 394; Nicholas, 72 U.S. Rub- Wall. 10 163 L.Ed. Woods v. ; in civil actions problem contrast, States, Cir., In 5 Milton v. United .S.C.A. 120 specifically by presented Hawes, covered here Hill 320 U. F.2d 794. Cf. 79(a) Rules the Federal Rules L.Ed. 283. 58 64 S.Ct. 88 Procedure, U/S.C., 28 of Civil recognize, course, 2. We thе time provisions § U.S.C. 2107. Rule jurisdictional appeal perfecting an judg provides notation of that “The matter, to extend lack provided docket as the civil ment Swihart v. the Rules. fixed the time entry 79(a) constitutes Rule judgment; 808; Cir., States, 169 F.2d United judgment not ef Cir., Froehlich, 2 States v. United entry.” many sit before fective Bloom, Cir., 84; F.2d uations, the clerk makes under Rule 556, 557; T. Jensen v. Howard F.2d awaiting judgment entry “without Cir., 160 F.2d 104. approved judgment filing of a formal principle, on is relied Advisory *4 prior met appellant respect in of a ceived only permits prosecu- criticism. It not Appellant contends that conviction. tor to throw doubt defendant’s tes- allow view of the it was error timony regarding the facts of the case be- prosecutor him con- to cross-examine ing tried, may but also casting result in an effort cerning the earlier atmosphere an aspersion disrepute impeach credibility. his jury about defendant to convince the Appellant the stand in own be- took his that he an habitual lawbreaker who questioned him prosecutor half. The then punished should be and confined for the concerning in a court a conviction Federal general good community. Efforts to on on unauthor- January based limit that consequences rule and its ac- are Appellant ized use of a vehicle. ob- motor cordingly appeal. not without considerable jected questioning, line of on this It has strongly urged in ground this he that had received a full that we have before us judicial a situation in notice of Presi- The took application the usual permitting dential No. Proclamation 60 Stat. rule impeachment should be “Granting Pardon to Certain entitled defendant abrogated. Since statutory the rule Persons Who Have Served in the Armed 3 the District Columbia, proc- Forces of there the United States.” That' real doubt as to our lamation, to create appended to such an the text of which is exception. Certainly, opinion, issued cannot evolve was on December an exception harmony not in general with the promulgated 1945. In basic effect, it a purpose amnesty reasoning persons of the legislation. for convicted violations That reasoning is no of Federal doubt statutes who had honor- this —that when served jury ably comes to the ‍‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​​​​​​​‌​‌​​​​‍armed forces World assess truth of during testimony man’s year. War II than one should be allowed to less Coun- previous consider activity his appellant placed sel criminal in evidence an impact on his discharge granted appel- honorable trustworthiness. Shall a to the pardon be deemed to lant, and fact change the trial court found as a fact person was convicted honorably activity that he had served criminal more than past year occasion? “If the ap- in the armed was services. granted pellant’s prisoner political because the were, however, objections over- influence, prisoner, was a ruled. model or.be- bravely prison fire, haved Judge prepared, prior Kirkland later credibility his affect at all. Thе sentence judgment, opin- an extensive ** * damage credibility to his is not ion supporting ruling. his consequence conviction; Richards, D.C., F.Supp. 323, noted merely evidence un- dupli- Tulane L.Rev. 281. We need not trustworthy, wiped fact not out cate here material contained in that pardon.” Weihofen, opinion history concerning The Effect of a Par- of Executive 15,409. S.App.D.C. Fed.Reg. F.2d 166 A.L.R. 209; U.S.App. Hall v. United ed.) 14-305; 4. D.C.Code Goode § 347; Campbell F.2d D.C. U.S.App.D.C. 67, United States. U.S.App.D.C. 133, United Boyer, States v. 80 U. F.2d 45. expressed long ago British was thus rule 177, 183. A differ- don, 88 Pa.L.Rev. U. of ** king pardon “If the Lord Hale: might be taken where the perhaps view ent they thereby com offenders, rendered are Executive on granted by the petent witnesses, their tho credit man’s express convicted ground that the king’s established, for the jury, still left and that innocence had been poenam culpam 1m- away takes & awas previous conviction therefore foro * * * not the yet mano it makes miscarriage justice. Ibid. That was always man man.”5 an honest hardly the situation here. adoption of our Con law to the appellant relies Constitution re Nothing stitution. in the individually, but was granted to him quires result, court has different and no amnesty to a class of a the nature does. held or suggested ever even regard guilt or in persons, without decision, The current of American follow Nation to gratitude nocence. The cases,6 ing the of British unbroken: honorably served those who had fender, pardoned, if must still face fact primary armed forces was doubtless conviction is in evidenсe admissible in extend motivating factor the Executive *5 credibility.7* bearing perceive on as his We grace. clemency ing measure reason, no of the derived from text proclamation Nothing the face of the proclamation elsewhere, would or which any part of specific desire on the indicates departure justify au a from that line of recipients accord Executive to thority. Certainly the executive branch (freedom particular measure of benefit suggested the Government has not a sought cross-examination) from in departure.8 President, using the this case. The in lan pardon,” United States has guage doubtless desired to “full not, true, square- pass it grant than —the usual and had occasion to all—but more no ly question presented. on the deriving benefits from the is here In established cases pardon involving the effect a suance of individual instruments in certain contexts, benefits do not generous Those usual and established has taken a questioning held, include the view. immunity example, has for a that pardon ancient which is here Presidential demanded. will relieve the defend- (1678). 1843, Clause, Hill, Rook- 5. 2 Hale P.C. Accord: Baum 278 See also v. 5 N. Eng. ; Case, 683, 196; 1870, Cochran, Holt 90 wood’s 685 v. 50 Curtis N. Y. H. (1696), early Repr. 242, citing court said where the 1278 numerous authori ties; Oregon con a offender that “The R. T. v. Wallamet Co. might objected Co., 1876, Fed.Cas.No.17,106; N. viction indeed re against urged Spenser, 1878, Fed.Cas.No.13,234; credit, could not be con good a witness.” viction considered on citizenship case, moral character Wilsоn, 150, v. 7 Pet. 6. See United States spite pardon; McConnell, Vedin v. 9 150, 640, 160, L.Ed. where U.S. 8 32 Cir., 1927, Consult 22 753. Willis Marshall stresses Justice Chief weight ton, Guilt?, a Does Pardon Blot Out 28 “prin- given to should be 654; 647, Wigmore, III Evi Harv.L.Rev. operation respecting ciples and effect dence, (e). § 980 prevailing pardon” in Great Britain. aof Department fact, 8. In if the of the attitude Green, 1822, 7. Mass. v. 17 Commonwealth any taken as of Justice is evidence 515; Jones, 1824, Fed. United States v. position the executive Crim.Cas., Cas.No.15498, 2 Wheeler N.Y. prob- of the Government on branch State, 1884, 122; 451; 44 v. Ark. Werner us, or of the in- lem before President’s Tex.App. State, 1887, 73, 24 v. Bennett proclama- issuing instant tention in 527; Territory Chavez, 1896, 5 S.W. Depart- tion, be noted that 1107; 528, Com Martin v. 45 P. N.M. 8 monwealth, completely long ment has taken stand Ky. 1104, 1904, 78 S.W. 25 authorities cited above. accоrd 1928; Bryant States, Rep. v. United Law Op.Atty.Gen. (opinion 36 22 of At- See 378, 383; Cir., 1919, F. State v. 257 5 Grant, 1898); torney Griggs, 5 General Bull. W.W.Harr., 195, 1926, Del. 133 3 No. (1946). Dept. Justice, Crim.Div., Hardwick, 1928, 790; People A. 427, A.L.R. P. Cal. par that a Presidential to the property. Unit- effect ant from the forfeiture prevent don a Federal crime does not for Klein, U.S. ed 13 Wall. punishing state from offender 519; Carlisle v. by imposing offense (similar) second L.Ed. Wall. 83 U.S. repe heavier fact 474, 23 sentence Osborn v. United U.S. ba.sed holding tition. That demonstrates Sweeping L.Ed. statements —unneces- lit guilt” sary does not “blot out rulings actual be found to the —can sense; eral dicta in opinions cases; example, uncritical in those to realit older cannot blind the courts contem- cases that a “obliterates in opinion Court, ies.10 The delivered plation v. Unit- itself”, offense Carlisle say White, States; offender Chief concluded ed releases the Justice “ * * * offence”, ing : not be under consequences we must “from of his intimating stood States; slightest degree it “blots Osborn United operate that a offence”, out v. Klein. would limit United States punishing parte Garland, In Ex 4 Wall. provide authority crimes Field went L.Ed. Mr. Justice taking say: past so far both into as to “A reaches consideration offenses com mitted punishment accused as a circumstance of prescribed for the offence aggravation although past for such and the even guilt offender; and when offenses there full, granted. punish- it releases the ment and blots out of guilt, existence the “Indeed, must not be understood eye law the offender is intimating beyond leg it would be as innocent as if he has never committed provide islative competency to that the fact *6 the quoted offence.” The statement oc- of the commission of an offense after a curred in a case in which it was held that pardon prior offense, of a should be con petitioner the was entitled to be readmit- sidered adding an of increased element ted to practice the law, possession of of aggravation to that which would otherwise pardon a Presidential of the fac- result alone from the commission of the tors considered by the Court. That state- prior offense.” page 59, 233 U.S. at 34 S. ment, course, of hardly controlling on . Ct. at 578 the presented.9 issue now whole, the we On consider that the hand, Pertinent here, on thе ends of justice per will better served is the holding prosecutor unanimous of mitting the bring the out the facts People Court in Carlesi v. of concerning previous State of New the defendant’s con York, viction in a case of this than en- L.Ed. sort Commenting prospective Field’s fect of and Mr. Justice retrospective. “eye guilt law” not statement in the of the removes party innocent, and restores Pro- to a state of in- offender chango rejoins eye- does fessor “then the nocence. But not Williston sight very Williston, past bad.” and cannot annihilate the establish- of the law is supra guilty of note 28 Harv.L.Rev. at 648. ed fact he the of- ** purged The offender An comment Federal trial fense. earlier guilt, judge Mr. of and thenceforth he is an the effect of Justicе Field’s in- past repeating man; dictum is also worth here: nocent oblit- unqual- probably strong nor erated and the fact commit- “This is wiped scope efficacy Spens- crime out.” In re ified of and ted the a statement Fed.Oas.No.13,234 pages er, found in of a as can be the books. 922-923. suppose opinion yet I do not And Weihofen, supra, 88 U. of See Pa.L. length going of understood as to be citation Rev. at for to the line of party holding is to be that while in certain states where decisions “sec- rea- innocent of crime deemed force, offender” laws are ond pardon from and after son for first effect offense thereof, taking also to effect relieve offender does of a second of- statutory consequences he never did commit deemed that or was convicted it. ef- crime fense. hereby grant persons keep the fact of such convic- do to all full

deavoring to will, after convicted law of jury. any latter of violation of tion from the Territory only that fact but United or of of Alas- States all, have before it ka, except government the laws for the record of honorable also defendant’s Army Navy, after him the and the who on or consequent extension to service and the twenty-ninth day July, 1941, and pardoning power. If President’s hereof, entered, enrolled impeachment date permitting rule in, or were the armed forces into inducted valid, we are bound defendant is and serving the United States who and it, think it follows that consider then we year in activе than one not less status exception in cases not create an honorably have been or shall hereafter be present sort. sep- therefrom, separated discharged or reversal grounds we find no As under conditions from arated honorable error asserted assignments the other however, Provided, active service therein: appellant, District judgment of the that such not be construed to shall Court will be persons include the Affirmed. ob- offenses for conviction 'has been entry, tained after enroll- the date of such Appendix ment, or induction into service. “Proclamation I have hereunto Whereof, “In Witness “Granting Persons Certain Pardon to my set hand caused seal Unit- Armed Who Have Served ed States of America to be аffixed. the United States Forces of City Washington at the “Done States day the United “By December, the President 24th year of our America Lord forty-five, nineteen hundred Independence of the United States “A Proclamation of America the one hundred seven- the United Constitution of “Whereas tieth. ‘shall provides that President Harry “[Seal] Truman reprieves pardons grant have *7 “By the President: ex- States, United against the for offenses “Dean Acheson impeachment’; and cept in cases of “Acting Secretary State.” subsequent July to “Whereas FAHY, part Judge, concurring in Circuit enrolled in and inducted were there part.' dissenting and persons States of the United armed forces appeal I entry, timely or concur and induction their had who jurisdiction. offenses this court has I convicted dissent enrollment been approval or from the court’s of the use United against the laws Alaska, other than the Territory Government of defendant’s former convic- and Army of the government tion of an offense for which for the he been laws had Navy; granted pardon by and a full the President. purpose The conviction was used for the convict- appears such “Whereas impeaching credibility defendant’s aas wit- 'hereafter be or persons who have shall ed permit in his ness own behalf. To separated from the honorably discharged or pardoned crime thus to be used on a trial separated forces, honor from armed entirely different seems to for an offense me therein, ac- serving after service active with the nature to be inconsistent and effect year ought less than one for not tive status Presidential as described a full civil, political, them have restored cases, precise though they Court de- rights were other and and before us has not been decided conviction reason prived that Court. may not to them unless be restored they pardoned: There are exercise of one involved Harry powers specifically few of the “Now, I, President Truman, Therefore, America, Constitution, set forth United follows: President States of “ ** gjxaii attorney as an to the bar the courts of grant he have Power States unless he should swear Reprieves against United Pardons for Offenses and voluntarily he never Im- had borne arms except in Cases оr, alia, supported the United II, inter peachment.” (U.S.Const. 2.) Art. § authority any within the United States hos- upon provision commenting tile thereto. Presidential A Wilson, 1833, 7 Pet. granted such activities to Mr. had Gar- Mar U.S. Chief Justice land. The Congress held the act of shall said: to be unconstitutional and said this view “ * * * power As this ex- had been strengthened by a consideration “of the ercised, immemorial, by from time the ex- pardon” effect of the and “the of the nature ecutive of that nation language whose power President,” pardoning of the which it language, judicial our and to whose in- part described in as follows: resemblance; stitutions ours bear close “* * * of the President adopt principles op- respecting their subject legislative control. Con- pardon, eration effect of a look into gress can limit par- neither effect of his their books for rules prescribing don, nor from exclude its exercise class per- manner in which it is used of offenders. The benign prerogative of son who would avail himself of it.” (7 Pet. mercy reposed him cannot be fettered page 160, at 160.) any legislative restrictions. [2] Only procedural question de- was there cided, case, having “Such inquiry to do with the method of arises bringing operation as to pardon, the effect before the of a Court. The opinion points out, however, point on this pardon and all the that a authorities concur. “may punishment A both pre- absolute or conditional.” reaches scribed for the guilt offence and the The one now before оpera- us states in its offender; full, when part pardon.” tive that it is “a full There punishment releases the and blots out of persons is a recital clause that the referred guilt, existence the eye ought to have “po- restored them the law the is as innocent offender as if litical, civil, and rights they of which never granted the offence. If committed deprived by were reason of such conviction conviction, prevents before any of the and which not be restored to them un- penalties consequent upon disabilities they pardoned”; less are but this motiva- attaching; granted if tion is not a limitation effect penalties it removes the and dis- pardon” granted. “full Accordingly, abilities, and restores him to all his civil *8 any limitations we apply now attaсh to rights; him, were, man, makes as it a new exercise to its fullest extent of the constitu- gives him new capacity.” credit and power tional itself. The sweeping conse- Wall, pages 380-381, at pages 71 U.S. at quences exercise are described 380-381, 366.) 18 L.Ed. Supreme parte Garland, Court in Ex 1866, 333, approach 4 This broad 333, 366, 71 U.S. has several Wall. 18 times L.Ed. emphasized by Supreme cases, Court, and other benign to accord with the in Klein, 1871, United States v. prerogative 128, nature 13 Wall. of this President. 128, 519; parte In Ex 80 U.S. 20 L.Ed. Congress by Garland1 Osborn v. ‍‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​​​​​​​‌​‌​​​​‍statute United States, prohibited 1875, 474, anyone U.S. had 91 23 from admitted L.Ed. ample dispose any analytical argu 2. This is 1. conten- historical and Elaborate upon including 14-305, appear Report, ments in based § tion D.C.Code (1940). any Reverdy provision pe That should in those Mr. Johnson for Stanbery, special titioner as and of event be construed to limit Mr. intended par pardon. See, counsel United States. effect of Presidential Rath- ticularly, 342, 349-350, er, evidentiary 4 Wall. 71 it deals with the U.S. 342, 349-350, See, also, 18 L.Ed. rule alone. United States v. 306. Wall, infra, pages Klein, 147-148, 13 at 21 L.Ed. 426. 610 requiring constitu- 450, common law rule 1892, States, 142 U.S. Boyd United v. provision be construed to limit tional 1077; Young v. Unit- 292, 12 35 L.Ed. S.Ct. now pardon as the 992; effect of a full 39, 24 L.Ed. States, 1877, 97 U.S. ed 307, does. Wells, 1855, 18 How. parte and see Ex If 315, 307, 15 L.Ed. 315, any given 59 in The President and other parte thought in Garland Ex conditional grant the in limited or background against supra; parte Wells, cases decided United (Ex terms Court supra; between the Sections3 Wilson, War v. v. States Wall, conse- stresses 147, to ameliorate the sought Klein, page L.Ed. supra, 13 at conflict, is the the truth quent upon the 519; see, also, may be 3570). It U.S.C. § power in pardoning both scope effect; example, accorded the specific as made the Court language of the decisions and rights, or to remit fines civil restore required the nature deemed penalties. not of that before us is occasion apart the immediate power from circum- “full.” In these character. found That nature speculate for its exercise. the President stances we cannot way detracts application no congenial full attaches to law intended less than the quality benign permeating Further, from its pardon. were we Presidential not de- now, which we should specific then or speculate intent amnesty. It blots tract. “Pardon includes prefer to think the President intended removes all offence out the broad effect described consequences.” United penal giv- content rather narrower cases than Wall, 147, page at Klein, page 80 U.S. Ops.Att’y at en, example, Gen. v. United In Carlisle event, 20 L.Ed. (1898). action taken 147, 153, U.S. States, 1872, express pursuant Wall. constitu- President power again de- 21 L.Ed. provision limited tional benign prerogative as “that scribed exercise of construction it, “in made to

mercy.” also Reference found to be errone- might be “effacing cases,” language ous.( out,” though it had offence, blotting “as opinions ably set forth The views (Carlisle existed.” never Richards, D.C., Kirkland, U. Judge Wall, 426.) 153, 21 L.Ed. page supra, 16 at below, F.Supp. 323, in the court 91 U.S. In Osborn United court, Judge Washington for this rest said the it is circumstance primarily contempla- offense obliterates the the fact that for- does erase tion. mer crime was committed. adoption century before than More said, being evidence of it is untrustworthi- Chief Lord Constitution of Justice inherent the commission of ness Trial, 1679, Reading’s England, in crime, of such remains evidence untrust- said: Trials Howell’s State notwithstanding the worthiness “ Williston, A Pardon pardon, it Does Out doth Blot if hath See Guilt?, calumny (1915). Harv.L.Rev. as liableness away all as well take teacher *9 distinguished'author and right him denies sets punishment, to guilt or “im- blot out know, pardon to the serves So, you after an act objection. all Therefore, it is a man’s proves character.” it scandal to pardon, is a re- general remains said, evidence the thereby which he is that man for proach a *” credibility. question is against the for. pardoned literally fact pardon erases the the whether 402) stated that (4 Comm. Blackstone it committed or whether crime was give to a that the pardon is the new effect of the improves necessarily character capacity, language which the Su- credit and might though do the latter. recipient, it well parte repeated in Ex Garland. preme Court concerns the use question The rather a be said there was Accordingly it cannot noted, Wells, supra, the War. to parte it be was decided Ex will

olí can be made of after the conviction citing would be dangerous,” useless or pardoned President has There pages the crime. Greenleaf and Starkie. N.H. at dispute longer is it no 244-245.) proceeded no can be used The court to hold person’s competency a to be wit- disability, though pardon removes this Boyd States, 1892, ness. v. United long- presumably dishonesty because no can 35 L.Ed. 1077. This assumed, er be the conviction nevertheless though pardoned honesty. sois crime remains a is still available attack Of to question simply longer fact. That fact course the is no avail- credit remains for competency. policy jury; able a bar to does not follow pardon pardon. attaches the former law this effect to the re- conviction should main one respect related to credibil- factors which otherwise effect ity is, might be paradoxically, by jury retained. The reason considered on that question. dishonesty must is to while assumed pardon be erased sufficiently to re- Spenser, The statement In re C.C.D. competency witness, yet store as a it is Or., 1878, 22 pages 921, Fed.Cas. No. sufficiently dishonesty erased as evidence of 13,234, that “The effect is testifying. This draws too fine a line to prospective retrospective” and not does not support accept I a distinction which can majority. aid The trial under review light generous lines drawn subsequent pardon. Only delineating nature prospective effect is for the claimed ac- quality of a full Presidential President, namely, tion of the denial of use eyes Garland, (Ex parte

If in the of the law crime subsequent trial supra) serves blot out the Furthermore, if, different crime. crime, and, agree, as all authorities restores majority quotation as the Spen- from re In competency witness, as a the old offense states, ser also “The offender purged is longer should no be available in the admin- guilt, his and thenceforth ishe an innocent impeach istration of the criminal law to man,” it is reasoning hard follow credibility.4 past that because the “is not obliterated” and “the fact that he had committed the cases, There are Baum v. indeed such as wiped crime” out, the guilt which Hill, Clause, 1843, N.Y., others, says yet purged may court be treated upon by majority, relied where it is purged as not resulting innocence said “the still goes crime to the credit of from the may yet be used as though witness.” Yet same case the guilt. were New York refers court view Blackstone that the effect of the Some additional comment upon authori give a “new credit” as well as a new might ties cited the majority be useful. capacity. also, See, Comm. 402. Case, the I read Rookwood’s Holt Bacon, at 5 references Hill 198. Reprint (1696), Eng. actually hold Cochran, Curtis 50 N.H. also ing only that competency was by a restored majority, cited person said “A pardon, only there before the court, convicted an offence known as in- law agree. and as to which all authorities famous, incapacitated witness, me, further, be a seems because, his guilt Jones, when Fed.Cas. established No. Crim.Cas., N.Y., 451, character for truth Wheeler dealt with to be so testimony shown bad what construed to wonders, then, why (The restores 4. Professor Weihofen Effect of A competence juris- (in Pardon, as a witness (1939) ) those U. of Pa.L.Rev. *10 dictions where a conviction quoted majority opinion part constitutes a in the is competence). damage to such barrier The basis as follows: “The to his credi ** disqualification witness, * as a bility legal consequence of which for a is not only evidence, conviction; is said to he a conviction the the mere of conviction is remains, according reasoning, ly to this untrustworthy, nob- that he evidence is a withstanding, by wiped pardon.” the fact not the out One States, Cir., Bryant 1930.) v. United In enabling of an granted only purpose for question only 1919, testify. state 257 F. The important witness to “in pardon admissible credibility the decided a is of was that that the ment of court jury rebuttal the evidence” of a convictiоn for of was nevertheless witness impeach had used to a witness. is been It true read that context. should 1928, 582, People Hardwick, Green, 1822, 204 Cal. 17 In v. also of Commonwealth v. 1480, fol 427, 59 A.L.R. the court P. 515, pardon said the that the court Mass. states, as lows rule set forth “for the the executive granted had been herein, expressed grave competent majority but rendering him a purpose sole of State, 1887, soundness, permitting as doubt Bennett v. witness.” In 73, be con of who had been convicted to 527, cases Curtis one Tex.App. 5 S.W. conviction, Clause, supra, with the record both fronted of Cochran Baum v. although pardoned. (269 at page 432.) P. cases, arrayed in those authorities ap Co., D. upon.5 Wallamet R. T. S. N. Oregon Co. v. are Bennett relied 1876, 90, C.Or., 88, pears pages I think Fed.Cas. No. again distinction 17,106, private credibility is a civil suit between While was not be drawn. It pardon concerns. gen crime holds a jury for the use pardon barred, “A as it on eral does not restore credit: question should be on competency profess to tes does be reversal question a the kindred only acknowledges judgment but relief Texas a tify. The court imposed it,” punishment ab a “that from view general effect a full Garland, consequences quite ‍‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​​​​​​​‌​‌​​​​‍parte all inconsistent Ex party solves disqualification punishment, the offender makes a new where crime. of his erected, imposed offense, was gives sought him be not that It blots out his man. judgment even far capacity; and conviction. new credit and Vedin a that, Cir., 1927, McConnell, 9 eye in the extinguishes guilt law, ejеctment private par innocent as if he an action between the offender plaintiff’s (5 committed offense.” S.W. Evidence of had never ties. conviction holding perjury in Territo page 529.) The actual offered. It should be at noted that a former Chavez, perjury might ry P. N.M. upon place the footing. different only that witness’ matter a restores a Williston, Cochran, supra, p. su competency, although Curtis credibility pra, quoted on the People State New In Carlesi v. Commonwealth, as well. Martin v. York, 1914, 233 U.S. 58 L. quite Ky.Law.Rep.1928, S.W. majority quoted opinion, Ed. question. present ambiguous carefully avoided impinging A for shown. upon nature of its earlier decisions to which I have referred, larceny saying, had been grand mer conviction “ impeach the * the defendant introduced The issue is a narrow one declaration, not the credibility dying not the determination of involves report testimony accused. operation and effect of within merely: “The common states the case grant- sovereignty jurisdiction par introduced and read a requires then it, simply wealth de- ing crime. The pardon granted the deceased as to don to far cided how permitted this pardon have the United should not offense committed an (78 speak extra-territori- operates introduced as evidence.” so to been have States upon the ex- 1105, Ky.Law ally limitation Rep. as a page at S.W. at An(j «* * ground, although upon good quiry, and sufficient cannot of object worthy indulgence, man into an honest a wicked convert heard; worthy credibility hut one, and therefore confer who degree infamy left through is still to be credit of his conduct is not page 529.) yet pre- jury.” credible, must S.W. conferred after in- to have sumed *11 the convic- considering them from eluding v. DORSEY. BYAS pardoned offense tion of No. 10578. for a prosecution States in the United ”* * * subsequent state offense. Appeals 577.) page page at at S.Ct. District of Columbia Circuit. York act- holding of New state Argued 5, 1951. Oct. validly sovereignty, the Court within its

ed 1, 1951. Decided Nov. “Determining said that it was only the case before us.” the author- weight flows from upon by majority I think is

ities relied very by the nature of counterbalanced

full, unconditional unlimited can be said to fact a conviction credibility, question

material on the notv

withstanding pardon, is not decisive. necessarily

Evidence be- admissible material. A client

cause communication of might very

to counsel material rele- policy

vant. But the law forbids might

use. Numerous other illustrations given. policy So the the law should impeachment purposes

bar the use for

fully pardoned Federal offense in subse-

quent trial for a diff- permit

erent offense. To the hand which forgiveness, parte bestowed the has Ex

Wells, supra, to bring forth the offense

forgiven reproach as a forgiven, the one laws, administration of the criminal

is inconsistent act of forgiveness unnecessarily ‍‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​​​​​​​‌​‌​​​​‍detracts from the benign

and merciful nature of Presidential a full

pardon. What party, parte third Ex Gar- Wall, land, supra, 4 366, or other uses conviction former

might be made we need not now decide. herein

The views set forth are met the admission in evidence of the after evidence has been Nelson, Washington, C., Rex K. D. admitted. If is admissible it is appellant. because takes from the Government the Stewart, Jr., Washington, William E. right it otherwise would have to use C.,D. with whom Richard W. Galiher and impeach credibility. conviction to Once Clarke, Washington, C., William H. D. admitted, however, has been brief, appellee. were as in bar, the case at notwithstanding the pardon, efficacy the latter with re- CLARK, Before PROCTOR and BAZE- spect credibility would LON, Judges. Circuit seem to have adversely decided so as render immaterial on that PER CURIAM. question. appeal Byas, Eleanor plaintiff I negligence would remand. unsuccessful in a reverse and suit. Notes See the court.” case, irrelevant ap seems this Rules, Government Amendments Committee pended here. U Rule F.R.Civ.P. Dairy pardons, repeat 615; copious De nor v. Borden’s citation Porter Compare authority. simply livery Co., Cir., 156 F.2d We wish add this: Foote, here Silsby 20 How. fundamental exception engrafted Berman v. United an whether statutory 82 L.Ed. 204. 302 U.S. rule —which jurisdiction4 where a defendant —that II. ques- prosecutor may takes the stand tion concerning convictions, him re- major issue the case second credibility. effort to attack his That rule given re- lates to to be the effect which has with considerable

Case Details

Case Name: Richards v. United States
Court Name: Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit
Date Published: Sep 27, 1951
Citation: 192 F.2d 602
Docket Number: 10700
Court Abbreviation: D.C. Cir.
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