Document: 485 U.S. 88 108 S.Ct. 901 99 L.Ed.2d 83 UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiffv.State LOUISIANA et al. (Alabama and Mississippi Boundary Case). No. 9, Orig. Argued Jan. 11, 1988. Decided March 1, Syllabus In its 1985 opinion in this litigation, the Court ruled that Alabama Mississippi, rather than United States, own their respective portions bed under Sound, directed parties to submit Special Master a proposed appropriate decree. 470 93, 105 1074, 84 73. States submitted supplemental decrees which reflected disagreement as Mississippi's coastline at two points (Alabama's is no longer dispute). The first point contention occurs between islands along Sound's southern boundary. second involves claimed interest seabed south Sound vicinity Chandeleur Sound. his Supplemental Report, concluded (a) decree by should not be entered, (b) that, while States' solution disputed would preferable, it amount modification Court's because beyond scope reference Master, concerned only recommended enter an order directing defining "to extent agreed upon"; States; lying described line heading west from island on boundary Louisiana border. noted exceptions relating contention, all contention. opposition. Held: 1. Since current phase litigation has so far dealt with focused will present record determine rights thereto without parties' complete agreement Master's ready acquiescence. However, any party may advance such claims might have respect area filing timely complaint these proceedings. P. 92—93. 2. Because presently pending objections do relate nor contest validity closing lines are 92. Exceptions overruled, Report recommendations, they consistent opinion, adopted confirmed. BLACKMUN, J., delivered Court, other Members joined, except MARSHALL KENNEDY, JJ., who took part consideration or decision case. Jim R. Bruce, Sp. Asst. Atty. Gen., for Mississippi. Jeffrey Minear, Sol. Dept. Justice, Washington, D.C., Justice BLACKMUN Court. 1 most recent extended see 73 (1985), was determined historic bay Convention Territorial Sea Contiguous Zone, [1964] 15 U.S.T. (pt. 2) 1607, T.I.A.S. 5639. waters therefore, inland waters, customary cases kind, stated: 2 "The promptly consideration; if unable agree upon form decree, each shall proposal recommendation." U.S., 115, S.Ct., 1086-1087. 3 Jurisdiction retained entertain further proceedings necessary advisable effectuate supplement parties. Ibid. 4 dated 16, 1987, Honorable Walter Armstrong, Jr., now been filed before us. notes therein, p. 2, remains among seaward Alabama. That much decided clear. notes, however, id., 3, "seaward boundary" "at points." Attached exhibits, forms respectively Id., 31 38. ends conclusions recommendations. 26. exceptions. opposition those point, course, stands mute. Briefs oral argument presented. 5 ibid., "the States," "a preferable solution," "would February 26, 1985," reference" Master. 27. He "enter prepare decree" boundaries Petit Bois Island Horn "as States"; and, despite expressed reservation above, portion West Ship westward intersecting westernmost already-determined border.* 6 * specific proceeding culminated 1985, reported concerned, we thought, See 94, 1076; Tr. Oral Arg. 3. stated him also appear reflect understanding. But exceptions, seeks extend include State's arguments bear little relation earlier unless one engrafts our direction therein fixing implication rights, any, definitively litigation. 7 To western lies body water east Louisiana's mainland offshore Islands run north south. generally lie perpendicular other. They separated Cat Island, East Island. latter time formed single but became divided hurricane action some years ago. 8 An led entry issued June 1975, v. (Louisiana Case), 422 13, 95 2022, 44 652, (baseline) pursuant 17, 420 529, 1180, 43 373. Embodied then stipulated State delimiting Islands. Solicitor General advises us offered recognize "in basis extension stipulated" (a running location northernmost near middle Island), rejected offer. Brief 2-3. acknowledges rejection. 6. Thus, easy controversy proved unattainable. What dispute about 150 square miles. 16. II 9 As up It This being so, sympathize unease him. With case somewhat confused posture, unwilling 10 left situation where presented time, therefore overruled prejudice advancement separate chapter extent—and extent—they 11 once again If recommendation. Each costs; actual expenses incurred since borne half 12 retains jurisdiction proceedings, orders, issue writs forthcoming 13 facilitate resolution question remain leave granted respectively, motion, file setting forth claim undecided within 60 days date filed. opposing 45 respond. expected cooperate expediting remaining aspect 14 ordered. KENNEDY We necessarily assume repeated use term boundary," referring ultimate

Category: 9