United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

Ellis v. United States, 356 U.S. 674 (1958)

Ellis v. United States

No. 293, Misc.

Decided May 26, 1958

356 U.S. 674

ON PETITION FOR WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES

COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIRCUIT

Syllabus

The Court of Appeals denied petitioner leave to appeal in forma pauperis from his conviction for housebreaking and larceny. The Solicitor General concedes, and, after examining the record, this Court agrees, that the issue presented -- probable cause to arrest -- is not one that "can necessarily be characterized as frivolous."

Held: the judgment is vacated, and the cause is remanded for reconsideration in the light: of this opinion. Pp. 356 U. S. 674-675.

101 U.S.App.D.C. 386, 249 F.2d 478, judgment vacated and cause remanded.

PER CURIAM.

The petition for writ of certiorari is granted, as is leave to proceed in forma pauperis.

The Court of Appeals denied petitioner leave to appeal in forma pauperis a conviction for housebreaking and larceny. 101 U.S.App.D.C. 386, 249 F.2d 478. The Solicitor General concedes that leave to appeal should have been allowed unless petitioner's contentions on the merits were frivolous. The only statutory requirement for the allowance of an indigent's appeal is the applicant's "good faith." 28 U.S.C. § 1915. In the absence of some evident improper motive, the applicant's good faith is established by the presentation of any issue that is not plainly frivolous. Farley v. United States, 354 U. S. 521. The good faith test must not be

Page 356 U. S. 675

into a requirement of a preliminary showing of any particular degree of merit. Unless the issues raised are so frivolous that the appeal would be dismissed in the case of a nonindigent litigant, Fed.Rules Crim.Proc. 39(a), the request of an indigent for leave to appeal in forma pauperis must be allowed.

Normally, allowance of an appeal should not be denied until an indigent has had adequate representation by counsel. Johnson v. United States, 352 U. S. 565. In this case, it appears that the two attorneys appointed by the Court of Appeals performed essentially the role of amici curiae. But representation in the role of an advocate is required. If counsel is convinced, after conscientious investigation, that the appeal is frivolous, of course, he may ask to withdraw on that account. If the court is satisfied that counsel has diligently investigated the possible grounds of appeal, and agrees with counsel's evaluation of the case, then leave to withdraw may be allowed and leave to appeal may be denied. In this case, the Solicitor General concedes, and, after examining the record, we agree, that the issue presented -- probable cause to arrest -- is not one that "can necessarily be characterized as frivolous." Accordingly, the judgment of the Court of Appeals is vacated, and the case is remanded for reconsideration in light of this opinion.