Legal Document

375 U.S. 411 84 Supreme Court Reporter 461 11 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 440 Jerry R. ENGLAND et al., Appellants,v.LOUISIANA STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS al. Number 7. Argued Oct. 15, 1963. Decided Jan. 13, 1964. [Syllabus from pages 411-412 intentionally omitted] Russell Morton Brown, Washington, D.C., Floyd Judge Reed, New Orleans, La., for appellants. Robert E. LeCorgne, Jr., appellees. Mr. Justice BRENNAN delivered the opinion of Court. 1 Appellants are graduates schools chiropractice who seek to practice in Louisiana without complying with educational requirements Medical Practice Act, Title 37, LSA Rev.Stat. §§ 1261—1290. They brought this action against respondent State Board Examiners Federal District Eastern Louisiana, seeking an injunction and a declaration that, as applied them, he Act violated Fourteenth Amendment. A statutory three-judge court1 invoked, sua sponte, doctrine abstention, on ground that 'The state court might effectively end controversy by determination chiropractors not governed statute,' entered order 'staying further proceedings until courts shall have been afforded opportunity determine issues here presented, retaining jurisdiction take such steps may be necessary just disposition litigation should anything prevent prompt determination.' 180 F.Supp. 121, 124.2 2 thereupon courts. did restrict those question whether chiropractors. unreservedly submitted decision, briefed argued, their contention if applicable chiropractors, Amendment.3 The terminated decision declining review intermediate appellate court's holding both so applied, it violate La.App., 126 So.2d 51. 3 then returned Court,4 where they were met motion appellees dismiss federal action. This was granted, 'since passed all raised, including claims deprivation under Constitution, court, having no power proceedings, must complaint. proper remedy appeal States.' saw case illustrating 'the dilemma litigant has invoked assert claimed constitutional right finds himself remitted tribunals.' dilemma, said 'On one hand, view Government & Civic Employees Organizing Committee (C.I.O.) versus Windsor, 353 364, 77 838, 894, dare his local law issues. On other, if, required raises questions there, well established principles will bar relitigation * Since, usual case, already remain, is thereby deprived forum adjudication claims.' 194 521, 522. appealed directly 28 Code KF62 § 1253, we noted probable jurisdiction. 372 904, 83 714, 9 715. We reverse remand merits appellants' Amendment claims. 4 There fundamental objections any conclusion properly consider can compelled, consent through fault own, accept instead claims.5 Such result would at war unqualified terms which Congress, pursuant authorization, conferred specific categories upon courts, principle 'When over jurisdiction, its duty *. party plaintiff choose there choice cannot denied.' Willcox Consolidated Gas Co., 212 19, 40, 29 192, 195, 53 L.Ed. 382. Nor does abstention require or support result. Abstention judge-fashioned vehicle according appropriate deference 'respective competence systems.' Pacific KF135 P2 L. company Thibodaux, 360 25, 29, 79 1070, 1073, 1058. Its recognition role final expositors implies disregard primacy judiciary deciding law.6 Accordingly, several occasions explicitly recognized 'does not, course, involve abdication but only postponement exercise.' Harrison NAACP, 167, 177, 1025, 1030, 1152; accord, supra, U.S., 1058.7 5 It true after postabstention rejection could direct NAACP Button, 371 415, 328, 405; Lassiter Northampton County Elections, 45, 985, 1072. But review, even when available rather than discretionary certiorari, inadequate substitute initial determination—often three judges, 2281—to entitled law; especially fact. Limiting deny him benefit trial constructing record making fact findings. How facts found often dictate 'It typical, rare, turn resolution contested factual issues.' Townsend Sain, 293, 312, 745, 756, 770. 'There always margin error, representing error factfinding *.' Speiser Randall, 357 513, 525, 78 1332, 1342, 1460. Thus cases where, application doctrine, primary Court, unwillingly determination.8 possibility substituted, party's wishes, litigate fully made clear last Term 427, S.Ct., 335, 405, 'a return obtaining authoritative construction abstained, claim.' 6 also however, elect forgo right. Our judgment Virginia Appeals tribunals parties thereunder 'final' purposes our 1257. In determining, held petitioner had elected 'to complete (its) rights courts' thus manifested election 'by Richmond Circuit binding adjudication' permanent declaratory relief, reservation entire coming certiorari.' 427—428, 405. fashioned rule recognizing because inconsistency allowing decide, once abstained compelled proceed event, abandon original submit relying come go him. serves avoid much delay expense inevitably gives rise; voluntarily made, see reason why given effect. 7 need what steps, any, short taken suffice manifest election. instant appellants attempt sought requires determination. line drawn bright clear, litigants shunted exposed, unusual delay, procedural traps operating deprive them claims.9 argued nothing done Button suffice—that retain unless litigates seeks Court.10 party, litigating although do so, allowed ignore adverse start again countenance unnecessary increase length cost litigation; potential source friction between judiciaries. implicitly rejected stated elects courts.' now hold freely submits decided Court—he 8 clarification Committee, C.I.O. referred plaintiffs Windsor statute challenged 'advanced' 'presented' contentions statute's constitutionality. bare Alabama (appellant) union subject suffice, since asked interpret light presented If freedom-of-expression equal-protection arguments construed different manner.' 366, 839, 894. oral argument advised submission motivated primarily belief this. likewise thought 'dare F.Supp., Others read same way.11 shoul read. mean inform are, 'in of' See Note, 7o Harv.L.Rev. 1358, 1364—1365 (1960). mere compliance conclusion, less create presumption, litigated recognize heat find difficult doing more Windsor. particularly typical one, construe backdrop challenge. denying applicability led merely claim argue it, persuade offend ordinarily persuaded addition, rendering chooses so; explicit, arguably imply, construction, considers challenge merit. 10 Despite these uncertainties arising Windsor—which repeat, actually courts—a readily forestall He accomplish 'reservation Button. That is, exposing purpose intends, law, contentions. explicit indispensable; event denied clearly appears courts.12 When events preserved.13 announce today call affirmance Court's judgment. unwilling apply As noted, assertedly so.14 mistaken, avail other rely today's decision. say, face respectable authorities, below, unreasonable acting it. therefore dismissed reversed, remanded consistent opinion. 12 ordered. 13 Reversed remanded. 14 DOUGLAS, concurring. 15 judge-made promises serious impact N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions think reappraisal Railroad commission Texas Pullman 312 496, 61 643, 85 971, stems, necessary. Although propriety either originally evolved, raised parties, time reevaluate I. 16 little 20 years ago, launched experiment management federal-state relations inappropriately called 'abstention doctrine.' numerous abstains, dismissing entertain tribunal resolving controversy. bankruptcy commonly sends trustee into complex adjudicated. Thompson Magnolia 309 478, 60 628, 876. refuses exercise equity powers appointing receivers charge failing business, procedures afford adequate protection private rights. Commonwealth Pennsylvania Williams, 294 176, 55 380, 841. normally suit enjoin criminal prosecutions tribunals, convictions being restricted Beal Missouri Pac. 418, 577. declines relief taxes policy interfering injunction. Great Lakes Dredge Dock Huffman, 19 63 87 1407. Where administrative challenged, intervene protective claim. Burford Sun Oil 319 315, 1098, 1424; Public Service Southern 341 341, 71 762, 95 1002. examples multiplied adopts hands-off remits tribunal. 17 kind case. abstain; complaint; retains while obtain preliminary ruling judgment—on questions. requiring repair grounds; way, issue disappear; survive two state-law constructions adopted. 'last word' meaning 'belongs neither us nor district supreme Texas,' 500, 645, 971. concluded: 18 'In situation decide tentative answer displaced tomorrow adjudication. Glenn Field Packing 290 54 138, 252; Lee Bickell, 292 727, 1337. reign hardly promoted supplanted controlling court. resources equal adjustment waste premature adjudication.' Ibid. 'with directions bill pending reasonable promptness, conformity opinion.' Id., 501—502, 646, II. member sent way. realized creature become, my doubts far deeper were. 21 seemed some qualities legal research luxury. Clay insurance Office, 363 207, 228, 80 1222, 1234, 1170 (dissenting opinion): 22 'Some long purses. Many, lawsuit, let alone two. Shuttling sure way defeating ends justice. pursuit justice academic exercise. foundations finance nice involved litigation. entitled—absent unique rare situations—to Congress empowered act.' 23 recently late Charles Clark Second Appeals, 'As individual shuffled back forth dragged out eight- ten-year periods.' Procedural Reform States' Rights, 40 Tex.L.Rev. 211, 221 (1961). 24 Professor Atlantic Wright described results occurred enforcement restricting employees join unions:1 '* five litigation, trips highest still failed statute.' Defendant ctrine Reconsidered, 37 815, 818 (1959). 25 simple least verges insubstantial. Louisiana's LSA—Rev.Stat. 37:1261 seq. includes practitioners medicine. Examiners, State, says included. say and, unconstitutional. started May 1957, nearly seven later merits. 26 seems like price pay federalism. Referral rulings encourage smooth operation federalism, clashes systems. be; influence has, think, de minimis. Moreover, complexity judges inherent system designed Congress. Resolution implicit diversity citizenship Since Erie Tompkins, 304 64, 58 817, 82 1188, head daily task determining is. excuse refusal suit. Meredith Winter Haven, 320 64 7, 88 9. said: 27 serve convenience. generally suitors cases, option, 234, 11, And Allegheny Frank Mashuda 185, 196, 1060, 1067, 1163. how asserts 'option' sue courts,' ruling, loses Propper Clark, 337 472, 491, 69 1333, 1344, 93 1480, referral discrete latter 'complete controversy, perhaps stay protect own jurisdiction.' went 'Otherwise sending fragment itself blocked res judicata ousted placed Congress.' 491—492, 1480. 30 Today put jeopardy. many advantages federally constructed record. appointed life likely enforce unpopular minorities judges. Madison problem creation lower mooted: 31 'What improper verdicts, obtained biased dependent judge, prejudices undirected jury? To cause new purpose. oblige bring up witnesses, though ever distant seat An effective establishment, commensurate legislative authority, essential. government executive trunk body, arms legs act more.' Elliot's Debates (Lipp. ed. 1941), Page 159. 32 share criticism regard, times racial too 'suffered flouted.' Lusky, Racial Discrimination Law, Col.L.Rev. 1163, 1179 (1963). vantage point devotion over-all outstanding. stand lose command critical today. holds goes involuntarily, reserving Indeed prudent ruled, Court.' 33 Yet whole courts—that bones question—he presumed try expressly reserved Perhaps consequences judicata. principle; higher dignity proceedings. Better approve procedure overlay treacherous requirement requirement. 34 What makes something Frankenstein. Any presumption work way—that gets forsake suit, evinces matter finally preliminarily 35 As, exhausts decides here, forum. 428, seldom For pursues hierarchy do. beyond takes fork leading III. 36 preserved, lighten make ponderous imposing. mandatory, discretionary, Courts. Thibodaux 28, 1072, 1058, Courts, sanctioned power, So, ease resolved, weary expensive tribunals. Whether agree BLAC present involves substantial question, certainly borders insubstantial; discretion once, avoiding completely—free interference Appeals. have, moreover, extended contrary prior Proper 491 492, 1344—1345, shadow field eminent domain.2 supra. Brother dissent case: 38 attempts carve area which, questions, encouraged abnegate responsibilities cases.' 36—37, 1077, 39 reflects antipathy passing IV. historic States, needless. Warren, Interference, 43 345 (1930). numerous. free easy injunctions, interfered wholesale public utility rate orders,3 efforts collect revenue,4 suits courts.5 Prior 'mischievous results' (304 74, 820, 1188) earlier Swift Tyson, Pet. 1, 865, apparent, formulation 'general law' legitimate policies. 73—78, 819—822, 1188. inflating Due Process Clause Amendment, became sort super-legislature, reviewing wisdom wide variety law. See, e.g., Lochner York, 198 539, 49 937; Burns Baking Bryan, 264 504, 44 412, 68 813. 41 Those chapters ended, sometimes judicial housekeeping,6 consequence legislation.7 mostly remain conflicts Nation performance functions referee system. unavoidable effort Marshall beginning Gibbons Ogden, Wheat. 23, great common market within grand design Commerce Clause. Negroes full benefits (see Brown Education, 347 483, 74 686, 98 873; 349 294, 75 753, 99 1083), Fifteenth Amendments. Cir., Reporter, 2nd 583, aff'd 145, 112; Raines, 362 17, 519, 524; McElveen, 10, sub nom. Thomas, 58, 612, 535. 42 deference, mandatory requirements, stricter. permit refer offers relief.8 Otherwise, conducted conducted. leave refuse tangled maze statutes decisions. weight down procedures, trap unwary. 45 desirable alternative. better, customarily adding foot decree Cardozo, writing unanimous 426, 732, 1337: 46 otherwise, advised, decree, appear Florida transactions here.' 47 Another alternative follow certificate route, available. authorized9 provide Rule10 answering certificates concerning tendered use procedure11 perplexities (Dresner Tallahassee, 136, 235; Aldrich Aldrich, 75, 249, 184, 305). procedure; asserting independence insisting adjudications use. V. 48 After civil rights, controversies involving Negroes, effects. 1152, harbingers things come. complaint filed November 1956, announced January 14, words, elapsed institution product sizable collision State. Cases prosecuted convicted expeditiously provided instances continue ones almost instituted special minorities. entails statutes, city ordinances, decisions, commissions, like. Under Negro starts soon journey out. inclination expedite status quo side procrastination. adds toll 50 Bar told repairs along pursue remedy, ruling. gather reservation, 'he Or, forgets fails preserve submitting 'litigated,' y consideration warning. opinion, most, become obscure one—little known Bar. Lawyers keep nuances opinions, touching exotic evolve fear veritable trap. 51 recognizes value says, findings' considerable. Ante, 416. trapped veritably encased findings disturb. escape considerable ones. today, values promise lost important areas 52 mention element evils spun doctrine. Time noxious effect explosive festers grievances pile high slow, pace promptly. apt pertinent observation At times, said, upshot negative or, plain language, defendant's judgment.'12 Delay sponsors, keeps entrenched renders judgment' requirements. These compounded assertion rights13 slowly passage expenditure money leaving ultimate illusory one. BLACK, concurring part dissenting part. insofar erred reasons gave am dismissal affirmed grounds relied Skelly sitting first brought: warranting Hitchcock Collenberg, 140 894 (D.C.D.Md.), aff'd, 919, 679, 718; cf. Ex parte Poresky, 30, 3, 152. Compare Fife, 162 La. 681, 111 S69 274 720, 590, 4; Dent West Virginia, 129 114, 231, 623. Wisdom's opinions reversal Wright's 259 626, 627 (C.A.5th Cir.), 263 661, 674 Cir.). petition certiorari Fifth denied, 359 1012, 1149, 1036, stage dispositive before us. Urie Thompson, 163, 1018, 1282. 1957. initially authority American Law 594, per curiam, 1324. rehearing, 661. 1036. convened. here. Turner City Memphis, 369 350, 805, 762; 1253. scope Appellants' appended copy recited proceeding pursuance obedience to' order. Like injunctive relief. allegations inapplicable alternative, your unconstitutional' violation validity substantially identical basis documentary evidence sustained appellees' defense 'no action.' 1072; 1257(2). unwarranted disruption process. Kurland, Toward Co-operative Judicial Federalism: Doctrine, F.R.D. 481, 487. contemplates 'that unsettled (may) underlying questions,' Meridian Bell Tel. 358 639, 640, 455, 456, 562, deferred potentially authoritatively rest,' Pipe Line Ideal Cement 134, 135—136, 676, 677, 623, constitutionality guesses regarding law,' Spector Motor Service, Inc., McLaughlin, 323 101, 105, 65 152, 154, 89 enactments exposed limiting interpretation federa constitutionality,' 178, 1031, 1152. Even instance, prosecutions, immune, habeas corpus, novo consideration. 312—319, 757—760, Cf. Wright, Doctrine 825 One permitted Tribune Review Publishing 153 486, 254 883, litigant's following denial Mack Pennsylvania, 386 Pa. 251, cert. 352 1002, 559, 547. 59 749, 773 (1959); 73 1364 (1960), quoting brief appellant, 5, suggested 'take pleasure piecemeal *' 'probably prefer records enter judgments them.' 227, opinion). confident sharing doctrine's 'furthering harmonious relation authority,' 501, respect Walsh, 135 Conn. 40—41, 89, 92. However, course preclude finding so. declined well, vacate abstention. Usually defendant also, virtue removal 1441(b), there. Once joined insist, another's objection, question. Thus, impair corresponding defendant. oppose plaintiff's opposing reservation. be, deter order, instructing presented,' misleading. Some used shuttle yet Mottolese Kaufman, 176 301; Beiersdorf McGohey, 187 14)—decisions baldly suitor granted convenient judge S.Rep. 701, 72d Cong., 1st Sess., Pages 2—4; H.R.Rep. 1194, 73d 2—3; 125, 3—9 Johnson 1934, 1342. 1035, 75th 2, Tax Injunction 1937, 1341. Toucey York Life 314 118, 62 139, 86 100; 2283. Day-Brite Lighting, Missouri, 342 421, 72 96 469; Giboney Empire Storage 336 490, 684, 834; Ferguson Skrupa, 726, 1028, 93. notes 4, Thirty-six plus Puerto Rico Virgin Islands, adopted Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act. 9A L.Ann. (1962 Cum.Ann.Pt.), Other specified Anderson, Actions (1959 Supp.), 6. T. ordered hand repaired involved, Mississippi, lacked procedure. IV Martindale-Hubbell (1963), 979. switched roles, city—a action—suing telephone noncompliance resolved company's favor. Meridian, 241 Miss. 678, 131 666. Fla.Stat.Ann., 1955, 25.031, provides: may, circuit appeals Columbia, propositions laws state, determinative cause, precedents decisions certify instructions written answer.' Federalism, 489—490 1368 Rule 4.61 Appellate Rules, F.S.A., Courts Appeal procedents law.' respects Herb Pitcairn, 324 117, 459, 789, 325 77, 954, 1483; King Order Travelers, 333 153, 160, 488, 92 608; Hart Wechsler, System (1953), 444—446. Limits Objectivity, Am.U.L.Rev. Jurisdiction Revision Code, Cont.Problems, 216, 229—230 (1948) discussing proposed codification whereby limited situations: 'These observations qualification instance: specially Civil Rights Laws. declared precious calling jury, slightest risk nullification danger unhappily past. moving wrong direction reduce field—not interest smaller outweighed factors national concern. Needless formulate exception drafting problem; measure Laws.' 230.

Classification Label: 8