preiser rodriguez argued january decided may respondents state prisoners elected participate new york program prisoner serving indeterminate sentence may earn days per month credits toward reduction maximum sentence disciplinary reasons credits canceled respondent brought civil rights action conjunction habeas corpus action claiming credits unconstitutionally canceled seeking restoration district case viewed habeas corpus claim merely adjunct civil rights action thus obviating need exhaustion state remedies merits ruled respondent ruling case entitled immediate release parole appeals consolidated actions affirmed held state prisoner challenges fact duration physical imprisonment way relief seeks determination entitled immediate release speedier release sole federal remedy writ habeas corpus pp although broad language seems literally apply congress enactment specific federal habeas corpus statute requirement state prisoner exhaust state remedies intended provide exclusive means relief type situation pp policy exhaustion federal habeas corpus actions rooted considerations comity much relevance attack actions state prison administration attack actions state policy applies respondents sought damages ruling entitled immediate release speedier release pp recent decisions relied respondents upholding state prisoners civil rights actions inapposite situation prisoners cases challenged conditions confinement fact duration confinement pp stewart delivered opinion burger white blackmun powell rehnquist joined brennan filed dissenting opinion douglas marshall joined post lillian cohen assistant attorney general new york argued cause petitioners brief louis lefkowitz attorney general samuel hirshowitz first assistant attorney general herman schwartz argued cause respondents brief jack greenberg stanley bass melvin wulf evelle younger attorney general edward hinz chief assistant attorney general doris maier arlo smith assistant attorneys general derald granberg deputy attorney general filed brief state california amicus curiae urging reversal robert meserve robert kutak william falsgraf daniel skoler richard singer filed brief american bar assn amicus curiae urging affirmance justice stewart delivered opinion respondents case state prisoners deprived credits new york state department correctional services result disciplinary proceedings brought actions federal district pursuant civil rights act alleging department acted unconstitutionally depriving credits sought injunctive relief compel restoration credits case result immediate release confinement prison question us whether state prisoners seeking redress may obtain equitable relief civil rights act even though federal habeas corpus statute clearly provides specific federal remedy question considerable practical importance remedy civil rights act available plaintiff need first seek redress state forum monroe pape mcneese board education damico california king smith houghton shafer hand habeas corpus exclusive federal remedy circumstances plaintiff seek intervention federal first sought denied relief state courts state remedy available adequate present consolidated case originated three separate actions brought individually three respondents respondent rodriguez convicted new york state perjury attempted larceny sentenced imprisonment indeterminate term one four years new york correction law penal law prisoner serving indeterminate sentence may elect participate program may earn days per month credit toward reduction maximum term sentence rodriguez elected participate program optimally prisoner may released parole served approximately maximum sentence days every accrued credits earned may time withdrawn whole part bad behavior violation institutional rules correction law rodriguez charged two separate disciplinary action reports possession contraband material cell deputy warden determined punishment days rodriguez earned credits canceled rodriguez placed segregation remained days remarks section deputy warden determination statement rodriguez refused disclose managed obtain possession items question rodriguez filed district complaint pursuant combined petition writ habeas corpus asserted really punished possession contraband material refusal disclose obtained received notice hearing charges ostensibly punished thus contended deprived credits without due process law hearing district held rodriguez suit properly brought civil rights act habeas corpus claim merely proper adjunct insure full relief rodriguez prevails dominant civil rights claim supp therefore rodriguez required exhaust state remedies simply filed petition habeas corpus merits district agreed rodriguez questioning prison officials related solely issue obtained contraband materials ostensibly punished something different possession materials notice opportunity answer found denied due process law particularly light fact prison regulations prescribed penalty failure inform district found prison commutation board failed forward commissioner correction written reasons cancellation rodriguez time required former correction law deprived rodriguez due process equal protection laws accordingly declared cancellation days credits unconstitutional directed commissioner correction restore credits rodriguez since time rodriguez date already passed district order entitled immediate release prison parole appeals reversed decision divided vote appellate disagreed district merits also held rodriguez action really petition habeas corpus entertained district rodriguez exhausted state remedies accordance appeals put present application since seeks release custody fact application habeas corpus elease penal custody available remedy civil rights act peinado adult authority dept corrections cir cert denied johnson walker cir said use civil rights statutes secure release persons imprisoned state courts thus effect repealing course intent congress rodriguez mcginnis respondent katzoff serving sentence one three years prison following conviction possession dangerous weapon also elected participate new york program disciplinary charges brought making derogatory comments prison officials diary punishment deputy warden deprived days time diary entries confined segregation days katzoff ultimately lost days credits days directly additional days unable earn time segregation brought civil rights complaint joined petition habeas corpus federal district alleging prison officials acted unconstitutionally district held unreported opinion katzoff failure exhaust state remedies bar suit since civil rights action petition writ habeas corpus incidental adjunct assure enforcement judgment merits district found prison regulation keeping diary punishment entries private diary violated katzoff constitutional rights due process equal protection freedom thought confining katzoff segregation offense constituted cruel unusual punishment therefore ordered days credits restored katzoff since restoration entitled immediate release parole ordered release appeals reversed divided vote without reaching merits katzoff complaint appellate held action essence application habeas corpus since sought obtained immediate release custody therefore complaint dismissed katzoff sought relief whatever state courts made showing adequate state remedy unavailable ex rel katzoff mcginnis judgment appeals subsequently set aside case reheard en banc explained respondent kritsky case similar serving prison sentence years state conviction armed robbery charged prison officials leader protest demonstration advocating insurrection demonstration brought warden asked plead kritsky stated guilty warden immediately summarily imposed punishment deprivation days credits confinement segregation four months lost another days good time kritsky subsequently filed civil rights action combined petition habeas corpus federal district alleging summary punishment deprived credits without due process law district found kritsky complaint proper civil rights action went rule denied due process imposition summary punishment failure prison commutation board file commissioner written reasons cancellation kritsky credits required new york law supp accordingly ordered restoration days credits entitled kritsky immediate release parole appeal argued panel appeals decision ordered case reheard en banc together rodriguez katzoff cases rehearing en banc three cases appeals three dissents affirmed judgments district cases upon consideration merits upon authority wilwording swenson decided december rodriguez mcginnis although eight judges wrote separate opinions clear majority relied primarily opinion wilwording case holding complaints state prisoners relating conditions confinement cognizable either federal habeas corpus civil rights act civil rights actions subject requirement exhaustion state remedies granted certiorari sub nom oswald rodriguez order consider bearing wilwording decision upon situation us state prisoners challenged actual duration confinement ground unconstitutionally deprived credits restoration credits result immediate release prison shortening length confinement context question whether state prisoner may bring action equitable relief pursuant whether limited specific remedy habeas corpus presents unresolved important problem administration federal justice problem involves interrelationship two important federal laws relevant habeas corpus statutes section provides writ habeas corpus shall extend prisoner unless custody violation constitution laws treaties section provides pertinent part justice thereof circuit judge district shall entertain application writ habeas corpus behalf person custody pursuant judgment state ground custody violation constitution laws treaties application writ habeas corpus behalf person custody pursuant judgment state shall granted unless appears applicant exhausted remedies available courts state either absence available state corrective process existence circumstances rendering process ineffective protect rights prisoner applicant shall deemed exhausted remedies available courts state within meaning section right law state raise available procedure question presented every person color statute ordinance regulation custom usage state territory subjects causes subjected citizen person deprivation rights privileges immunities secured constitution laws shall liable party injured action law suit equity proper proceeding redress time american colonies achieved independence use habeas corpus secure release unlawful physical confinement whether judicially imposed thus integral part commonlaw heritage writ given explicit recognition suspension clause constitution art cl incorporated first congressional grant jurisdiction federal courts act stat early recognized great constitutional privilege ex parte bollman cranch see fay noia supra original view habeas corpus attack upon detention judicial order limited one relevant inquiry confined determining simply whether committing possessed jurisdiction ex parte kearney wheat ex parte watkins pet years writ habeas corpus evolved remedy available effect discharge confinement contrary constitution fundamental law even though imposed pursuant conviction competent jurisdiction see ex parte lange wall ex parte siebold ex parte wilson moore dempsey johnson zerbst waley johnston see also fay noia supra cases cited thus whether petitioner challenge custody statute stands convicted unconstitutional ex parte siebold supra imprisoned prior trial account defective indictment ex parte royall unlawfully confined wrong institution bonner humphrey cady denied constitutional rights trial johnson zerbst supra guilty plea invalid von moltke gillies unlawfully detained executive military parisi davidson parole unlawfully revoked causing reincarcerated prison morrissey brewer case grievance unlawfully subjected physical restraint case habeas corpus accepted specific instrument obtain release confinement case us respondents suits district fell squarely within traditional scope habeas corpus alleged deprivation credits causing cause illegal physical confinement date passed detention prison unlawful sought restoration credits time district ruled petitions meant immediate release physical custody even restoration respondents credits resulted immediate release shortening length actual confinement prison habeas corpus appropriate remedy recent cases established habeas corpus relief limited immediate release illegal custody writ available well attack future confinement obtain future releases peyton rowe held prisoner may attack habeas second two consecutive sentences still serving first pointed federal habeas corpus statute deny federal courts power fashion appropriate relief immediate release since habeas corpus statute directed courts determine facts dispose case summarily law justice require rev stat superseded see also walker wainwright carafas lavallee braden judicial circuit kentucky even restoration respondents credits merely shortened length confinement rather required immediate discharge confinement suits still within core habeas corpus attacking duration physical confinement beyond doubt respondents sought obtained fully effective relief federal habeas corpus proceedings although conceding proceeded way habeas corpus respondents argue appeals correct holding nonetheless entitled bring suits avoid necessity first seeking relief state forum pointing broad language argue since complaints plainly came within literal terms statute justifiable reason exclude broad remedial protection provided law according respondents state prisoners seeking relief civil rights act treated differently civil rights plaintiffs language act clearly covers causes action broad language however conclusive issue us statute general one despite literal applicability terms question remains whether specific federal habeas corpus statute explicitly historically designed provide means state prisoner attack validity confinement must understood exclusive remedy available situation like clearly applies respondents counsel acknowledged oral argument state prisoner challenging underlying conviction sentence federal constitutional grounds federal limited habeas corpus conceded bring action even though literal terms might seem cover challenge congress passed specific act cover situation provided state prisoner challenging conviction must first seek relief state forum state remedy available clear us result must case state prisoner challenge fact duration confinement based upon alleged unconstitutionality state administrative action challenge close core habeas corpus attack prisoner conviction goes directly constitutionality physical confinement seeks either immediate release confinement shortening duration amending habeas corpus laws congress clearly required exhaustion adequate state remedies condition precedent invocation federal judicial relief laws wholly frustrate explicit congressional intent hold respondents present case evade requirement simple expedient putting different label pleadings short congress determined habeas corpus appropriate remedy state prisoners attacking validity fact length confinement specific determination must override general terms policy reasons underlying habeas corpus statute support conclusion respondents concede reason habeas corpus used challenge state prisoner underlying conviction strong policy requiring exhaustion state remedies situation avoid unnecessary friction federal state systems result lower federal upset state conviction without first giving state system opportunity correct constitutional errors fay noia supra argue concern applies federal interference state convictions support argument quote ex parte royall supra case first mandated exhaustion state remedies precondition federal habeas corpus injunction hear case summarily thereupon dispose party law justice require deprive discretion time mode exert powers conferred upon discretion exercised light relations existing system government judicial tribunals union recognition fact public good requires relations disturbed unnecessary conflict courts equally bound guard protect rights secured constitution emphasis added agree respondents think view reasons exhaustion requirement far narrowly rule exhaustion federal habeas corpus actions rooted considerations comity principle defined younger harris proper respect state functions much relevance areas particular state administrative concern state judicial action attacked comity considerations limited challenges validity state convictions evidenced cases morrissey brewer supra petitioners habeas challenge state administrative decision revoke parole braden judicial circuit kentucky supra petitioner habeas attack failure state prosecutorial authorities afford speedy trial difficult imagine activity state stronger interest one intricately bound state laws regulations procedures administration prisons relationship state prisoners state officers supervise confinement far intimate state private citizen state prisoners eating sleeping dressing washing working playing done watchful eye state possibilities litigation fourteenth amendment boundless private citizen dispute landlord employer tailor neighbor banker becomes prisoner dispute state since internal problems state prisons involve issues peculiarly within state authority expertise important interest bypassed correction problems moreover potential litigation involving state prisoners arises basis efficiently properly handled state administrative bodies state courts part familiar grievances state prisoners better physical practical position deal grievances new york example state judges sit regular basis one state correctional facilities thus inmates may present grievances place confinement relevant records available potential witnesses located strong considerations comity require giving state system convicted defendant first opportunity correct errors thus also require giving first opportunity correct errors made internal administration prisons requiring exhaustion situations like us means course prisoner state remedy must adequate available indeed provides respondents case concede new york provided adequate remedy restoration credits new york civil rights law explicitly provides injunctive relief state prisoner improper treatment treatment constitutes violation constitutional rights supp conceding availability new york courts opportunity equitable relief respondents contend confining state prisoners federal habeas corpus first exhausting state remedies deprive prisoners damages remedy might entitled mistreatment since damages available federal habeas corpus proceedings new york provides damages remedy state prisoners respondents view habeas corpus exclusive federal remedy state prisoner attacking confinement damages might never obtained least state makes provision argue even prisoner bring subsequent federal civil rights action damages action barred principles res judicata state courts previously made adverse determination underlying claim even though federal habeas later granted relief habeas corpus answer contention respondents sought damages equitable relief restoration credits holding today limited situation state prisoner seeking damages attacking something fact length confinement seeking something immediate speedy release traditional purpose habeas corpus case damages claim habeas corpus appropriate available federal remedy accordingly petitioners concede damages action state prisoner brought civil rights act federal without requirement prior exhaustion state remedies cf ray fritz respondents next argue require exhaustion state remedies case one bar deprive state prisoner speedy review grievance often essential effective redress contend prior bringing application federal habeas corpus prisoner must exhaust state administrative remedies state judicial remedies available appeals significant period time might elapse prisoner ever get federal time matter swift efficient federal habeas corpus relief might prisoner might well suffered irreparable injury grievances might longer remediable true exhaustion state remedies takes time reason assume state prison administrators state courts act expeditiously indeed new regulations established new york department correctional services provide administrative review prisoner record institution shortly earliest possible release date codes rules regulations previously noted state judges new york actually sit institutions hear prisoner complaints moreover state prisoner arrives federal petition habeas corpus federal habeas statute provides swift flexible summary determination claim see also harris nelson hensley municipal ante contrast filing complaint pursuant federal initiates original plenary civil action governed full panoply federal rules civil procedure proceeding discovery rules procedural formalities take significant amount time frequently longer federal habeas corpus proceeding demonstrated respondents actions present case although rodriguez kritsky initiated actions dates district reach decisions three months later respectively cases well dates passed katzoff case speedy determination action initiated alleged release date event respondents time argument logically extend state prisoner challenges constitutionality conviction carried relatively short sentence yet prisoner clearly covered arguably either case prisoner make showing time factor otherwise adequate state remedy inadequate federal might entertain habeas corpus application immediately language relating existence circumstances rendering state process ineffective protect rights prisoner need reach issue principles res judicata course wholly applicable habeas corpus proceedings see salinger loisel hence state prisoner respondents situation denied relief state courts precluded seeking habeas relief claims federal hand res judicata held fully applicable civil rights action brought coogan cincinnati bar jenson olson rhodes meyer goss illinois accordingly inevitable incentive state prisoner proceed federal way civil rights action lest lose right unfortunate dual effect denying state prison administration state courts opportunity correct errors committed state prisons isolating bodies understanding hospitality federal claims state prisoners situations us federal habeas corpus hand serves important function allowing state deal peculiarly local problems preserving state prisoner expeditious federal forum vindication federally protected rights state denied redress respondents place great deal reliance recent decisions upholding right state prisoners bring federal civil rights actions challenge conditions confinement cooper pate houghton shafer wilwording swenson haines kerner none state prisoners cases challenging fact duration physical confinement none seeking immediate release speedier release confinement heart habeas corpus cooper prisoner alleged solely religious beliefs denied permission purchase certain religious publications denied privileges enjoyed fellow prisoners houghton prisoner contention prison authorities violated constitution confiscating legal materials acquired pursuing appeal violation prison rules found possession another prisoner wilwording prisoners complaints related solely living conditions disciplinary measures confined maximum security haines prisoner claimed prison officials acted unconstitutionally placing solitary confinement disciplinary measure sought damages claimed physical injuries sustained segregated clear cases prisoners claims related solely alleged unconstitutional treatment confinement none sought respondents challenge fact duration confinement cases therefore merely establish action proper remedy state prisoner making constitutional challenge conditions prison life fact length custody upon understanding reaffirm holdings cf humphrey cady say habeas corpus may also available challenge prison conditions see johnson avery wilwording swenson supra prisoner put additional unconstitutional restraints lawful custody arguable habeas corpus lie remove restraints making custody illegal see note developments law habeas corpus harv rev need case explore appropriate limits habeas corpus alternative remedy proper action question us involved extent permissible alternative traditional remedy habeas corpus upon question hold today state prisoner challenging fact duration physical imprisonment relief seeks determination entitled immediate release speedier release imprisonment sole federal remedy writ habeas corpus accordingly reverse judgment us ordered footnotes forms habeas corpus include habeas corpus ad respondendum ad satisfaciendum ad prosequendum testificandum deliberandum ad faciendum et recipiendum see fay noia words habeas corpus used alone considered generic term understood refer writ habeas corpus ad subjiciendum form termed great writ ex parte bollman cranch see darnel case tr petition right car habeas corpus act car see also ex parte wells ex parte milligan wall parisi davidson see bushell case vaughan eng fay noia supra see rex clarkson strange eng ford ford privilege writ habeas corpus shall suspended unless cases rebellion invasion public safety may require quite recently habeas corpus made available challenge less obvious restraints held prisoner released parole immediate physical confinement nonetheless sufficiently restrained freedom custody purposes federal habeas corpus jones cunningham carafas lavallee first time decided habeas corpus jurisdiction attached defeated subsequent release prisoner term hensley municipal ante held person conviction released bail recognizance custody within meaning federal habeas corpus statute cases marked logical extension traditional meaning purpose habeas corpus effect release illegal custody brothers dissent state respondents claims likelihood heard habeas corpus time present habeas corpus statute enacted time exhaustion doctrine first announced ex parte royall time requirement codified post footnotes omitted statement apparently based assumption years respondents habeas actions barred prematurity doctrine precluded habeas relief merely reduced length prisoner confinement rather resulting immediate release rejected peyton rowe note however respondent katzoff initiated action month alleged release date thus claim accepted entitled immediate release even date brought suit although rodriguez initiated action days alleged release date kritsky six months date cases dates long passed time district decisions respondents thus entitled immediate release time event nature respondents suits attack legality physical confinement deal attacks physical custody however imposed whether related conviction function habeas corpus see supra see supra dissent argues respondents attacks actions prison administration different terms potential exacerbating relations attacks made petitioners mcneese board education damico california monroe pape various state administrative actions thus said since exhaustion state remedies required cases anomalous require post answer course cases brought pursuant specific federal statute involved might reflected different congressional intent present case however respondents actions fell squarely within traditional purpose federal habeas corpus congress made specific determination requiring exhaustion adequate state remedies cases best serve policies federalism section provides inmate file shall considered three less two months earliest possible date entitled consideration parole conditional release date depends upon amount good behavior allowance granted based upon assumption earned good behavior allowances granted section provides justice judge entertaining application writ habeas corpus shall forthwith award writ issue order directing respondent show cause writ granted unless appears application applicant person detained entitled thereto writ order show cause shall directed person custody person detained shall returned within three days unless good cause additional time exceeding twenty days allowed person writ order directed shall make return certifying true cause detention writ order returned day shall set hearing five days return unless good cause additional time allowed unless application writ return present issues law person writ directed shall required produce hearing body person detained applicant person detained may oath deny facts set forth return allege material facts return suggestions made may amended leave filed shall summarily hear determine facts dispose matter law justice require applicant challenges sufficiency evidence adduced state proceeding support state determination factual issue made therein applicant able shall produce part record pertinent determination sufficiency evidence support determination applicant indigency reason unable produce part record state shall produce part record federal shall direct state order directed appropriate state official state provide pertinent part record shall determine existing facts circumstances weight shall given state factual determination isolation course occur prisoner required proceed way federal habeas corpus exhaustion requirement exhaustion preserves role state courts application enforcement federal law early federal intervention state proceedings tend remove federal questions state courts isolate courts constitutional issues thereby remove understanding hospitality federally protected interests note developments law habeas corpus harv rev prisoner seeks attack conditions confinement fact length confinement latter claim decision today cognizable federal habeas corpus attendant requirement exhaustion state remedies consistent prior decisions holding way precludes simultaneously litigating federal claim relating conditions confinement parties disagree original reason emergence concurrent federal remedies prison condition cases according petitioners parallel development reflects fact prior decisions jones cunningham carafas lavallee johnson avery limits concept custody purposes habeas corpus uncertain clearest remedy prisoners challenging conditions civil rights action respondents take converse position habeas corpus may originally made available challenges remedy abuses resurrection monroe pape supra affirmation availability prisoners cooper pate houghton shafer justice brennan justice douglas justice marshall join dissenting question presented case one like appeals thought already resolved decision last term wilwording swenson held ku klux klan act confers jurisdiction district courts entertain state prisoner application injunctive relief allegedly unconstitutional conditions confinement see also humphrey cady houghton shafer time held remedy provided acts supplementary state remedy latter need first sought refused federal one invoked monroe pape mcneese board education damico california state prisoners held stricter standard exhaustion civil rights plaintiffs wilwording swenson supra regrettably today eviscerates proposition drawing distinction analytically unsound fear unworkable practice net effect distinction preclude respondents maintaining actions leaving petition writ habeas corpus available federal remedy result respondents must exhaust state remedies claims heard federal district remain committed principles set forth wilwording swenson therefore respectfully dissent respondents three new york state prisoners placed segregation deprived credits result prison disciplinary proceedings respondents commenced pro se action district northern district new york filing combined civil rights complaint petition habeas corpus case district concluded since action properly brought prisoner bound requirement federal habeas corpus statute merits three cases district held state correctional authorities deprived respondent rights guaranteed fourteenth amendment directed petitioner commissioner correction restore credits respondents lost divided vote two separate panels appeals second circuit reversed judgments district respect respondents rodriguez katzoff prior decision case respondent kritsky appeals vacated two earlier decisions set three cases rehearing en banc vote affirmed judgments district upon consideration merits upon authority wilwording swenson decided rehearing en banc pending appeals although several judges concurred decision candidly stated misgivings holding wilwording felt constrained nonetheless concur affirming orders district friendly concurring conclusion wilwording controlling assertedly justified invocation concept newly invented today variously termed core habeas corpus heart habeas corpus essence habeas corpus ante view action lying core habeas corpus one goes directly constitutionality prisoner physical confinement seeks either immediate release confinement shortening duration regard actions habeas corpus considered prisoner exclusive remedy short graft habeas corpus exhaustion requirement onto prisoner actions ku klux klan act reaches functionally result holding district jurisdiction act instances displaced habeas corpus remedy henceforth cases prisoner brings action nature habeas corpus brings federal action bottom holding today rests understandable apprehension rule might absence limitation devour exhaustion rule habeas corpus statute problem arises two statutes necessarily overlap indeed every application state prisoner federal habeas corpus relief jailers matter logic semantics viewed action ku klux klan act obtain injunctive relief deprivation one acting color state law rights privileges immunities secured constitution laws prevent state prisoners nullifying habeas corpus exhaustion requirement invariably styling petitions pleas relief today devises ungainly irrational scheme permits prisoners sue others may proceed way petition habeas corpus entire scheme operates defiance purposes underlying exhaustion requirement habeas corpus absence comparable requirement outset important consider nature line drawn holds today state prisoner challenging fact duration physical imprisonment relief seeks determination entitled immediate release speedier release imprisonment sole federal remedy writ habeas corpus ante even approach undoubtedly instances prisoner option proceeding either petition habeas corpus suit johnson avery held writ habeas corpus used challenge allegedly unconstitutional conditions confinement cf ex parte hull wilwording swenson supra petitioners challenged living conditions disciplinary measures confined maximum security missouri state penitentiary held explicitly claims cognizable habeas corpus holdings illustrate general proposition ny unlawful restraint personal liberty may inquired habeas corpus rule applies although person lawful custody conviction incarceration deprive liberties law ordained shall suffer transgressions coffin reichard cf bonner yet even though prisoner may challenge conditions confinement petition writ habeas corpus precluded today opinion raising similar claim without exhaustion state remedies suit ku klux klan act provided attacks conditions confinement fact duration extent least leaves unimpaired holdings wilwording swenson supra cases upheld right prisoners sue jailers without exhaustion state remedies humphrey cady houghton shafer read today opinion rejecting even questioning rationale numerous lower decisions authorizing challenges prison conditions suit accordingly one conclude instances remain habeas corpus provides supplementary exclusive remedy put another way action may properly brought habeas corpus even though somehow sufficiently distant core habeas corpus avoid displacing concurrent jurisdiction ku klux klan act case state prisoner retains option forgoing habeas corpus remedy favor suit ii putting momentarily one side grave analytic shortcomings approach seems clear scheme unmanageability sufficient reason condemn unfortunate inevitable legacy today opinion perplexing set uncertainties anomalies nub problem definition essentially ethereal concept core habeas corpus prisoner unlucky enough action fall within core habeas corpus whenever challenges fact duration confinement example attack validity conviction sentence plainly directed fact duration confinement prisoner therefore proceed petition habeas corpus similarly prisoners allege deprivation credits causing cause illegal physical confinement date passed detention prison unlawful claim falls within core ven restoration respondents credits resulted immediate release shortening length actual confinement prison jurisdiction displaced habeas corpus remedy ante opposite end spectrum attack conviction deprivation credits prisoner action monetary damages jailers state prisoner seeking damages makes clear seeking something immediate speedy release traditional purpose habeas corpus case damages claim habeas corpus appropriate available federal remedy accordingly petitioners concede damages action state prisoner brought federal without requirement prior exhaustion state remedies ante emphasis original suit damages attack conviction deprivation credits cases habeas corpus appropriate available remedy action falls outside core habeas corpus attack directed conditions confinement fact duration notwithstanding today decision prisoner may challenge suit prison living conditions disciplinary measures confiscation legal materials impairment right free exercise religion even though federal habeas corpus available alternative remedy plain enough serious difficulties arise whenever prisoner seeks attack single proceeding conditions confinement deprivation credits addition plea monetary damages exacerbates problem prisoner sole claim placed solitary confinement pursuant unconstitutional disciplinary procedure obtain federal injunctive relief monetary damages action unanswered question whether loses right proceed punishment alleged misconduct jailers subjected unlawful segregation thereby inflicted injury compensable damages compounded wrong improperly depriving credits three different approaches possible first might conclude jurisdiction lost whenever credits involved even action based primarily need monetary relief injunction continued segregation logic opinion scheme creates undeniable likelihood irresistible incentive state prison officials defeat jurisdiction federal courts adding deprivation credits whatever punishment imposed federal claims must held abeyance pending exhaustion state remedies prisoner subsequent effort assert damages claim might arguably barred principles res judicata avoid loss damages claim prisoner might conclude make mention issue instead seek damages action approach assuming disallowed subterfuge circumvent exhaustion requirement creates distressing possibilities obtained decision federal issue damages prisoner presumably required repair state search lost credits returning federal state efforts prove unavailing moreover determination federal claim raised credits stake give rise anomaly prisoner confined institution offer credits therefore withdraw claims always raised suit hand inmate institution uses credits reward punishment seeks federal hearing identical legal factual claims normally required exhaust state remedies proceed way federal habeas corpus rationality difference treatment certainly obscure yet price permitting availability federal forum controlled happenstance stratagem credits stake alternative might reject outright premises first approach conclude plea money damages injunction continued segregation sufficient bring related claims including question credits umbrella approach course simplify matters considerably make unnecessary fractionation prisoner claims number different issues resolved duplicative proceedings state federal courts nevertheless approach seem afford convenient means sidestepping basic thrust opinion surely expect state prisoners routinely add claims plea monetary relief long prisoner formulate least colorable damages claim entitled litigate issues federal without first exhausting state remedies event today rejects perhaps reasons suggested foregoing positions instead holds insofar prisoner claim relates credits required exhaust state remedies precluded simultaneously litigating federal claim monetary damages injunction continued segregation ante approach state correctional authorities added incentive withdraw credits since action standing alone keep prisoner federal time encourage prisoner assert unnecessary claim damages injunctive relief means bringing claim purview nevertheless approach entails substantial difficulties perhaps greatest difficulties three first place extreme inefficiency readily apparent many instances prisoner claims simultaneous consideration two distinct forums even though identical legal factual questions involved proceedings thus prisoner punishment alleged misconduct term solitary deprivation credits believes punishment imposed pursuant unconstitutional disciplinary procedures litigate legality procedures simultaneously state seeks restoration credits federal seeks damages injunction continued segregation moreover federal first reach decision concludes procedures fact unlawful entire state proceeding must immediately aborted even though state may devoted substantial time effort consideration case token traditional principles res judicata applicable suits see supra prior conclusion state suit effectively set naught entire federal proceeding plainly curious prescription improving relations state federal courts since ramifications new approach still unclear unfortunate outcome today decision outcome might immediately surmised seeming simplicity basic concept core habeas corpus almost certain complication litigation disquieting enough especially distressing remaining questions resolved basis pleadings whether habeas corpus suit submitted state prisoners often cope questions without even minimal assistance counsel iii conclusion respondents must proceed petition habeas corpus unfortunate uncertainties practical difficulties conclusion necessarily gives rise also derives faulty analytic foundation text carries explanation today decision prisoners still assume persons within meaning statute moreover prior recent decisions expanding definition custody abandoning prematurity doctrine doubtful habeas corpus even provided remedy since claims likelihood heard habeas corpus time present habeas corpus statute enacted time exhaustion doctrine first announced ex parte royall time requirement codified surely hard view acts determination preclude suit leave habeas corpus prisoner remedy nevertheless prevent state prisoners invoking jurisdictional grant means circumventing exhaustion requirement habeas corpus statute finds necessary hold today one instance jurisdiction displaced habeas corpus remedy concern used nullify habeas corpus exhaustion doctrine course legitimate effort preserve integrity doctrine must rest understanding purposes underlie view misapprehends fundamental purposes compounds problem paying insufficient attention reasons exhaustion state remedies required suits result mistakenly concludes allowing suit jeopardize purposes exhaustion rule enactment ku klux klan act grant original jurisdiction federal courts congress recognized important interests permitting plaintiff choose federal forum cases arising federal law thus expanding federal judicial power congress imposed duty upon levels federal judiciary give due respect suitor choice federal forum hearing decision federal constitutional claims plainly escape duty permissible merely state courts also solemn responsibility equally federal courts guard enforce protect every right granted secured constitution robb connolly zwickler koota grant jurisdiction designed preserve enhance expertise federal courts applying federal law achieve greater uniformity results cf martin hunter lessee wheat since federal courts likely apply federal law sympathetically understandingly state courts ali study division jurisdiction state federal courts minimize misapplications federal law see generally service interests taken care emphasize fundamental objections conclusion litigant properly invoked jurisdiction federal district consider federal constitutional claims compelled without consent fault accept instead state determination claims result war unqualified terms congress pursuant constitutional authorization conferred specific categories jurisdiction upon federal courts principle federal properly appealed case law jurisdiction duty take jurisdiction right party plaintiff choose federal choice properly denied willcox consolidated gas england louisiana state board medical examiners considerations applicable generally cases arising federal law special force context ku klux klan act suit enforce fundamental constitutional rights plaintiff choice federal forum singular urgency statutory predecessor designed afford federal right federal courts reason prejudice passion neglect intolerance otherwise state laws might enforced claims citizens rights privileges immunities guaranteed fourteenth amendment might denied state agencies monroe pape statute legislative history makes evident congress clearly conceived altering relationship nation respect protection federally created rights concerned state instrumentalities protect rights realized state officers might fact antipathetic vindication rights believed failings extended state courts purpose interpose federal courts people guardians people federal rights protect people unconstitutional action color state law whether action executive legislative judicial ex parte virginia mitchum foster background refused require exhaustion state remedies civil rights plaintiffs plainly defeat purposes held assertion federal claim federal must await attempt vindicate claim state mcneese board education yet like believe wherever federal courts sit human rights federal constitution always proper subject adjudication right decline exercise jurisdiction simply rights asserted may adjudicated forum stapleton mitchell supp quoted approval zwickler koota mcneese board education supra see also monroe pape supra moreno henckel friendly federal jurisdiction general view determination principles federalism require exhaustion state remedies cases brought ku klux klan act holds true even state agency process constitutional attack intimately tied state judicial machinery cf lynch household finance indeed last term held mitchum foster supra operates exception federal statute prohibits federal injunctions ongoing state judicial proceedings designed prevent needless friction state federal courts oklahoma packing gas although statute rests part considerations fundamental constitutional independence courts atlantic brotherhood locomotive engineers although exceptions enlarged loose statutory construction nevertheless unanimously concluded excepted statute prohibition statute words displace federal jurisdiction ku klux klan act sum absence exhaustion requirement accident history result careless oversight congress contrary rule integral feature statutory scheme exhaustion state remedies required precisely requirement jeopardize purposes act reason imposition requirement even done indirectly means determination jurisdiction displaced alternative remedial device must justified clear statement congressional intent least presence persuasive considerations policy view justification found crucial analysis case us understanding purposes underlie habeas corpus exhaustion requirement pays little attention reasons rule actions also misconceives purposes exhaustion requirement habeas corpus result reaches seems erroneous conclusion purposes exhaustion requirement fully implicated respondents actions even though respondents sought bring actions rule exhaustion federal habeas corpus actions according today opinion rooted considerations comity principle defined younger harris proper respect state functions much relevance areas particular state administrative concern state judicial action attacked ante moreover reasons since relationship state prisoners state officers especially intimate since prison issues peculiarly within state authority expertise important interest bypassed correction problems ante respect accept either premises reasoning lead conclusion say however purposes doctrine implicated attack directed state conviction sentence ex parte royall involve challenge state conviction rather effort secure prisoner release habeas corpus advance trial state indicted focus relations state federal judiciaries fundamental purpose exhaustion doctrine preserve orderly administration state judicial business preventing interruption state adjudication federal habeas proceedings important petitioners reach state appellate courts develop correct errors state federal law effectively supervise impose uniformity trial courts note developments law federal habeas corpus harv rev significantly identical interest preserving integrity orderliness judicial proceedings gives rise application exhaustion doctrine even federal prisoner attacks action federal see bowen johnston case considerations federalism obviously come play yet exhaustion requirement nevertheless applied order prevent disruption orderly conduct judicial administration considerations mind becomes clear decision serve fundamental purposes behind exhaustion doctrine although respondents confined pursuant judgment state judicial tribunal claims relate convictions sentences administrative action prison officials subjected allegedly unconstitutional treatment including deprivation credits case words federal intervention interrupt state proceeding jeopardize orderly administration state judicial business case action federal might imperil relationship state federal courts regularity proceedings courts coordinate jurisdiction parker supra sense issue sure respondents call question constitutional validity action state officials friction officials federal means inconceivable result standing alone possibility simply enough warrant application exhaustion requirement first spoke younger harris need federal courts maintain proper respect state functions neither statement holding supports instant application exhaustion doctrine concern younger harris longstanding public policy federal interference state proceedings emphasis added means federal injunction continuation proceedings younger thus instructive illustration proposition regrettably misconstrues sense demand even counsel today decision second situation exists case us attack state administrative rather judicial action stereotypical situation relief authorized see mcneese board education attack school districting scheme damico california attack welfare requirements monroe pape attack police conduct cases exercise federal jurisdiction potentially offensive state officials cases attack directed important state function area state wide powers regulation yet cases explicitly held exhaustion state remedies required comparable cases taken pains insure abstention doctrine used defeat plaintiff initial choice federal forum see zwickler koota even though plaintiff reserve right litigate federal claim federal conclusion state proceeding england louisiana state board medical examiners like judge kaufman concurred affirmance cases us believe federal jurisdiction cases involving prisoner rights offensive state federal jurisdiction areas exhaustion requirement explicitly ruled inapplicable third correct assuming exhaustion requirement must applied whenever federal jurisdiction might source substantial friction state simply understand stops rolling back district courts jurisdiction application exhaustion doctrine turns whether action directed fact duration prisoner confinement seems highly doubtful constitutional attack prison conditions less disruptive relations attack prison conditions joined plea restoration credits chief judge friendly expressed view judges dissent petitions state prisoners complaining time conditions confinement potentialities exacerbating relations petitions attacking validity confinement perhaps even yet holds today exhaustion required prisoner attacks deprivation credits challenges conditions confinement seems obvious propositions correct finally decision may ironic effect turning situation state federal courts initially conflict situation precisely conflict result since respondents actions neither interrupt state judicial proceeding even successful require invalidation state judicial decision question simply whether one another going decide case note exhaustion state remedies civil rights act rev held consistently prior cases plaintiff right choose federal forum exercise right offend embarrass state concurrent jurisdiction however prisoner seeks restoration credits must proceed first state although option petitioning federal relief state suit unsuccessful prisoner resort federal habeas corpus action potential friction state certain increase state likely derive little pleasure federal effort determine whether either absence available state corrective process existence circumstances rendering process ineffective protect rights prisoner since validity state decision placed issue state endure federal inquiry whether state factfinding process adequate afford full fair hearing whether petitioner denied due process law state proceeding whether state factual determinations fairly supported record cf townsend sain since none questions even arise held actions properly brought seems good deal premature proclaim today decision major victory continuing effort achieve harmonious healthy system iv short see basis concluding jurisdiction instance habeas corpus remedy respondents effort bring suits provisions ku klux klan act viewed attempted circumvention exhaustion requirement habeas corpus statute effort sense conflict policies underlying requirement means suits demand immediate end action color state law alleged effect violating fundamental rights guaranteed federal constitution ku klux klan act designed afford expeditious federal hearing resolution precisely claims since share view exhaustion state judicial remedies required suit properly brought federal ante since convinced respondents properly invoked jurisdictional grant affirm judgment appeals act april stat rev stat complaint respondent rodriguez alleged correctional authorities unlawfully canceled four months days credits ithout affording plaintiff notice charges fair hearing plaintiff assistance counsel opportunity confront witnesses present evidence behalf specification grounds underlying facts upon authorities determination based app cancellation act harassment persecution failure provide authorities certain information respondent katzoff alleged wrongfully placed solitary confinement deprived time punishment certain entries made diary according affidavit filed district entries question included reference one prison official another creep app respondent kritsky stated complaint correctional authorities deprived credits without notice charges fair hearing part program harassment oppression directed plaintiff participated peaceful work strike ultimately culminated legislation passed app title provides application writ habeas corpus behalf person custody pursuant judgment state shall granted unless appears applicant exhausted remedies available courts state either absence available state corrective process existence circumstances rendering process ineffective protect rights prisoner indeed chief judge friendly suggested proper course banc affirm orders district without writing opinions judge kaufman expressed misgivings holding wilwording swenson indicated concurring opinion thought judgments district summarily affirmed see note developments law federal habeas corpus harv rev indeed expressly views prior cases establishing action proper remedy state prisoner making constitutional challenge conditions prison life fact length custody upon understanding reaffirm holdings ante addition cases cited text explicitly indicated prisoner might proceed without exhausting state remedies also repeatedly upheld prisoner right challenge conditions confinement without suggestion exhaustion state remedies necessary bringing suit see haines kerner cruz beto younger gilmore cruz hauck mcdonald board election lee washington cooper pate see sostre mcginnis conditions segregated confinement jackson bishop cruel unusual punishment hirons director medical treatment pierce lavallee religious freedom edwards schmidt supp wd transfer juveniles adult facility hancock avery supp md solitary confinement indeed one must inevitably wonder whether core habeas corpus prove intractable definition core another concept us struggled define cf jacobellis ohio stewart concurring wilwording swenson houghton shafer cooper pate haines kerner assumes course damages claim raised habeas corpus ante special res judicata rules habeas corpus apply case never held doctrine res judicata applies whole part bar relitigation questions might raised raised considered state proceedings correctly notes number lower courts assumed doctrine res judicata fully applicable cases brought view purposes underlying enactment act particular congressional misgivings ability inclination state courts enforce federally protected rights see infra conclusion may well error brief respondents citing penal law correc law prisoners see hensley municipal ante carafas lavallee jones cunningham decisions established habeas corpus available appropriate remedy situations petitioner challenge merely fact confinement see peyton rowe overruling mcnally hill prematurity doctrine prisoner attacked deprivation credits restoration credits shorten length confinement bring immediately end act stat prior enactment writ made available special categories state prisoners note developments law federal habeas corpus harv rev act june stat agreed purpose enactment codify doctrine formulated ex parte hawk decisions act mar stat see generally chevigny section jurisdiction reply harv rev see remarks coburn courts mere local influence county courts judges act independence put terror local judges sympathies nearly identified vicinage jurors taken state neighborhood able rise prejudices bad passions terror easily cong globe hundreds outrages committed upon loyal people agency ku klux organization one punished defect administration laws extend cases vigorously enough laws enforced union people fail efficiency man known union sentiments white black invokes aid justice closes door temples see wilwording swenson supra king smith monroe pape bacon rutland ef note exhaustion state remedies civil rights act rev case habeas corpus statute provide available appropriate remedy prisoner selection alternative remedy undermine effectively nullify habeas corpus exhaustion requirement course possible view suit impermissible attempt circumvent requirement token prisoner seeks challenge conditions confinement case purposes underlying exhaustion rule come play filing considered complaint even prisoner terms petition habeas corpus result consistent view prisoner petitions liberally considered price johnston represents threat integrity exhaustion doctrine nothing today decision suggests district courts follow practice