Opinion ID: 1904770
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Live Case or Controversy

Text: Finally, the London Insurers' additional claim that the trial court committed reversible error in affirming the arbitration award because there is no actual controversy with respect to the § 7(f) interest provision must also fail. The London Insurers contend that because they owe such a substantial amount to Ashland in principal, they will not pay interest under the CIP Agreement for years or decades and Ashland will receive the exact same dollar amount regardless of how § 7(f) is construed. Although the London Insurers are correct that this court will not issue advisory opinions on issues that may or may not arise, see District of Columbia v. Wical Ltd. P'ship, 630 A.2d 174, 182 (D.C.1993), cases that present issues ripe for judicial resolution are properly considered justiciable. See Smith v. Smith, 310 A.2d 229, 231 (D.C.1973). The London Insurers' claim that the dispute cannot possibly be ripe fails because the issue at hand revolves around interest payments under § 7(f) of the CIP Agreement that are due on a principal balance that is outstanding as of today and not some far-removed event that may or may not occur. Whether the London Insurers will make those payments years from now is irrelevant. Because Judge Williamson properly exercised jurisdiction over the interest issue, and because interest payments due constitute a particularized, immediate harm, we affirm. So ordered.