Document: 400 U.S. 41 91 S.Ct. 156 27 L.Ed.2d 174 Arturo FORNARISv.The RIDGE TOOL CO. et al. No. 541. Nov. 23, 1970.* PER CURIAM. 1 In 1964 by Act 75, the Legislature of Puerto Rico enacted Dealer's Contract Law which in effect provides that a Rican dealer's contract with manufacturer, regardless any provisions for termination, is renewable indefinitely at option local dealer unless manufacturer has 'just cause' to terminate. Section 1(d) defines as 'nonperformance essential obligations contract, on part dealer, or action omission his adversely and substantially affects interests principal grantor promoting marketing distribution merchandise service.' If terminates other reason he liable substantial damages. 2 This cause was brought court damages breach distributorship against Ridge Tool Co., an appellee. It removed Federal District Court basis diversity citizenship. That denied motion dismiss claimed upon complaint based unconstitutional. The Appeals allowed interlocutory appeal held 423 F.2d 563.1 3 relations federal courts have often raised delicate problems. Spanish-speaking Commonwealth set laws still impregnated Spanish tradition. courts, reversing were inclined construe Peurto Anglo-Saxon tradition left little room overtones culture. Out experience grew pronouncement this should not be overruled its construction law it could said 'inescapably wrong.' See Bonet v. Texas 308 463, 471, 60 349, 353—354, 84 L.Ed. 401. 4 question presented here akin question, we deal rather vague Supreme authoritatively construed.2 Only last Term Reetz Bozanich, 397 82, 90 788, 25 68 three-judge proceeded strike down Alaska which, if construed Court, might so confined constitutional infirmity. We said, 'A state decision * conceivably avoid under Fourteenth Amendment would possible irritant federal-state relationship.' Id., 86—87, 790. 5 placed liability who had contracts terminated without prior new statute. retrospective impact, held, violated 'the due process clause constitution'—without saying whether Fifth involved.3 F.2d, 566—567. 6 Whether give same broad sweep did something do know. conceivable judicially more narrow ambit all questions. therefore reverse direct remand cases instructions hold hand until ruled question4 light claims. England Medical Examiners, 375 411, 420, 461, 467, 11 440. 7 ordered. 8 Reversed directions. Together 543, Co. Appellants invoked 28 U.S.C. § 1254(2) authority these appeals. provision judgment may '(b)y party relying State statute appeals invalid repugnant Constitution. *' But 'State statute' within 1254(2). (Emphasis supplied.) true statutes 1961 require treat equivalent purposes certiorari. expressly provided 75 Stat. 417, 1258, '(f)inal judgments decrees rendered Rico' reviewed appeal, writ certiorari, situations where route available review highest States. Significantly, however, no parallel added permit from accident design, our practice strict authorizing dictates expansive interpretation word 'State.' see merit argument already done Rule 61 defining 'state court' include 'law state' Rico.' rule adopted only implement 1258 dealing certiorari final Rico. are improper they dismissed, accordingly jurisdictional statements petitions writs grant them basis. 2103; City El Paso Simmons, 379 497, 501—503, 85 577, 579—581, 13 446. McGregor-Doniger, Inc. Superior decided March 17, 1970, referred briefly Act: 'It apparent pleadings cancellation case 'due changes now making sales representation throughout world' cancel it, since agreed cancelled 30 days' written notice. also clear such permits accordance #75, supra.' Art. II, 7, Constitution '(n)o person shall deprived liberty property law,' 'life' being excluded because abolishes death penalty. approved Congress. H.R.Rep. 1832, 82d Cong., 2d Sess.; 2350, S.Rep. 1720, Sess. U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News, p. 1892. Under Rico's powers 'to declare rights, status, legal further relief claimed.' P.R.Laws Ann., Tit. 32, c. 247, 2991. form remedy reaches 'interested in' whose rights 'affected franchise.' 2992.

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