Legal Document

415 U.S. 303 94 Supreme Court Reporter 1026 39 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 343 Clover PATTERSON, Appellant,v.George WARNER, etc., et al. Number 72—5830. Argued Jan. 9, 1974. Decided Feb. 26, Rehearing Denied April 15, See 416 952, 1962. George R. Higinbotham, Charleston, W. Va., for appellant. Phillip D. Gaujot, Asst. Atty. Gen., appellees, pro hac vice by special leave of Court. PER CURIAM. 1 We noted probable jurisdiction in this case, 411 905, 93 1533, 36 194 (1973), because it appeared to present a significant issue, under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses Fourteenth Amendment, as validity that provision W.Va.Code Ann. § 50—15—2 (1966),1 requiring double bond condition an appeal from judgment entered justice peace civil case. Lindsey versus Normet, 405 56, 74—79, 92 862, 874—877, 31 (1972). 2 In November 1968 appellant Patterson purchased used automobile appellee Graham Motor Company deferred-purchase money contract. That portion price not paid at time purchase was evidenced negotiable promissory note. After taking delivery but before completion his payments, encountered mechanical difficulties with car. Finding himself unable obtain satisfaction Graham, undertook reject purchase, pursuant 46—2—602 (1966), made no further payments on 3 then sued Warner's court and, despite number defenses asserted Patterson—breach warranty, fraud, rightful repudiation, others—obtained $300 plus costs.2 4 sought case record. Bond set $600, amount judgment, 50 15—2 specified. find individual surety being indigent, also raise required commercial surety. As result, perfected adverse him became final. 5 Prior execution instituted purported class action District Southern West Virginia against Justice Peace Warner Graham. He injunctive declaratory relief. A three-judge convened upheld challenged statute. It reasoned full hearing justice, opportunity defense, accorded due process, there requirement State provide appellate review. Turning equal protection, held may properly take steps insure post adequate security protect damages award already made, citing U.S., 77, S.Ct., 876; forma pauperis is privilege, right; 'the concept does include unrestrained review initial adjudication which afforded Process.' Patterson's request relief therefore denied. 6 had been here, shortly prior filing briefs Court, decided ex rel. Reece Gies, W.Va., 198 South Eastern Reporter, 2nd 211 (1973). one year's rent prerequisite suit unlawful detention real estate constitutional challenge. The court, Court's decision Greer Dillard, 213 Va. 477, 193 668 provision, two court's five justices dissenting went rule unanimously defendant violative Federal Constitutions 'void.' S.E.2d, 216. Its rationale that, because, justice's fee enhanced when he ruled favor plaintiff, possessed pecuniary interest case's outcome, parties were denied neutral unbiased judge. Moats Janco, 154 W.Va. 887, 180 74 (1971). 7 rendered same statutory scheme challenged, part successfully, Reece. Appellant, upon becoming aware decision, filed suggestion mootness here. Appellee opposed suggestion. Although aspect addressed briefs, discussed oral argument. Tr. Oral Arg. 3—6, 34—36. having mootness, argument retroactive application, void moot. Id., 5. contended otherwise, id., 37—38, stating Virginia, Falconer Simmons, 51 172, 41 Southeastern KF135 S6 (1902), pronouncement, exception, fully sense regarded always law. 8 Inasmuch after entry occasion consider whether means obtained has become deem desirable first instance, evaluate effect intervening decision. Accordingly, vacated, remanded reconsideration light so doing, we intimate view or now 9 ordered. 10 Judgment vacated remanded. provides pertinent follows: 'The shall be granted unless, within ten days . good security, approved penalty him, person proposing will perform satisfy any such if wish stay pay costs appealed affirmed. plaintiff only, desires appeal, costs, conditioned aforesaid, exceeding hundred dollars. .' Three dollars monetary limit recovery money. 50—2—1.

Classification Label: 8