Henry G. Spallone v. United States

Background

The United States and the NAACP sued the city of Yonkers, saying the city intentionally kept housing and schools racially segregated. A federal judge ordered a housing remedy, including constructing public and subsidized housing. After a 1988 consent decree and additional orders, the city council balked. The District Court found the city and four council members in contempt and set escalating daily fines and possible jail for individual council members who voted against implementing the housing legislation.

Reasoning

The Court considered applications to stay the contempt sanctions while appeals and possible Supreme Court review proceed. The Second Circuit had affirmed the contempt findings but modified the fine schedule to a $1 million daily fine after 15 days. The Supreme Court granted stays for the four council members pending the timely filing and disposition of petitions for Supreme Court review, but it denied a stay for the City of Yonkers. The written discussion explains why the constitutional arguments (excessive fines, due process, impossibility, and legislative immunity) do not plainly justify immediate relief and describes reasons those issues may be better resolved on fuller review.

Real world impact

Practically, the four named council members are protected from immediate daily fines and potential incarceration while higher-court review is sought, but the city itself does not get the same pause and remains subject to enforcement. The ruling is not a final decision on the merits; it temporarily changes who faces immediate penalties and leaves open larger questions about courts ordering local lawmakers to implement remedies.

Dissents or concurrances

Justice Marshall, joined by Justice Brennan, agreed the city should not get a stay but dissented from granting stays to the four council members, arguing they too should face immediate enforcement.