United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

American Railway Express Co. v. Levee, 263 U.S. 19 (1923)

American Railway Express Co. v. Levee

No. 54

Argued October 8, 1923

Decided October 22, 1923

263 U.S. 19

Syllabus

1. When by the constitution of a state, the jurisdiction of its highest court to review a judgment of an intermediate tribunal is discretionary, and review is declined, the writ of certiorari from this Court should be addressed to the intermediate tribunal. P. 263 U. S. 20

2. The fact that the highest state court in such case, being required by the state constitution to give reasons for declining, does so by an opinion upon the merits does not take from the refusal its character of declining jurisdiction. P. 263 U. S. 21.

3. The limit of time for applying here for certiorari dates from the refusal of the highest state court to review the decision of the intermediate court. Id.

4. A state statute placing upon the carrier, when sued for the value of goods consigned but not delivered, the burden of proving that the loss or damage was occasioned by accidental and uncontrollable events (La.Rev.Civ.Code, Art. 2754) cannot affect a limitation of liability for an interstate shipment, agreed upon and valid under the federal law. P. 263 U. S. 21.

Reversed.

Certiorari to a judgment of the Court of Appeal of Louisiana, First Circuit, which affirmed a judgment for damages, recovered by the respondent against the petitioner express company.