Document: 457 U.S. 255 102 S.Ct. 2421 72 L.Ed.2d 824 Ralph HATHORN, et al., Petitionersv.Mrs. Bobby LOVORN, al. No. 81-451. Argued April 27, 1982. Decided June 15, Rehearing Denied Sept. 9, See 458 1131, 103 15. Syllabus A 1964 Mississippi statute provides that boards of trustees municipal separate school districts in the State shall consist five members, and any county which a district embraces entire "in Highways 14 15 intersect," one trustee be elected from each supervisors district. The Louisville School District is coextensive with Winston County, Miss., only intersect. Since 1960, mayor city aldermen appointed three members District's Board Trustees, County voters residing outside other two members. officials never implemented statute. Respondent filed an action against petitioner local Chancery Court seeking to enforce court dismissed complaint on ground violated state constitutional bar legislation. Supreme reversed remanded, striking statute's reference upholding remainder without comment denied petitioners' petition for rehearing they argued first time could not implement reformed until change had been precleared under § 5 Voting Rights Act 1965. On remand, ordered election pursuant redacted procedures prescribed by court, but directed petitioners submit plan United States Attorney General preclearance Act. subsequently objected plan, ultimately concluded its order would remain force subject compliance Respondents once again appealed Court, held prior decision was law case improperly conditioned Held: 1. Court's did rest independent adequate grounds so as this review federal issue. Where court's appear final when rendered, subsequent reliance does prevent reviewing questions determined appeal. Nor fact upon issue their may have untimely procedural rule constitute barring question, where it appears that, if still follows such rule, do "strictly or regularly." Pp. 261-265. 2. courts power decide whether applied sought respondents, must withhold further implementation disputed parties demonstrate 5. Both language purposes refute notion asked State's voting laws cannot inquire ignore circumstance enter decree violating law. Section 14(b) Act, no than Columbia jurisdiction declaratory judgment governs judgments approving proposed procedure changes. And nothing provisions 5, requiring section heard three-judge 12(f) giving proceedings section, negates presumption at least arises collaterally, requires Granting helps insure scheme. 265-271. 399 So.2d 1356, remanded. James C. Mayo, Louisville, petitioners. William Bradford Reynolds, Washington, D. C., States, amicus curiae, special leave Court. Laurel G. Weir, Philadelphia, respondents. Justice O'CONNOR delivered opinion 1 We granted certiorari over objections 1965.1 2 * has Miss. Until last December, 3 In 1964, Legislature enacted providing part: "The all districts, either added territory, (5) chosen term years, office (1) member expire year. . [I]n intersect, district." Miss.Gen.Laws, ch. 391, p. 563, codified, amended, Miss.Code Ann. 37-7-203(1) (Supp.1981). 4 Officials because believed prohibition local, private, legislation.2 1975, County,3 neglected statute.4 These plaintiffs, respondents here, named numerous defendants. respondents' complaint, holding Mississippi's reversed, specific remaining requirement county," elect trustee. Lovorn v. Hathorn, 365 947 (1979) (en banc). then "remanded chancery inconsistent [its] opinion." Id., 952. 6 officials, rehearing, comment, writ certiorari. Hathorn Lovorn, 441 946, 99 2167, 60 1049 (1979). 7 set out detailed governing election, including "[i]f candidate receives majority vote cast said elections ., runoff between candidates receiving highest [in election]." Record 143. derived latter 37-7-217 (Supp.1981), mandates runoffs conducted 37-7-203(1). 37-7-209 also agreed claim changes fell within preclearance. 141, 146-147.5 8 Upon submission, "insofar incorporate[d] requirement." App. Pet. Cert. A-8. Because substantial black population County,6 apparent pattern racially polarized county, historical absence blacks various boards, discriminatory effect. Ibid.7 9 attempted overcome obstacle both joining defendant persuading hold procedure. however, refused join unambiguously required elections. Buffeted apparently conflicting statutes, calling "remain Federal Voters [sic] previously Court." 342. 10 Failing obtain That observed "prior decision, declined reverse alter respect, became case." Carter Luke, 1358 (1981). explained upheld referring runoffs, during oral argument abide procedure, properly enforced Accordingly, portion directions lower call require election." Ibid. insuring 454 1122, 969, 71 109 (1981).8 II 11 Before addressing question raised we consider assertion rests grounds. First, contend bars question. It long established, "[w]e earlier stages [state proceedings], our right re-examine affected ruling case. ." Reece Georgia, 350 85, 87, 76 167, 169, 100 L.Ed. 77 (1955). Davis O'Hara, 266 314, 321, 45 104, 107, 69 303 (1924); Denver & Rio Grande R. Co., 191 84, 93, 24 33, 86, 48 106 (1903). final,9 contrary insulate interlocutory rulings important consideration. 12 plainly rendered. remand "for opinion," So.2d, 952 banc), together failure address expressly issue, suggested remand. Indeed, interpreted mandate precisely manner.10 Under these circumstances, us appeal.11 13 argue pretermitted consideration untimely. recognized comply question.12 Our decisions, stress "adequate" unless regularly followed." Barr City Columbia, 378 146, 149, 84 1734, 1736, 766 (1964). avoid deciding issues invoking rules apply evenhandedly similar claims. Even construe denial silent application bar, conclude consistently relies rule. cite cases indicating will "[o]nly exceptional cases." New Hughes Drilling Co. Smith, 219 657, 661 (Miss.1969); Rigdon Box 249 239, 246, 162 863, 864 Although opinions summarize practice 1969, unable find more recent decisions repeating applying rule.13 contrary, now grants petitions mentioning restrictions authority petitions.14 One particular decided year, demonstrates preclude rehearing. Quinn Branning, 404 1018 (1981), part criminal Constitution's Striking offensive language, approved affirmed underlying conviction. petitioned pointing affidavit him allege crime contention, part, conviction, new similarity case, involving foreseen arose urgency after challenged statute, persuades regularly" following precluding although appearing sufficiently permit immediate review, rested substantive rejection applies irregularly.15 Thus, there are III 16 dispute 5.16 They urge, deprives even procedures.17 analysis notion. 17 Only Term summarized principles issues. Gulf Offshore Mobil Oil Corp., 453 473, 101 2870, 784 begin, every "with enjoy concurrent jurisdiction" those 478, S.Ct., 2875. "an explicit statutory directive, [an] unmistakable implication legislative history, clear incompatibility state-court interests" rebut presumption. Most purposes, finding exclusive claims arising usually "will collaterally." 483, n. 12, 2878, 12.18 18 jurisdictional sections "[n]o 79 Stat. 445, 42 U.S.C. 1973l (b). already held, provision Other distinct Allen Elections, 393 544, 557-560, 89 817, 22 (1969); McDaniel Sanchez, 452 130, 2224, 62 724 19 Sections provide somewhat stronger support claim. "[a]ny judges accordance 2284 title 28 Code," 439, 1973c, while declares "[t]he instituted section." 444, 1973j(f).19 possible grant "action[s] under" "proceedings pursuant" 12.20 need resolve suit neither categories. Instead, initial compel forgotten law.21 Nothing 20 policies same result.22 "implemented Congress' firm intention rid country racial discrimination voting." supra, 548, 822. Fearing covered jurisdictions exercise ingenuity devise subtle forms discrimination, Congress prohibited implementing obtaining decide, collateral matter, contemplated help scheme.23 Approval limited avoids placing uncomfortable position ordering suspect, determine, should 21 If make determination, duty so. "State courts, like obligation uphold law." Stone Powell, 428 465, 494, 35, 96 3037, 3052, 49 1067 (1976) (citing Martin Hunter's Lessee, Wheat. 304, 341-344, 97 (1816)). whenever "enact seek administer standard, practice, respect different effect November 1, 1964," see Columbia. repeatedly note follow routes renders unenforceable. See, e.g., Dougherty Education White, 439 32, 46, 368, 376, 58 269 (1978); Supervisors, 429 642, 645, 833, 834, 51 (1977) (per curiam ). When party proceeding asserts relief unenforceable, therefore, examine refrain violate law.24 IV reversal judgment. analysis, 16, At time, entitled additional relief. initiated challenging 8, agree Solicitor entertaining problem instance. As noted Perkins Matthews, 400 379, 395-397, 91 431, 440-441, 27 476 (1971), better fashion relief, "is familiar nuances situation" opportunity hear evidence. 397, 441. Northern able necessary, moderate form interim satisfy 5,25 imminent inappropriate. remanded opinion. 23 So ordered. POWELL concurs 25 REHNQUIST, dissenting. 26 §§ 12(f), referred ante, 265-268, convince me intend play role enforcement heavily conclusion, said: factors generally recommending federal-court area include desirability uniform interpretation, expertise law, assumed greater hospitality peculiarly claims." 483-484, 2878-2880 (footnotes omitted). seems counsels favor jurisdiction, I understand otherwise. 29 From practical point view, think bound breed conflicts sitting determine before being jurisdiction. precursor conflict well found concluding observations Mississippi, pending pertaining involved proceed determinations whose remedy Exactly what left construction little problematical. 30 goals materially advanced tortured effort third line courts. principal today's enable whom were intended primary beneficiaries employ another weapon arsenal litigation strategies. relevant "Whenever [covered] political subdivision enact qualification prerequisite voting, institute qualification, prerequisite, purpose denying abridging account race color, contravention guarantees forth 1973b(f)(2) title, enters person procedure: Provided, submitted chief legal officer appropriate official interposed objection sixty days good cause shown, facilitate expedited approval affirmatively indicated made. 1973c. 438, 1973b, defines jurisdictions. Const., Art. 4, 90, provides: legislature pass enumerated cases, matters provided general laws, viz.: "(p ) Providing management private common school, incorporating same, granting privileges." initially Mississippi. stayed give 320. 1979, notice voluntary dismissal stipulation, prejudice. 323. charged electoral system principle person/one vote. This us. occasions, submitting General. objects proposal, request reconsideration course, instance, omitting submission Blanding DuBose, 393, 715, 70 576 (1982); 548-550, 822-823, (1969). noted, constituted approximately 39% elected. countywide Shortly certiorari, December 1981. motions stay election. 1070, 623, 607 enjoin temporary restraining taken action. scheduled. record reflect results informed held. Brief Amicus Curiae 10, 12. 1257; O'Dell Espinoza, 456 430, 1865, 237 Market Street Railroad Comm'n California, 324 551, 65 770, 772, 1171 (1945). Chancellor, fact, "would impossible up mechanics done, data necessary approve disapprove." 90-91. Nor, previous examining "well-settled imparts inference concerning view merits." Tool Trans World Airlines, Inc., 409 363, 366, 93 647, 650, 34 577 (1973). E.g., Michigan Tyler, 436 499, 512, 7, 98 1942, 1951, 56 486 York Times Sullivan, 376 254, 264, 710, 717, 686 itself, permitted exception alleged year most might actually described Leake Cooperative Dependents Barrett, 226 608, 614-616 (Miss.1969). waiver defects venue. Neither Code nor Rules embody presentation difficult know adheres silently, abandoned Cortez Brown, 408 464 (1981) banc); Cash Illinois Central 388 871 (1980) McKee McKee, 382 287 Jackson Capital Reporter Publishing 373 802 Realty Title Guaranty Howard, 355 657 Couch Martinez, 357 107 (1978) Foster Foster, 344 460 McCrory State, 342 897 Daniels 341 918 Highway Gresham, 323 100, (1975) Powers Malley, 302 262, 264 (1974). disposition depended mentioned several type considered suggests petitioning supra; supra. acknowledge novelty points establish presented many "[q]uestions come too late here." Radio Station WOW, Inc. Johnson, 326 120, 128, 1475, 1480, 2092 "the exerted way brought here original disposition." appeal merits, manner final, avoided inconsistently made disposition, circumstances South Carolina Katzenbach, 383 301, 318, 86 803, 813, 769 (1966); Fed.Reg. 9897 (1965). entities accordingly 5's strictures. Commissioners Sheffield, 435 110, 965, 55 148 (1978). immaterial derives predates comes into departs 'in effect' 1964." 395, 440, (1971) (emphasis original). Finally, presence exempt contested "reflecting policy choices representatives people," judicial constrains choices. 153, 2238, 68 reapportionment drafted order, interpretation equally instructive here. doubt actions "reflec[t] representatives." encompass situation, easily evade declining statutes Cf. 151, 2237 (noting "if normal awaiting refusal redistrict census completed, [§ 5] unintended encouraging delay making obviously needed boundaries"). light McDaniel, directing contemplates "administ[ration]" meaning restricts courts' related frequently "collaterally" reserved directly For example, variety patent laws. American Well Works Layne Bowler 241 257, 36 585, 987 (1916); Marshall Engine 223 32 238, 513 (1912); Pratt Paris Gas Light Coke 168 255, 62, (1897). Similarly, lack entertain suits Clayton often antitrust contexts. California Retail Liquor Dealers Assn. Midcal Aluminum, 445 97, 937, 63 283 (1980); Bement National Harrow 186 70, 747, 46 1058 (1902), quoted Kaiser Steel Corp. Mullins, 455 72, 81-82, 851, 858, 833 (1982). Note, Exclusive Jurisdiction Courts Private Civil Actions, Harv.L.Rev. 509, 510-511 (1957). 12(d) authorizes preventive persons "engaged about engage act by" designated 1973j(d). ruled lacks Ortiz Thompson, 604 S.W.2d 443 (Tex.Civ.App.1980). Beatty Esposito, 411 F.Supp. (EDNY 1976) (finding lacked explaining Act). based Fourteenth Amendment. cited history bearing out, absolutely effectuate Act's scheme, interested ability court. Recognition issues, furthers ameliorative permitting tribunals commands. insures coverage addressed earliest duplicative lawsuits. possess disputes parties, frustrate General's interpreting conservatively. resolution he party. Richmond 422 358, 373-374, 6, 95 2296, 2305, 245 (1975). Common notions estoppel suggest similarly bind who participate them. Restatement (Second) Judgments (Tent. Draft Apr. 1977). Persons dissatisfied likely litigate anew attempting accommodate interests. adopt approach followed registers objection, since simply void elections, gathered plurality votes take seats. We, intimate best leaving matter discretion.

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