United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

United States v. Ash, 413 U.S. 300 (1973)

United States v. Ash

No. 71-1255

Argued January 10, 1973

Decided June 21, 1973

413 U.S. 300

Syllabus

The Sixth Amendment does not grant an accused the right to have counsel present when the Government conducts a post-indictment photographic display, containing a picture of the accused, for the purpose of allowing a witness to attempt an identification of the offender. A pretrial event constitutes a "critical stage" when the accused requires aid in coping with legal problems or help in meeting his adversary. Since the accused is not present at the time of the photographic display, and, as here, asserts no right to be present, there is no possibility that he might be misled by his lack of familiarity with the law or overpowered by his professional adversary. United States v. Wade, 388 U. S. 218, distinguished. Pp. 413 U. S. 306-321.

149 U.S.App.D.C. 1, 461 F.2d 92, reversed and remanded.

BLACKMUN, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which BURGER, C.J., and WHITE, POWELL, and REHNQUIST, JJ., joined. STEWART, J., filed an opinion concurring in the judgment, post, p. 413 U. S. 321. BRENNAN, J., filed a dissenting opinion, in which DOUGLAS and MARSHALL, JJ., joined, post, p. 413 U. S. 326.