Legal Document

355 U.S. 171 78 Supreme Court Reporter 204 2 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 179 William G. BARR, Petitioner,v.Linda Atlantic MATTEO and John Judge Madigan. Number 409. Decided Dec. 9, 1957. Solicitor General Rankin, Assistant Attorney Doub, Messrs. Paul Sweeney Bernard Cedarbaum, for petitioner. PER CURIAM. 1 The petition certiorari is granted. presents this question: 'Whether the absolute immunity from defamation suits accorded officials of Government with respect to acts done within scope their official authority, extends statements press by high policymaking officers, below cabinet or comparable rank, concerning matters committed law control supervision.' In District Appeals litigation was not so confined. By his motion a directed verdict requested instructions petitioner also presented defense qualified privilege. On appeal petitioner, in brief, raised only question immunity, but on reconsideration he urged court pass This that refused do ground because position had initially taken appeal, waived defense. holding, relied its Rule 17(c)(7), 28 U.S.C.A., requiring an appellant set forth brief statement points which intends rely, 17(i), provides 'Points according rules court, will be disregarded, though at option, may notice upon plain error pointed out upon.' 3 cannot lessen Court's duty confine itself proper exercise jurisdiction appropriate judicial review. Thus, advisory opinion extracted federal agreement parties, see Swift & company versus Hocking Valley R. Co., 243 281, 289, 37 287, 61 L.Ed. 722, no matter how much they favor settlement important constitutional law, broad considerations power prevent such determinations unless actually compelled before Court. C.I.O., 335 106, 110, 68 1349, 1351, 92 1849. Likewise, 'Courts should avoid passing questions public even short constitutionality are immediately pressing. Many same reasons present impel them abstain adjudicating claims against statute it effectively presently impinges claims.' Eccles Peoples Bank, Lakewood Village, 333 426, 432, 641, 644, 645, 784. Expecially case involving one hand protection reputation individuals, other interest fullest freedom make disclosures duties, rendering decision beyond obvious requirements record. far narrower than rested decision, privilege, consistently pressed fact itself. these circumstances we think lead consideration 4 To end, judgment vacated, remanded directions petitioner's claim 5 Mr. Justice BLACK, whom CHIEF JUSTICE joins, agrees disposition as expressed last paragraph. 6 BRENNAN would grant consider presented. 7 DOUGLAS, dissenting. 8 ruled privilege vacate remand been 'waived' therefore considered under Rules. That here us nor reached Appeals. N Immigration Nationality Decisions say misconstrued own Rules* palpable refusing unceremoniously improperly have sought avoid. Under unwarranted our supervisory powers require Instead discretion denying certiorari. * 'A concise separate, numbered paragraphs. Each point shall refer alleged rely.' 17(c)(7). 17(i).

Classification Label: 2