Document: 355 U.S. 49 78 S.Ct. 109 2 L.Ed.2d 87 G. Mennen WILLIAMS, Governor of the State Michigan and Thomas M. Kavanagh, Attorney General Michigan, Petitioners,v.Honorable Charles C. SIMONS, Chief Judge, United States Court Appeals for Sixth Circuit, et al. No. 74, Misc. Decided Nov. 18, 1957. Messrs. Williams, Atty. Gen., Edmund E. Shepherd, former Sol. Samuel J. Torina, Joseph A. Sullivan, Deputy petitioners. PER CURIAM. 1 It appearing that this case has become moot, rule to show cause is discharged motion leave file petition writ mandamus or in alternative prohibition denied. Memorandum by Mr. Justice FRANKFURTER, which BRENNAN joins. 3 In view disposition makes unusual litigation, it seems desirable set forth facts. 4 (1) Inquiry Into Municipal Officers' Wrongdoing. 5 Aug. 1956—The Prosecuting Wayne County, filed with Circuit Third Judicial County an application a judicial investigation criminal offenses unlawful practices City Ecorse other governmental units County. re 83258. 6 That court entered order appointing Theodore R. Bohn, conduct inquiry pursuant Mich.Comp.Laws, 1948, §§ 767.3 767.4, as amended Mich.Pub.Acts 1949, 311, 1951, 276.1 7 Sept. 1956—Inquiry conducted Judge Bohn 767.4. 8 Oct. 17, 1956—Warrant signed arrest William Voisine, mayor Ecorse, Albert Buday Francis Labadie, members city council Ecorse. The warrant recites there probable believe Buday, others have conspired obstruct justice knowingly permitting illegal gambling flourish return bribes gratuities. A separate issued, evidently on October 22d, charging Elmer Korn, also member council, accepting bribes. 9 23, 1956—Judge transmitted findings guilty misfeasance office, constituting grounds removal, recommended Governor, official empowered do so, take steps remove them from office. Similar were concerning Korn. 10 (2) Criminal Proceedings 11 1956—Preliminary examination held Peace, accused officers bound over trial charges. 12 Dec. 21, 1956—Information against others, General, conspiracy Arraignment January 15, 1967. People v. 34092. 13 Jan. 11, 1957—Information 14 —-Motions quash Voisine Labadie. (3) Removal Proceedings. 15 initiated removal proceedings officers, constitutional statutory authorization. Mich.Const., Art. IX, § 8; 276; 168.327, added 1954, 116, c. XV; 201.7, 201.10.2 16 25, 1956—Executive issued basis directing inquire into charges made John W. Conlin, Probate hearings testimony produced before him. 17 —-Executive Conlin similar Buday. 18 2, 1956—Notice was served hearing November 13th. 19 — -Korn notice proceedings. 20 13, 1956—Removal continued 21st. 21 1956—Accused motions dismiss proceedings, objected 22 7th, 1957, then 9th. 23 9, 1957—Order effect which, according deny their various motions. 24 (4) Intervention District Court. 25 14, 1957—Complaint Korn Eastern naming defendants alleging statute conferring power statutes under acted, violate complainants' rights Federal Constitution. complaint prays: temporary restraining issue prevent continuing until matters relief prayed can be determined; three-judge organized 28 U.S.C. 2284, U.S.C.A. required 2281, preliminary injunction; final declared unconstitutional void, permanent injunction defendants' proceedings; information underlying action determined arisen out Civ. 16638. 26 Complainants formation Court, without notice. 27 Temporary Levin, See 2284(3), 2284(3) Fed.Rules Civ.Proc. 65, 1957—Announcement organization 29th. Defendants agreed should remain matter disposed court. 29 1957—Defendants answer complaint, denying jurisdiction grounds, among complainants had failed exhaust state remedies, suit substance one enjoin exercising its sovereign powers. 30 grounds. 31 29, 1957—Hearing defendants. 32 Feb. 1, 1957—District holding abeyance determination questions submitted termination trials further court, force order. recited may forthwith tried presented thereby prejudiced Lederle, dissented ground ripe decision. 33 28, 1957—The dissolve pass dismiss, no authority refuse decide continue 34 Mar. 8, 1957—Proceedings dissolve. 35 1957—Voisine 36 Apr. that, deeming rehearing, considerations not when February 1st. Lederle dissented. 37 (5) This Review Court's Action. 38 July 3, writs directed compel refrain proceeding vacate 39 Petitioners asserted, issuance writs, great public importance had, unreasonable time, perform function granting it, while 40 1957—Counsel noticed 4th. received copy 29th 41 1957—This 12th why issue. sent respondents same day, Monday, 28th. 42 next order, concurrence complainants, vacating dismissing complaint. we are advised, given would act opportunity present objections. 43 31, asserting acting 28th cause. 44 4, advised dismissal 29th, expressed since issues 45 protesting action, requested spite 46 From foregoing appears result refusal together court's continuance subordinate officials designated him prevented almost nine months powers claimed conferred upon law municipal misconduct. at end 1956 Term could considered commencement new Term. Immediately after claim challenged validity actions taken dismissed derailed, consideration merits Putting side propriety relation 28th, accomplished, must prohibition. By brought petitioners issue, thus rendering all practical purposes moot. But, although past cannot recalled physical entries records expunged, legal significance implications deemed expunged though restraints imposed never been ordered. 47 DOUGLAS. 48 Constitution cases controversies. U.S.Const., III, 2. moot controversy sense. Amalgamated Ass'n Street, Electric Ry. & Motor Coach Employees America, Division 998 Wisconsin Employment Relations Board, 340 416, 418, 71 373, 374, 95 L.Ed. 389. We underscore principle too heavily. business giving any expression views merits, even squinting way another. properly restricts day. Section authorizes single judge alleged practices. 767.4 provides if satisfied offense committed person thereof, he his apprehension proper process. officer removable malfeasance shall make serve having officer. who sufficient initiation 168.327 elected evidence manner prescribed Sections 201.7 201.10 authorize direct examine witnesses probate appointed such purpose. certify transcript officer, deliver transmittal Governor.

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