Document: 363 U.S. 207 80 S.Ct. 1222 4 L.Ed.2d 1170 John CLAY, Petitioner,v.SUN INSURANCE OFFICE LIMITED. No. 349. Argued March 22 and 23, 1960. Decided June 13, Mr. Paschal C. Reese, West Palm Beach, Fla., for petitioner. Bert Cotton, New York City, respondent. Robert J. Kelly, Tallahassee, State of Florida, as amicus curiae, pro hac vice, by special leave Court. Justice FRANKFURTER delivered the opinion 1 In 1952, petitioner, while a citizen resident Illinois, purchased from respondent in Illinois contract insurance upon which this suit is based. The British company licensed to do business nine other States. 2 policy, petitioner bought lump sum, ran three years. Designated 'Personal Property Floater Policy (World Wide),' it provides world-wide coverage against 'all risks' loss or damage property covered, generally classified personal having no fixed situs. A provision has given rise controversy, required that on any claim must be brought within twelve months discovery loss. 3 Some after purchasing policy moved where he losses sustained Florida winter 1954—1955. Petitioner reported February 1, 1955, April denied liability. action, resting diversity citizenship, was instituted United States District Court Southern May 20, 1957, more than two years losses. defended grounds: (1) under time limitation bringing suit, restriction concededly valid law, barred; (2) does not include resulting willful injury appropriation insured insured's spouse.1 jury charged if were caused deliberate acts petitioner's wife, they therefore excluded coverage. found judgment amount $6,800 entered. Court, without opinion, motion non obstante veredicto, based, inter alia, clause, apparently believing Statutes (1957), § 95.03 F.S.A., set out margin,2 rendered clause ineffective. 5 On appeal Appeals Fifth Circuit reversed (one judge dissenting), sustaining defense based ground could apply its statute Illinois-made consistently with requirements due process. 265 F.2d 522. court considered preliminary question state law—whether statute, 95.03, fact applies made these circumstances. Strangely enough, did decide threshold because easier constitutional would presented only apply. Such disposition serious issue justified case here. 361 874, 141, 113. 6 By settled canons adjudication should have been reached if, decision non-constitutional questions, compelled. lower first considered: whether, law applicable contract; whether sued wife. 7 It temerarious man who described decided below frivolous. seriousness becomes manifest recital decisions relevant determination passed. 8 Home Insurance Co. v. Dick, 281 397, 50 338, 74 L.Ed. 926, held Texas constitutionally own invalidate fire covering tugboat. plaintiff at all pertinent times both domiciliary Mexico. contract, an assignee, Mexico between Mexican insurer had contact whatever Texas, resident. premium paid Mexico, covered tug waters. Hartford Accident & Indemnity Delta Pine Land Co., 292 143, 54 634, 78 1178, Mississippi limiting insurer's liability surety bond defalcations employees 'in position, anywhere,' notice fifteen termination Tennessee offices business. Mississippi's action struck down although ambulatory risk, default giving actually occurred Mississippi, license doing there, incorporated there. 9 most recent series Watson Employers Liability Assurance Corp., Ltd., 348 66, 75 166, 99 74. Without questioning either Pine, Louisiana's application, Louisiana citizen, 'direct action' thereby invalidated express direct negotiated Massachusetts, valid. Toni, corporation distributing product nationally, liabilities arising use product. several States, including Louisiana. Toni served her subject application make amenable locally injured citizen. 10 factors present are identic Watson, one them can fairly deemed controlling bearing immediate situation appropriately evaluated adjudicating precise it, inescapably before us. unresolved questions may settle litigation. called initially reach question; nor doctrine will 'anticipate advance necessity deciding it,' Liverpool, N.Y. P.S.S. Emigration Commissioners, 113 33, 39, 352, 355, 28 899, relied Brandeis his well-known concurring Ashwander T.V.A., 297 288, 347—348, 56 466, 483, 688, well-settled which, carries weight maintaining proper harmony federal-state relations, yield relatively minor inconvenience postponement decision. Of course we remotely hint answer prematurely put. 11 While disposed local court's controlling. But, indicated, not, available materials, confident guess how Supreme construe statute. See, e.g., Hoagland Railway Express Agency, So.2d 822; Equitable Life Society McRee, Fla. 257, So. 22. Legislature, rare foresight, dealt problem authoritatively determining involved federal litigation permits certify such doubtful Fla.Stat.Ann., 25.031.3 Even facilitating frequently appropriate, might mooted thereby, secure authoritative law. See Allegheny County Frank Mashuda 360 185, 189, 79 1060, 1063, 1163, cases cited; see also Meredith City Winter Haven, 320 228, 236, 64 7, 12, 88 9. 12 Vacated remanded. 13 BLACK, whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE DOUGLAS join, dissenting. 14 today holds courts refrain exercising their jurisdiction lawsuit properly brought. remands implies determine avoid presented. so doing, I believe carrying avoiding wholly unjustifiable extreme. agree better when nonconstitutional dispose case. But occasion. call interpretation broad, many-pronged, regulatory scheme.1 They involve peculiarly eminent domain power allowed city exercise,2 land State.3 Nor here difficult ones depending ambiguous vague law,4 but instead border Since think clear, Court's refusal so, together language uses, seems me automatic 'canons adjudication' absolute never circumstances conditions there possibility turning away grounds. important even though judicial ingenuity find way escape it. now. 15 interpretation, insures risks,' protects him destruction wife.5 intimate exception risk pages small printed type stating extensions, limitations, exclusions general conditions. Judge tried case, experienced surprisingly scant attention contention. No ever 'abstained' passing offers faintest support holding contention unlikely anywhere used reason question, much be. 16 second sending back, suggestion refer decision, almost equally devoid plausibility. contractual provisions fixing period suits less provided limitations illegal void. forbids 'give effect stipulation character mentioned section.'6 shorter State's five-year unsealed, written contracts,7 void applies.8 get ambiguity into section import similar nature exist 31 Columbia.9 line protective safeguards felt necessary create preserve fair opportunity people go collect And main interpreted applied statutes carry legislative adopted.10 Florida's particular interest very shown Attorney General filed briefs participated oral argument full meaning claimed constitutionality interpreted. send back Appeals, less, ultimately, court. statute's plain language, trial sat sufficient show requires try merits (unless, course, unconstitutional applied). cloud cast clear certainly point could, wished, makes legislature obviously intended give statute.11 If 'maintaining relations' objective best passed (according General) protect people. 17 now come avoided decide. This Illinois. There indicating shortening treated State.12 cases, however, wanted project nullify invalidating contractural courts.13 raised this. policy's restrictive probably upheld Due Process Clause Full Faith Credit require pay homage? 18 is, my judgment, violates neither Constitution. evolution conflict laws theories idea championed every detail element taken governed place made. concept many difficulties. Was home office agent dropped mail another State? Exceptions sprang up rule applying performed issues performance. Soon discovered puzzling tell what part activities performance These academic problems dissipated dream rules cases. As concepts developed, came emphasis parties applied. always possible agreed upon, resistance some jurisdictions close interests events leading foreign deeply policies, solely preferred 19 boomed throughout our growing country meant enforced benefit citizens whose made, practical men began single govern interested. One opinions recognizing Pacific Ins. Industrial Comm., 306 493, 59 629, 83 940, Stone, later Chief Justice, stated that: 20 '(T)he conclusion unavoidable faith credit substitute persons conflicting state, force enactment respect same events.' Id., page 502, 633. 21 Later, Klaxon Stentor Electric Mfg. 313 487, 61 1020, 85 1477, Griffin McCoach, 498, 1023, 1481, recognized compelled enforce contracts, freedom exercise courts. Pink A.A.A. Highway Express, 314 201, 62 241, 86 152; Hoopeston Canning Cullen, 318 313, 63 602, 87 777.14 After host ways contracts outside State, Employer's That bring actions companies issued policies contracting judgments imposed inflicted injuries. contained binding enforceable places delivered, prohibited until final obligation damages. person directly. Application challenged denial equal protection, process, credit, impairment contract. We rejected contentions. like here, nation-wide effect. Frankfurter disagreeing grounds none Constitution automatically subordinate happened executed. said: 23 'Where, affects states, each tht free policies.' 73, 170. 24 throwing hold unconstitutional. reasons gave rejecting about those Dick carefully pointed different relating carried State. connection 'slight' 'casual' I, myself, grave doubts facts. however be, stands, thought suggest holding, means remove once all. philosophy old governs activity repudiated commentators everywhere, especially rule.15 25 Our previously discussed workable today.16 companies, contractors, confine obligations boundaries. sell customers promised protection far sold Clay knowledge take world saw fit losing insurance. fact, face Wide).' attempt provide else country. Shortly lived His time. knew fact. Particularly since known feel bound 26 addition already view case—that forum contacts parties, lawsuit—I add dealing actions, particularly inappropriate compel matter, 'made.' long lawsuits limitations. 1839 M'Elmoyle Use Bailey Cohen, Pet. 312, 177. continued vitality principle Wells Simonds Abrasive 345 514, 516—517, 73 856, 857—858, 97 1211. deviation appears Order Commercial Travelers America Wolfe, 331 586, 67 1355, 91 1687, freeing fraternal 'indivisible unity,' distinction registered dissent. true identical seeks ordinary clause. Here, seeking sure others courts, legislated too short duration invalid. error assume 'that concerned choice rather substantive governing validity itself.' refuse impel 627 630, 1374—1376, 1687 (dissenting opinion). cf. Metropolitan Cas. Brownell, 294 580, 55 538, 1070. 27 says Therefore, refuses (and related questions) ground, read exists unbending, unyielding, canon 'frivolous,' unless 'compelled' questions. indicates lurks sitting questions.17 unprecedented altogether; practice, wise perhaps instances, ordinarily essential case.18 practice extends early days greatest judges followed rigid rule. Perhaps done great Marshall Marbury Madison written.19 Only occasionally then elevated position absoluteness commands themselves, hand, discretionary, undoubtedly exercise. rigid, ironclad, all-encompassing understand promulgate bad litigants, Litigants, too, right unreasonable unnecessary delay expense.20 times, ripe resolution needed, probability controversy presenting form survived jurisdictional obstacles adjudication, tossed maelstrom trials private disputes height appellate sign needs deciding. However decided, pressing need remain same. expanding commerce among guarantees that. squarely Florida. Why it? Sometimes circuits conflicts common-law reaches proportions cry At least instances am willing tie myself judicially created bar here.21 Subscribing belief virtue unnecessarily issues, abandon entirely extremes today. sweeping announced heretofore. dissents possibly gone far, said whole so. heretofore dogmatic Chicago Atchison, T. S.F.R. 357 77, 1174. Cf. Sullivan, 332 689, 692—694, 68 331, 333—335, 92 297. over strong dissent, majority refused wait ordinance 29 'We calls Toomer Witsell, 334 385, 1156, 1460. Remission substantial expense, chance result below, applicability, appear slight.' 84, 1067. 30 avoidance practice.22 assumes method enable obtain certifying involved. paper, evidently 1945 appearing Fla.Stat.Ann. (1959 Supp.) 25.031, authorizes obtaining certifications information obtainable promulgated rules, accepted certificate.23 understand. pleasure piecemeal certificates. prefer complete records enter them. unfortunate petitioiner guinea pig effort put deliberately left unused years.24 ago and, borrowing expression, 'temerarious man' forecast us again exasperating order achieve just consideration handling sets precedent extreme begin produce evil consequences good. 32 affirm 33 DOUGLAS, 34 join dissent Brother desire renewed protest making litigants travel long, expensive road justice. Congress adjudicate controversies manned drawn Bars conversant respective areas. equipped well 9: 35 'Congress adopted opening suitors involving amount, discern recognition exclude merely uncertain difficuilt determine.' 36 situations await remand prejudice explain simple remittance anew. purses. Many, hardly afford lawsuit, let alone two. Shuttling tribunals defeating ends pursuit justice foundations finance nice entitled absent unique situations—to rights empowered act. Certain home. Other property, clothing, burned, painting slashed. 'All stipulations * hereby declared shall section.' Section 95.11(3) seal. devise certifications; date promulgated. Kurland, Toward Co-operative Judicial Federalism, F.R.D. 481, 489. assumed, requirement entertainment certificate 25.031. Harrison NAACP, 167, 1025, 1152 (a declaratory case); Rescue Army Municipal Los Angeles, 549, 1409, 1666; Alabama Federation Labor, etc. McAdory, 325 450, 65 1384, 89 1725, Organizations 472, 1395, 1741 (declaratory cases); American Labor 327 582, 66 761, 90 873 (parallel pending court). Public Service Comm. R. 341 341, 71 762, 95 1002; Burford Sun Oil 319 315, 1098, 1424; Railroad Pullman 312 496, 643, 971 (cases injunctions interference regulations, administrative orders). Power Light Thibodaux, 25, 1070, 1058. Thompson Magnolia Petroleum 309 478, 60 628, 84 876. 1174; Albertson Millard, 1953, 242, 600, 983, 1948, 1460, 'abstention improper reasonably *.' Note, Abstention: An Exercise 108 U. Pa.L.Rev. 226, 233 (1959). 'Perils Insured,' risks except hereinafter provided.' Fla.Stat., F.S.A. Relevant portions forth note Fla.Stat. 95.11(3), provided: 'No proceeding recovery sustainable equity commenced (12) next Assured occurrence gives claim. Provided, invalid, claims shortest limit permitted herein.' referred Carnahan, Conflict Laws Contracts (1958), §§ 26(h), n. 137. Also four specifically certificates societies. 84. Galliher Mutual 1907, 150 Ala. 543, 43 883; Ehrenzweig, Laws, Col.L.Rev. 973, 1000. 177—178, 1030—1031, 1152. cited Trichelle Sherman Ellis, Inc., 259 Ill.App. 346; Hartzell Maryland 163 221. Office Limited Clay, Cir., 522, 524, 2. upholding clauses deal connected jurisdictions, honor centered controversies. 15, infra. regard society. determines validity, looks internal conflict-of-laws jurisdiction, enforces hypothetical Stumberg, 11—12, 228. Constitutionally requiring blind unvarying return outmoded territorial vested outgrown jurisprudence. generally, forum, Lex Fori—Basic Rule 58 Mich.L.Rev. 637. McGee International 355 220, 199, 223; Health Ass'n Commonwealth Virginia ex rel. Corporation 339 70 927, 94 1154; Shoe Washington, 326 310, 154, 95. Penagaricano Allen 267 550, 556 Woodbury, speaking 'Indeed declining (the 'salutary refraining questions') invoked doubt 'discretion' matter.' Raines, 362 17, 21, 519, 523, 524 (citing Barrows Jackson, 346 249, 1031, 1586). Cranch 137, 60. Beveridge, Marshall, 132—133, 142; Warren, History, 242—243. Cohens Virginia, Wheat. 264, 404, 'It not: true, should. judiciary cannot, may, measure approaches confines constitution. With doubts, difficulties, attended, us.' begun 1957. late 1954 1955. year below. Remand, transfer proceedings system eventually more. post-abstention history Windsor Spector Consequences Abstention Federal Harv.L.Rev. 1358 (1960). view, ably clamorously urged many, consider broad practically impossible question. Should prevail, Madison, 60, written. 'The essence civil liberty consists individual laws, whenever receives injury. duties government protection.' 163. For discussion restraint powers review, L. Black, People (1960), passim, c. IV. Five last Term discussions waiting determinations. Martin Creasy, 219, 1034, 1186; 1163; 1152; Lassiter Northampton Bd. Elections, 45, 985, 1072; Wright, Doctrine Reconsidered, 37 Tex.L.Rev. 815, 749. 213, 1226, 3; Vestal, Certified Question Law, Iowa L.Rev. 643; 1358, 1368, 68; Stern, U.Miami 383, 397 (1958); Cooperative Fla.App. 4.6, 1959 Cum.Pocket Part. statutory authorization entertain certified enacted 1945, Fla.Laws 23098, 'perfected' 57—274, 1. 395 (1958).

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