Legal Document

412 U.S. 580 93 Supreme Court Reporter 2389 37 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 187 UNITED STATES, Petitioner,v.LITTLE LAKE MISERE LAND COMPANY, INC., et al. Number 71—1459. Argued Jan. 15 and 16, 1973. Decided June 18, Syllabus. Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, acquired land parcels in Louisiana for a wildlife refuge, one by deed 1937, other condemnation 1939. Mineral rights were reserved respondent former owners period of 10 years, subject extension if certain detailed exploration production conditions met, after which complete fee title was vest States. The 10-year expired without being met. Respondents continued claim mineral rights, relying on Act 315 1940, which, as applied retroactively, provides that conveyances shall be 'imprescriptible,' thus, effect, extending indefinitely owners' reservations. Government brought this suit quiet title. District entered summary judgment respondents, concluding Leiter Minerals, Incorporated versus States, 5 Cir., 329 Federal Reporter, 2nd 85, dispositive issues, notwithstanding had been vacated case remanded with instructions dismiss complaint moot. Appeals affirmed. Held: Under settled principles governing choice law federal courts, Louisiana's 1940 does not apply reservations agreed parties 1937 Pp. 590 593. (a) Here, where acquisition is party arises from bears heavily upon regulatory program, task defined Clearfield Trust company 318 363, 63 573, 87 L.Ed. 838. 590—593. (b) Absence provision dealing limit reach law, interstitial lawmaking basic responsibility courts. Pacific KF135 P2 (c) Even assuming established body state property should generally govern acquisitions, 315, retroactively applied, may not, because determining appropriateness 'borrowing' specific aberrant or hostile rules do provide appropriate standards law. acquisitions explicitly authorized statute are made rule retroactive imprescriptibility, plainly deprives bargained-for contractual interests. 594—593. (d) To permit legislation abrogate explicit terms prior would seriously impair statutory programs certainty finality indispensable transactions. 597—599. (e) serves no legitimate important interests fulfillment Congress might have contemplated through application 'borrowed' 599—602. (f) In 1939, could anticipate issue characterized, under present indefinite duration freely revocable. A late-crystallizing doctrine modify clear expectations 602—603. (g) As it here, necessary choose between some residual interpretation formulating an independent 'common law' rule; neither Louisiana, yet either resolves dispute Government's favor. 603—604. 453 360, reversed remanded. William Bradford Reynolds, Washington, D.C., petitioner. Austin W. Lewis, New Orleans, La., respondents. Mr. Chief Justice BURGER delivered opinion Court. 1 We granted writ consider whether written agreements when acquires public purposes Congress. 2 initiated litigation 1969 Western seeking two adjacent Cameron Parish, pursuant 45 Statutes-at-Large 1222, 16 Code KF62 § 715 seq., part Lacassine Wildlife Refuge.1 Title parcel purchase July 23, 1937; August 30, Both act sale 1939 Little Lake Misere oil, gas, sulphur, minerals years date vesting States.2 reservation continue effect 'as long (after initial ten-year period) sulphur produced . so thereafter (respondents) conduct drilling reworking operations thereon cessation more than sixty (60) days consecutively until results; and, results, such produced.' further recited at end any during above 'the right mine, produce market said terminate lands thereby become vested States.' 3 stipulated, found, both drilling, reworking, conducted obtained following condemnation, respectively. Thus, these instruments, ripened 1947 1949, respectively—10 dates creation. 1955, issued oil gas leases applicable question. 4 Respondents, however, accordingly various transactions purporting dispose those rights. relied La.Rev.Stat. 9:5806, subd. (Supp. 1973), provides: 'When conventional contract, expropriation proceedings America, its subdivisions agencies person, firm corporation, acquisition, order judgment, royalties reserved, conveyed royalties, still force previously sold imprescriptible.' 6 contended enactment rendered inoperative set forth extinguishment concluded Appeals' decision 85 (CA5 1964), required resolution favor we Minerals 381 413, 1575, 14 692 (1965). affirmed, reasons stated holding. It rejected Contract Clause Supremacy objections authority Nebo Oil Co., 190 1003 1951), argument unconstitutionally discriminatory against observed 'that same principle applies State (La.Rev.Stat. B), really nothing place citizens position states whose has purchased condemned 362 (1971). reverse. 7 * Litigation involving began quarter century ago. case, based only principal holding area. first arise Whitney Nat. Bank Creek grew out 1932 specified prescription. surface 1936, sale, question arose servitude created sale. held fully 1936 transaction—'not there anything indicate intended application, but general jurisprudence court laws prescription limiting time within actions retrospective their operation.' 212 La. 949, 958, 33 So.2d 693, 696 (1947).3 acknowledged contention unconstitutional, dismissed constitutional resolving failure join party. 8 stage test construed supra, aff'g, 90 F.Supp. 73 (WD La.1950). There (the successor purchaser (Whitney case) secure declaratory owned acreage original But upheld consummated transaction, stressing reversionary estates unknown that, result, took 'nothing mere expectation, hope, anticipated continuance .. (This) expectancy cannot regarded protected Constitution.' 1008—1009.4 9 litigation, detailed, conditional time. Inc., succeeded family, 1938 substantial tract Placquemines Leiter's favor, providing essence extended five beyond whenever commercially advantageous extraction occurred 50 period.5 At expiration mine 'and becomes own terms; valuable lease; invoked support continuing duration. After false start ensuing found way into forum. used Eastern enjoin concurrent Leiter. affirmed injunction Court,6 agreed, authoritative construction before proceeding difficult issues case. 352 220, 229, 77 287, 292, 267 (1957).7 11 Adhering remand, sought expressed doubt over breadth controversy facts. Ultimately, jurisdiction limited elucidation applying itself. California 241 915, 132 845 (1961). conclusions follows: 12 'First, establishing definite, fixed, elapsed, then constitutionally applied; second, definite time, decided provisions show stipulating created, constitutional.' Id., 942, So.2d, 854—855. 13 Recognizing us proceeding,' id., 930, 850, nevertheless hinted broadly viewed thus 315. See 936, 938, 852, 853. returned court. fixed Court's ruling, matter affected 204 560 (ED 1962). reversed. controlled reservation, held, instead, governed believed 'one duration' view. therefore, 'provide(d) (Act 315).' F.2d, 93. construed, impaired obligation discussion Oil, opinion, 'unnecessary labor' point. 94. Judge Gewin dissented. On advised settled, certiorari, Appeals, cause II essential premise governs Act. did detail basis premise,8 court's seems say bottom, 'ordinary' 'local' transaction happens suggestion Erie R. Tompkins, 304 64, 58 817, 82 1188 (1938), compels here Rules Decisions 28 1652,9 requires absence congressional command contrary. disagree. jurisdictional grant suits itself mandate all circumstances. This follows itself, where, although courts diversity cases, possess power develop concomitant Mishkin, Variousness 'Federal Law': Competence Discretion Choice National Decision, 105 U.Pa.L.Rev. 797, 799 (1957). true, too, '(t)he great country controls transmission, transfer property, defines relation private parties, statutes decisions state.' Davies Warehouse Bowles, 321 144, 155, 64 474, 480, 88 635 (1944). heyday, exception carved local real property. Swift Tyson, Pet. 1, 865 (1842); see Kuhn Fairmont Coal 215 349, 30 140, 143, 54 228 (1910). Indeed, opinions left open possibility even while Constitution action, perhaps special forms control, ordinary proprietary relations law.' Hart, Relations Between Law, Col.L.Rev. 489, 533 (1954). See, e.g., Mason 260 545, 558, 43 200, 203, 67 396 (1923). 17 Despite arguable reasoning instant recognized like arising bearing program. choice-of-law 838 (1943). Since Erie, corollary decision, consistently acted assumption dealings raise serious questions national sovereignty they context provision; particularly undertaken involved, case10 Acts 'require' otherwise force. 18 will often particular party; example, guides interpreting silence score reason thought Minerals. contrary, inevitable incompleteness presented means 'At very least, effective Constitutionalism recognition declare, common 'judicial legislation,' fill interstitially effectuate patterns enacted large words, must mean judicial competence declare area comprising substantially related program government U.Pa.L.Rev., 800. 19 This, then, what aptly described 'first' holdings supra—that seek legal redress duly 'is right, formulate decision.' Friendly, Praise Erie—And Common 39 N.Y.U.L.Rev. 383, 410 (1964). least step analysis here. deal agreement authorized, though precisely governed, Cf. America & Savings Association Parnell, 29, 33, 119, 121, (1956). progeny, duties imposed find roots sources. fashion according standards.' U.S., 366—367, S.Ct., 575; Allegheny County, 322 174, 183, 908, 913, 1209 (1944); Standard 332 301, 305, 1604, 1606, 91 2067 (1947); Board County Comm'rs 308 343, 349—350, 60 285, 287—288, 84 313 (1939).11 III 20 next our determine interpreted law—Act 1940. availability itself12 elaborated later supra. 'in many situations, apart supposed influence determined specifically.' 308, 1608. went observe 'of policy, affecting merely establishment groundings also relations, factor controlling types cases producing ruling. And answer given necessarily dependent variety considerations always relevant nature governmental effects them 309—310, 1609. De Sylva Ballentine, 351 570, 580, 76 974, 979, 100 1415 (1956); RFC Beaver 328 204, 66 992, 1172 (1946); 351—352, 288—289; Royal Indemnity 289, 296, 61 995, 997, 1361 (1941); Yazell, 382 341, 356—357, 86 500, 508—509, 404 (1966); cf. Mitchell, 403 190, 1763, 29 406 21 urges decide, virtually qualification, federally 93.970 Acres, 360 328, 79 1193, 1275 (1959). unnecessary resolve broad terms. For assumed persuaded today—Louisiana's applied—may not. 'reasons make times singularly inappropriate here.' Trust, 367, 575.13 22 past careful illegitimate child 'child' author entitled Copyright renew author's copyright whether, heir author. Harlan's pains caution 'does use word 'children' entirely strange familiar usage ..' 581, 980. definition 'real property,' taxation, derived fashioned purpose can best accomplished constitutes property"—but again foresaw approach acceptable 'so plain, discrimination government, patently run counter Act.' 210, 995. U.A.W. Hoosier Cardinal Corp., 383 696, 706, 1107, 1113, 192 (1966). 23 States,14 contract specifically prolonging vendor's 24 abrogation blow scheme indeed programs. These scope. They acute active bargaining officials charged making possible conservation appropriations. Certainty especially critical when, carrying irrevocably commit scarce funds. 25 legislative history confirms importance authorizes. originally 1929, provided include reservations, easements, 'such regulations' Secretary Agriculture prescribe 'from time.' 6, 1223. sweeping statement Secretary's unsettling potential vendors; 1935, amended require his regulations easement promulgated time.'15 solicitous vendors hardly condone modification vendee, characterized 'rules meaning 26 Conceivably, conclusion influenced served deprecate concern facilitating removing uncertainty reluctant retained them. From appearances, significant behind legislation.16 today asked face, 1940; concerned pair however ligitimate State's interest already completed 315: legislature 'facilitate' consummated.17 27 candidly additional help explain clarify taxability virtue arcane fluctuating doctrines intergovernmental tax immunity; ensure subjected pre-emption.18 unsympathetic consequences continuing, substantial, contingent, minerals. Congress, scarcely proper justification effectively Our Union complicated organism, processes legitimately simplified inviting expedient confiscating States.19 point '(o)ne who owns outstanding possesses (under law), inasmuch 'estates reversion' Such owner hope acquire rights; object legally sold.' Brief 27, citing, Hicks Clark, 225 133, 72 recognizes stake transferable such, after-the-fact adverse contrary requirements import articulated 1973, respondents reversion duration, 'hope' 'expectancy' revocable after-enacted legislation. heavy reliance traditionally prescriptive change. 'indefinite' been. later, 1957, came Uncertainty guiding remand hopes obtaining view advisory decide Leiter-type modification—to extent Court, subsequently judge dissented issue, reason, renews Were less specific, bound unforeseeable changes flatly inconsistent respondents' fact expected wholly modification. Nor, reliable contemporaneous signpost final pertinent question, ought contained empty promise. Respondents' 1961 assumes appropriately wxpectations bargains. argument, indistinguishable defense Years fact, redefine terminology IV 31 speaking alternatives plain identifying categories somewhat elusive. One 'choice' urged i.e., circumstances, suggested (1946), Wallis Pan American Petroleum 384 63, 1301, 369 (1966),20 choice, possibly contracting However, setting issue's outcome relationship accord program.' 805—806. 32 implemented permissible merges demands legislation; turn away default. Once need unequivocal; concluded, disputed '(respondents') terminated 1947, unless caused servitudes hold identified Accordingly, reverse entry consistent opinion. 34 Reversed 35 STEWART, concurring judgment. 36 N Dec. Immigration Nationality agree brooding omnipresence labeled me, 'borrowing,' anyone, including Government, goes determined, statute, State. That 228—230, 292 293, (1957), avoid deciding issues. Other lead conclusion. 352—358, 506—510, Burnison, 339 87, 89, 70 503, 504, 94 675 (1950); Sunderland 266 226, 232—233, 65, 69 259 (1924); 557—558, (1923); Fox, 320, (1877). 38 think decisive me constitutional.1 unequivocal: period, regarding met—the terminate, land, bargained contingent future minerals; clearly conveyances, reflected consideration paid owners. Yet subsequent operated agreed-upon eliminating interest. believe, textbook example violation Article I, 10, cl. Constitution, pass 'impairing Obligation Contracts.'2 40 concur 41 REHNQUIST, 42 my Brother STEWART central judicially displace establish reservation. Whether enact now us. 366, 574, (1943), 'on commercial paper having uniform across Nation decision. makes similarly too tenuous invoke principle, light statements What 'textbook example' Contracts Clause, something difficult. scope clause restricted Home Building Loan Assn. Blaisdell, 290 398, 231, 78 413 (1934), Minnesota mortgagor redeem equity foreclosure face vigorous arguments valid contract. simpler ground disposing debatable 44 believe another agencies' While argued proposition is, points out, demonstrated. event change prescriptibility nongovernmental grantees. Implicit number taxation measures nondiscriminatory. James Dravo Contracting 302 134, 208, 155 (1937); York 326 572, 310, (1946). 46 immunity enunicated McCulloch Maryland, Wheat. 316, 579 (1819), evolved since immune treatment manner interferes execution laws. If Pennsylvania impose nondiscriminatory (1944), fortiori, enforce involved therefore separate 1345, consolidated consent Fed.Rule Civ.Proc. 42(a). Frost-Johnson Lumber Salling's Heirs, 150 756, Southern S69 207 (1922), declined recognize perpetual 'mineral estate' lands, independently overlying Instead, declared 'oil absolute ownership things soil form part,' 858, So., 243, affords go search reduce possession found. 2A. Yiannopoulos, Civil Law Treatise, Property 99 (1967); Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Daggett, Rights (Rev. ed. 1949). Hardy, Birth Loyola L.Rev. 299 (1970). Frost-Johnson, '(s)ale almost classified servitudes.' 62, 183; 2. 'Prescription' remedy protect occur creation, maintained accordance complex acknowledgment. extend advance agreement, 3460, La.Civ.Code Ann.; Hightower Maritzky, 194 998, 1006—1007, 195 518, 520—521 (1940). barred agreeing shorter years. Nabors, Servitude Royalty Doctrines: Report Committee Institute, Tul.L.Rev. 176—177 (1951). distinguishes 'peremption.' explained distinction terms: "When creates stipulates delay executed, properly speaking, prescription, peremption. Statutes simply bar remedy. peremption destroy action say, expires longer exists; lost." Brister Wray Dickinson 183 562, 565, 164 415, 416 (1935), cited 73, 80 Because considered 'remedial' causes enacted. 81—82, cited. emphasized Department represented vendor forest purposes.' 1003, 1005. noted price reflect value absent representation apply. 1006. 'an average per year' three term, five-year respect twenty-five acres land' around each well drilled 'time extension.' Additional extensions time' completion operations. 224 1955), 127 439 La.1954). 1957 abstain. uncertainties surrounding attempt 'to case.' understand suggestion, echoed foreshadowed '(i)t added definitively overriding 229—230, 267. 'Congress applicable, intention (Leiter) property.' '(s)tate statute,' (1842). Later 'since (28 1345), ultimate rests interpretation, 90, 91. statements, appears (applied force), role confined laid down highest Possibly, though, ('ultimate .') 'borrowing.' 'The several states, except treaties provide, civil apply.' seeks oust substantive amorphous sovereignty' divorced premised solely every activity represents exercise power,' 92, 505 506, Burnison Fox stand opposite spectrum displaces course exercising matter. (1924) (United Oklahoma imposing restrictions alienation Indian despite 'general tenure, transfer, control disposition matters rest exclusively lies'). falls poles Sunderland. Here unquestionably fails specify contemplates displacement Certain Property, 306 (CA2 1962), suggest force, acquisitions. N.Y.U.L.Rev., 411 n. 133. 'In occasionally selected 575. disposition, delcine uncertainty, applicability infra, 601—602. 1938, Legislature passed 68 151. 'for construction, operation maintenance spillway floodway' 151, enough supersede 68, royalty estate 'acquired work and/or improvement.' Comment, Imprescriptible Reservations Sales Land Governments, 496 (1948). 'floodway' 'public work' qualifications inapplicable parties' reflects belief 151 inapplicable, argue material S.Rep.No.822, 74th Cong., 1st Sess., Special Resources S. 3006, Pages 2—3 (1935): 1929 policy areas migratory waterfowl refuges. act, purchasing refuges, administration developed harassments desirable willing convey uncertain 'Obviously justified view, just obviously, reasonable secured enjoyment conveyance execution, leaving requirement existing he bird refuge. 'Accordingly proposed amend section discretion Agriculture, instrument conveyance.' 932, 845, 848 likewise places footing States' 'There objects 'One sources revenue severance levied collected natural resources extracted land. purchased, owner's share deprived sums taxes, immense oil-producing sections state, facts disclose. 'Moreover, police protect, conserve, replenish prohibit prevent waste. adopted regulating state. By imprescriptible retaining vendors, avoided conflict government.' 933—934, 851—852. 1958, passage subjects imprescriptibility. 278 B (8supp.1973). belated effort parity eliminate thing, 1958 full reaching back earlier. More basic, comparable With relating tied freedom respect. avowed permitting regulation quite possibly, fall exclusive domain. However parallel actual respective sovereigns, significantly affects immunity. readily distinguishable case; assignability lease parties. 'no threat identifiable interest.' 1304, 369. suggest, (ante, 588, 7), finally resolved Rather, 292—293, quoted 'can far cry upheld, challenge emergency cope extraordinary economic depression 1934. paramount City El Paso Simmons, 379 497, 577, 446

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