Legal Document

332 U.S. 19 67 Supreme Court Reporter 1658 91 L.Ed. 1889 UNITED STATESv.STATE OF CALIFORNIA. Number 12, Original. Argued March 13, 14, 1947. Decided June 23, Rehearing Denied Oct. See 68 37. Order and Decree 27, 20. [Argument of Counsel from pages 19-21 intentionally omitted] Tom C. Clark, Atty. Gen., Arnold Raum, Washington, D.C., for complainant. Fred or Haw. Hawai‘i Reports KFH45 A2 Howser, San Francisco, Cal., William W. Clary, Los Angeles, defendant. Leander I. Shelley, New York City, American Association Port Authorities, as amicus curiae, by special leave Court. Price Daniel, Austin, Tex., National Attorneys General, Mr. Justice BLACK delivered the opinion 1 The United States its Attorney General Solicitor brought this suit against State California invoking our original jurisdiction under Article III, § 2, Constitution which provides that 'In all Cases * in a shall be Party, supreme have Jurisdiction.' complaint alleges 'is owner fee simple f, poss essed paramount rights powers over, lands, minerals other things value underlying Pacific Ocean, lying seaward ordinary low water mark on coast outside inland waters State, extending three nautical miles bounded north south, respectively, northern southern boundaries California.' It is further alleged California, acting pursuant to state statutes, but without authority States, has negotiated executed numerous leases with persons corporations purporting authorize them enter upon described ocean area take pertroleum, gas, mineral deposits, lessees done so, paying large sums money rents royalties petroleum products taken. prayer decree declaring enjoining claiming it continuing trespass violation States. 2 filed an answer complaint. admits holding those it, been extracting land mile belt immediately adjacent California. basis California's asserted ownership English lies within state, Rptr. (West’s) Const. 1849, XII;1 thirteen states acquired Crown England title lands their navigable waters, including three-mile seas; since was admitted 'equal footing' states, at time became vested such lands. sets up several 'affirmative' defenses. Among these are should adjudged doctrine prescription; because long existing Congressional policy acquiescence ownership; estoppel laches; and, finally, application rule res judicata.2 3 After filed, moved judgment prayed ground purported defenses were not sufficient law. legal issues thus raised exhaustively presented counsel parties, both brief oral argument. Neither suggested any necessity introduction evidence, we perceive no stage case. now ripe determination basic motion. But before reaching merits issues, must first consider questions argument concerning Government's right adjudication claim proceedig. 4 Fir st. contended pleadings present case controversy Constitution. contention rests place there sense, only difference between federal officials. true officers. far more than that. point diffeence who owns, power over thousand square off involves confliciting claims officials government, federal, superior taking vast quantities oil gas underneath land, much already been, about be, taken state. Such concrete conflicts constitute classic very kind differences can settled agreement, arbitration, force, judicial action. principally relied versus West Virginia, 295 463, 55 789, 79 1546, does support contention. For here invaded converted own use extracted land. Cf. supra, page 471, 792, 1546. This alone would sufficiently establish concrete, actual conflict III. justiciability therefore conflicting invasions interests property governmental use. Texas, 143 621, 646, 648, 12 488, 494, 495, 36 285; Minnesota, 270 181, 194, 46 298, 301, 70 539; Nebraska Wyoming, 325 589, 608, 65 1332, 1346, 89 1815. 5 Nor sustain phase state's absence resting impossible identify subject matter so render proper decree. claimed Government, said, shoreward boundary some segments marginal line State's waters. And Government includes term 'inland waters' ports, harbors, bays, rivers, lakes. Pointing out difficulties fixing where end sea begins, argues wholly devoid definite decree, essential disposition like this. Therefore, concludes, abstract declaration unidentified belt, could used subsequent actions specific relief granted particular localities. 6 We may assume location exact coastal will involve many complexities difficulties. make less justiciable controversy. Certainly demarcation impossibility. Despite previously adjudicated controversies submerged boundaries. Jersey Delaware, 291 361, 54 407, 78 847, Id., 694, 907, 1659; Borax Consolidated, Limited City 296 10, 21—27, 56 28—31, 80 9; Oklahoma 256 70, 41 420, 831, 602, 539, 1115. reason why, after determining general owns involved, might later, if necessary, detailed hearings order determine greater definiteness boundary. 258 574, 582, 42 406, 410, 66 771. practice commonplace similar nature equitable proceedings. e.g. 609, 540, 541, 1115, 260 606, 625, 43 221, 222, 428; 261 340, 376, 687. indefinitieness presents insuperable obstacle exercise highly important conferred us III 7 Second. dismiss action either file maintain it. denied Congress given broad institute conduct litigation safeguard government properties.3 period years acted way manifest clear effect Federal belt. Although expressly declared policy, asked imply certain agencies charged responsibilities national domain. And, effect, urged infer implication amended long-existing statutes grant court proceedings interests. 8 An Act passed signed President could, course, limit prosecute Government. IV, 3, Cl. vests 'Power dispose needful Rules Regulations respecting Territory Property belonging States.' said constitutional respect limitation. County 310 16, 29, 30, 60 749, 756, 757, 84 1050. Thus neither courts nor executive agencies, proceed contrary congressional power. 9 impose duty protect through courts. Ex parte Cooper, 472, 502, 503, 453, 460, 461, 232. That twice failed California,4 rest restriction General's statutory authority. reach conclusion Houses joint resolution quitclaiming situated beyond mark, exept had purchase, condemnation, donation.5 vetoed President.6 His veto sustained.7 Plainly, represent public IIv, 2. 10 matters specifically referred, others afford explicitly stripped his statutorily invoke federal-state brings 11 Third. crucial question merely bare sea. asserts two capacities transcending mere owner. In one capacity responsibility whatever dominion necessary country dangers security tranquility people incident fact located ocean. also appears member family nations. responsible conducting relations requires power, unencumbered commitments, always what agreements made control McCulloch Maryland, Wheat. 316, 403—408, 17 579; 300, 539. light foregoing, whether instance when, how, foreign domestic, resources soil sea, known hereafter discovered exploited. elements sovereignty exercises area. points Constitution, adopted 1849 Union, included shore. Cal.Const.1849, XII, 1; Enabling Union ratified territorial defined; 'on equal footing respects whatever,' Statutes-at-Large 452. With premises contends follows originally announced Pollard's Lessee Hagan, How. 212, 44 565; see Martin Waddell, 16 Pet. 367, 997. Pollard held, owned trust tidewaters high each boundaries, them, inseparable attribute sovereignty. Consequently, decided Alabama, into 'an thereby become tidelands Alabama's grantee sustained valid claimant admission 13 deny rule, explained later cases,8 qualified ownership9 even down mark. validity rationale areas, uplands, contemplated clause. Oregon, 1, 610, 615, 1267. reason, among others, extended apply stresses colonies did belt; seriously assert increasingly until formation Union; bestowed retained appurtenances insists previous involved extension 14 unduly prolong discuss detail multitude references able briefs parties cited reference evolution seas exercised countries. From wealth material supplied, however, cannot say separately it,10 they acquire revolution Curtiss-Wright Export Corporation, 299 304, 57 216, 219, 81 255. 15 At won independence international custom understanding nations nation along borders. Some countries, notably England, Spain, Portugal, had, time, sweeping wide expanses arisen fish prescribed areas.11 when formed, idea littoral nebulous suggestion.12 charters nation's settlers,13 treaty peace England,14 document showed purpose set apart colonial ownership.15 Those interested live, sail. There substantial history wanted block ocean's bottom private extraction wealth. happen shortly statesmen establishing zone neutrality.16 Largely result efforts, can, chooses, broad, complete dominion, apparently last generally accepted throughout world,17 although late 1876 still considerable doubt scope existence. Queen Keyn, L.R. Exch.Div. 63. political fact. Cunard Steamship company Mellon, 262 100, 122—124, 504, 506—508, 894, 27 Law 1306.18 assertion binding Jones 137 202, 212—214, 80, 83, 84, 34 691; Not acquisition, were, accomplished protection ben function external belief local predominant constitutionally require land-locked finds support. hardly favor part bottom. country, existence stood freedom seas, principle whose breach precipitated wars country's adoption means incompatible traditional insistence least consistently undertakings commitments fit interest unencumbered. Hines Davidowitz, 312 52, 62—64, 61 399, 401—403, 85 581; supra. recognition next itself location. regulation revenues, health, waged too near coasts. insofar law, shores protective most naturally appropriated open detracts common usefulness nations, another charge it,19 consideration such, separate units. What does, do, anywhere ocean, obligations. Belmont, 301 324, 331, 332, 758, 761, 762, 1134. contend well dispute settlement. 18 vital consequence desire engage commerce live world; becomes importance ever again preserve peace. world nation, rather individual come, fought nation. Chy Lung Freeman, 92 275, 279, 23 550. equipped system facilities exercising concomitant seeks. Conceding authorized police functions boundaries,20 do detract persuaded transplant relation beneath concern. If run same leads responsibilities, 255; Causby, 328 256, 1062, 90 1206. As stated followed reasserted times. doing language strong enough indicate then believed soils jurisdiction, not. All statements paraphrases offshoots used, enunciation new explanation old principle. Notwithstanding none cases state-federal here, repeated forecloses decide squarely time. 20 probably lends weight others. Manchester Commonwealth Massachusetts, 139 240, 559, 35 159. Massachusetts regulate fishing. Moreover, illegal fishing Buzzards Bay, found territory, laid side queston t he there. second case, Louisiana Mississippi, 202 26 408, 422, 50 913, uses 'the sway riparian states' 'maritime belts.' involving Mississippi. governments. aside breadth maritime extent *.' 913. third Abby Dodge, 223 166, 32 310, 390. ship landing sponges Florida port Congress, 313, unlawful 'land' conditions Gulf Mexico. construed statute's prohibition applying 'territorial limits' Gulf. narrowed statute traffic obtained Florida's limits, presumably concerned conserve deplete importance. there, decide, remained undecided evidenced Skiriotes Florida, 313 69, 75, 924, 928, 1193, occasion speak sponge Through Chief Hughes said: 'It maintenance fishery (state) applied legislation, State.' (Emphasis supplied.) 21 None foregoing cases, decided, extend declare bed great potential beginning century there.21 discovery, 1921 authorizing granting permits residents prospect blocks Cal.Stats.1921, chapter 303, Page 404. statute, together leasing practices extremely controversy, pointedly Now reasons coast, full area, oil. 22 Fourth. agree lost agents. defense, arguing barred enforcing principles laches, adverse possession. serve useful recite incidents relies thm undo ubtedly consistent agents all, indicated number instances decisions Department Interior applications Outside following types nearly indicative waiver show Assuming conduct, short surrender interest, preclude asserting rights, here. fact, record plainly demonstrates issue began pressed thirties, focus attention assuming negligent failing recognize earlier date, forfeited result. holds elsewhere people, deprived rules designed particularly disputes individually pieces property; officers cause lose valuable acquiescence, failure act.22 overlooked argument, buttressed earnest behalf improvements expense agencies. note suggestion aggregate small comparison tremendous entire controversey. however faced dependent expenses incurred mistaken assumptions. Furthermore, know how accurately defined. property, execute bring injustices subdivisions, permission. 162 89, 90, 725, 754, 40 867; Lee Wilson & 245 24, 32, 38 21, 62 128. 24 hold entitled for. may, September 15, 1947, submit form carry prepare appropriate 25 ordered. Judgment plaintiff. JACKSON took cnsideratio n decision 28 REED, dissenting. 29 my view seeks Nation limit. carries seems me, valuables soil, extract them. 30 turns me prior Union. coasts, limit, N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions think her coast. sovereignties right, possessed recognized jurisdiction. coterminous. Any territory grants respective states. customary, whatever.' By Admission, borders reserved 'Public lands' usual sense sale laws. Clifornia Barney Keokuk, 94 338, 224; Shively Bowlby, 152 49, 548, 566, 331; Mann Tacoma Land Co., 153 273, 284, 820, 714; 17, 9. 31 authorities Court's lead shown citations, variations sovereignty, world. early 1793, Jefferson Secretary communication British Minister 'three geographical miles' added: 'This distance admit opposition, treaties whom connected navigation, little, less, coasts.' H.Ex. Doc. 42d Cong., 2d Sess., Pages 553, 554. 33 claim, did, bordering littoral. interfere needs war plenary undersea precisely every river, farm, mine, factory While ruling determined tone dealing problems indicates that, discussion, assumed. supra; 913; 390; 847; 1659. FRANKFURTER, bill persons, derived trespassing disputed injunction trespassers normally presupposes rights. Court, finding proprietary To sure denies possessory significant adopt elaborate based dubious tenuous writings publicists, Schwarzenberger, Inductive Approach International Law, Harv.L.Rev. belongs, Banana Fruit 213 347, 351, 511, 53 826, Ann.Cas. 1047. Instead, calls 'national dominion' 37 'dominion' overtones law relate Dominion, Roman concept dominium, ownership, imperium, related One choose say, example, streams. streams, continued exercise, change imperium dominium below Of course 'paramount rights' California—the implied interstate commerce, treaty-making Rights asserted—and something else. Ownership implies acquisition various ways conquest, discovery cession, prescription, condemnation. When land? deposits security, affairs, relevant uranium wherever part. situation actively presently interfered with. inherent equity invoked prevent remove obstruction. re Debs, 158 564, 900, 39 1092; Sanitary District Chicago 266 405, 45 176, 69 352. bill, sustaining suggests interference exercise. beside 'if nation.' 'The settlement.' knowledge dispute' Compare Missouri Holland, 252 416, 382, 64 641, 984. saying vis-a-vis sovereign. means, pronouncemet confer interest. remotely established except sliding Let assume, present, proven. On fair analysis evidence bearing then, is, believe, deemed unclaimed places independent hands President. Corp., noteworthy treat President's proclamation regard ownership. Exec.Proc. 2667 (Sept. 28, 1945), Register 12303. title, regarded domain Section created heretofore usage respected though fall raise accommodation, agency. Today field torts adjudication, refrained acting. Standard Oil 1604. Considerations self-restraint seem compelling obviously stake farreaching, complicated, historic interests, adjustments readily resolved materials methods confined. summary statement views elaborate. dismissed prejudice. shore; purports miles. equals 1.15 miles, .45 Cal.Const.1879, XXI, 1. judicata sued ejectment Francisco Bay. defendant held Bay Mission Rock 189 391, 47 865. why bar litigation; Code KF62 §§ 291, 309, Annotated KF65 U5 309; Jacinto Tin 125 850, 854, 856, 747; Kern River 257 147, 154, 155, 60, 62, 63, 175; 425, 426, 178, 179, 352; 584, 906, 619, 1267; 323 669, 34, 543; 331 440, 1319. S.J.Res.208, 75th 1st Sess. (1938); S.J.Res.83 92, 76th (1939). S.J.Res.208 Senate, Cong.Rec.9326 (1938), favorably reported House Judiciary Committee, H.R.Rep.2378, 3d never House. Hearings Senate Committee Public Lands Surveys, Serveys objections resolutions repeatedly passage unnecessary 42—45, 59—61 27—30. H.J.Res.225, 79th (1946); Cong.Rec.9642, 10316 (1946). Cong.Rec.10660 Cong.Rec.10745 e.g., 159; 865; Borax, approved times, 47, 48, 58, 565, 570, implications opinion, lawfully while future 'in trust' territory. Commodore Park, 324 386, 390, 803, 805, 806, 1017; Scranton Wheeler, 179 141, 159, 160, 163, 55, 56, 57, 126; Stockton Baltimore N.Y.R. C.C., KF105 F3 9, 20; Chandler-Dunbar Water Power 229 53, 667, 1063. A representative collection official documents scholarship Crocker, Extent Marginal Sea (1919). azuni, Maritime Europe (published 1806) II; Fulton, Sovereignty (1911); Masterson, Jurisdictionin Margina l Seas (1929); Jessup, Territorial Waters Jurisdiction (1927); Fraser, Delimitation Waters, Corn.L.Q. 455 (1926); Irleland, Around La.L.Rev. 252, 436 (1940); Comment, Conflicting Claims Title Submerged Continental Shelf, Yale L.J. 356 (1947). See, op. cit. 3—19, 144, 145; 4. says 'mainly America Great Britain eighteenth century, shore formally definitely limits purposes, particular, exclusive fishery.' Collected Thorpe, Charters, Constitutions, Organic Laws 1919. Treaty 1783, 80. example capture neutral ships carrying goods, leagues (about nine miles) Journ. Cong. 185, 186, 187 (1781). Declaration Panama 1939, Dept. Bull. 321 (1939), Republics free hostile act 300 minister 1793 pointed character assertions put forward acceptance.Reprinted H.Ex.Doc.No. (1872) 553—554. Jefferson's French Minister, Genet, reprinted Papers, Foreign Relations (1833), 183, 384; 5, 1794, 381; Kent, Commentaries, 14th Ed., 33—40. 66; Research A.J.I.L. 249, 250 (Spec.Supp.1929). Church Hubbart, Cranch 187, 234, 249. regulating seals, fishing, pollution etc. 326, 328, 644 et seq.; 604, 605, 431 499, 501, 632 seq. Under Prohibition 'a low-water outward marine league, constituting States' regulated. U.S.Treas.Reg. 2201 (1931), Reprinted 250; 305, Anti-smuggling agreed permit pursue smugglers contained express stipulations constitutes waters.' 1761, Pt. innumerable declarations recently whole continental shelf. diplomatic correspondence making assertions, Moore, Digest (1906) 705, 706, 707; Wharton, (1886) 100. Hughes, Recent Questions Negotiations, (1924). latest broadest Truman's recent 'regards natural subsoil shelf contiguous coasts appertaining control. .' Executive Proclamation 2667, Sept. 1945, Lord 102 544, 224. Utah Light 243 389, 404, 387, 791; cf. 390 74, 929, 1193. Bull.No.321, Interior, Geological Survey. 31, 1050; 284 534, 545, 546, 52 232, 235, 76 469; 63 128; 409, Sec'y India Chelikani Rama Rao, L.R., 1916, Indian App. 192, 204.

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