Legal Document

358 U.S. 639 79 Supreme Court Reporter 455 3 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 562 CITY OF MERIDIAN, Appellant,v.SOUTHERN BELL TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH COMPANY. Number 546. Decided Feb. 24, 1959. Messrs. George M. Ethridge, Jr., and Lester E. Wills, for appellant. Charles baron Snow John Atlantic 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 Appeals Fifth Circuit affirmed District Court. 256 Reporter, 2nd 83. An appeal taken pursuant 28 Code KF62 § 1254(2), Annotated KF65 U5 providing decision where appellant relies state held be 'invalid repugnant Constitution, treaties or laws 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 versus 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, Incorporated 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.

Classification Label: 8