Document: 358 U.S. 639 79 S.Ct. 455 3 L.Ed.2d 562 CITY OF MERIDIAN, Appellant,v.SOUTHERN BELL TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH COMPANY. No. 546. Decided Feb. 24, 1959. Messrs. George M. Ethridge, Jr., and Lester E. Wills, for appellant. Charles B. Snow John A. Boykin, appellee. Mr. Tally D. Riddell, City of Gulfport others, as amici curiae. PER CURIAM. 1 Appellee instituted this suit a declaratory judgment that 1956 Mississippi statute imposing charge on public utilities the use streets places does not apply to it, if it does, violates Federal State Constitutions. It was tried before single district judge. After trial judge wrote an opinion (154 F.Supp. 736) then entered which declared in conflict with Constitutions thus beyond power Legislature enact. The Court Appeals Fifth Circuit affirmed District Court. 256 F.2d 83. An appeal taken pursuant 28 U.S.C. § 1254(2), U.S.C.A. providing decision where appellant relies state held be 'invalid repugnant Constitution, treaties or laws United States.' moved dismiss appeal, contending review by lie because declaring unconstitutional based Constituion well Constitution. Subsequently, vacate remand case instructions its convene three-judge court under §§ 2281 2284, 2281, 2284 consider appellee's complaint. opposed motion. Without passing merits motion (cf. Housing Administration v. Darlington, Inc., 352 977, 77 381, 363), we directions hold cause while parties repair tribunal authoritative declaration applicable law. 2 Proper exercise federal jurisdiction requires controversies involving unsettled questions law decided tribunals preliminary court's consideration underlying constitutional questions. See Railroad Commission Texas Pullman Co., 312 496, 61 643, 85 L.Ed. 971. That is especially desirable are enmeshed Spector Motor Service, Inc. McLaughlin, 323 101, 105, 65 152, 154, 89 101. Here, problems delicate ones, resolution without substantial difficulty— certainly court. Cf. Thompson Magnolia Petroleum 309 478, 483, 60 628, 630, 84 876. In such case, when interpretation evaluation validity constitution may obviate any need should hand, lest render unnecessarily. supra; Service supra, 104—105, 154. Leiter Minerals, States, 220, 228—229, 287, 292—293, 267. vacated remanded proceedings conformity opinion.

Category: 8