Opinion ID: 74611
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Polo's Agency Argument

Text: Polo contends in the alternative that it has standing to sue under the bills of lading as an undisclosed principal to Drusco, who acted as its agent in signing the bills of lading. See New Jersey Steam Navigation Co. v. Merchants' Bank, 47 U.S. (6 How.) 344, 380-81, 12 L.Ed. 465 (1848). Tropical and Polo dispute whether this agency argument was presented sufficiently to the district court or whether it is being raised for the first time on this appeal. This court's review of the record comports with the latter view. In its complaint and response to Tropical's motion for partial summary judgment, Polo asserted its rights only as owner of the goods and as third-party beneficiary to the bill of lading, but never raised an agency argument.17 This court may consider an issue not brought before the district court in the following narrow exceptions: First, an appellate court will consider an issue not raised in the district court if it involves a pure question of law, and if refusal to consider it would result in a miscarriage of justice. Second, the rule may be relaxed where the appellant raises an objection to an order which he had no chance to raise at the district court level. Third, the rule does not bar consideration by the appellate court in the first instance where the interest of substantial justice is at stake. Fourth, a federal appellate court in justified in resolving an issue not passed on below ... where the proper resolution is beyond doubt. Finally, it may be appropriate to consider an issue first raised on appeal if that issue presents significant questions of general impact or of great public concern. Narey v. Dean, 32 F.3d 1521, 1526-27 (11th Cir.1994) (quoting Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc. v. Fernandez, 741 F.2d 355, 360-61 (11th Cir.1984)). Polo propounds four of these five bases as justification for considering its agency argument, none of which are availing. First, determination of the existence of an agency relationship is a factual question. Second, we do not find that the interest of substantial justice is at stake here when Polo forsook its opportunity to present its agency argument to the district court. Third, the resolution of this issue, in light of the scanty record, is hardly beyond doubt. Finally, although this court appreciates Polo's view that matters 17 Even if Polo had raised it, there is no evidence in the record to support Polo's contention that Drusco acted as its agent. Although Polo cites portions of its bailment agreement with Drusco, that agreement was never made part of the record. In addition, the testimony of Drusco's Vice-President regarding its relationship with Polo could be characterized equally well as that of agent or independent contractor. 9 of great moment are implicated by this appeal, we cannot agree that resolution of Polo's relationship with Drusco in this instance warrants exception to the general rule that matters must be presented before the district court in the first instance. We therefore decline to consider Polo's agency argument.