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Williams & Wilkins Co. v. United States

Citations: 43 L. Ed. 2d 264; 95 S. Ct. 1344; 420 U.S. 376; 1975 U.S. LEXIS 3976Docket: 73-1279

Court: Supreme Court of the United States; February 25, 1975; Federal Supreme Court; Federal Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

The Supreme Court case Williams Wilkins Company v. United States involves a petition by Williams Wilkins Company against the United States, with the judgment being affirmed by an equally divided Court. The case reached the Supreme Court through a writ of certiorari from the United States Court of Claims. The decision was made on February 25, 1975. Notably, Justice Blackmun did not participate in the case's decision. The equally divided Court means that there was no majority opinion issued, effectively upholding the lower court's ruling without establishing a precedent.

Legal Issues Addressed

Effect of an Equally Divided Court

Application: When the Supreme Court is equally divided, the lower court's decision is affirmed without creating a binding precedent.

Reasoning: The judgment being affirmed by an equally divided Court.

Participation of Justices in Supreme Court Decisions

Application: The absence of a Justice's participation can result in an equally divided court, influencing the outcome of the case.

Reasoning: Notably, Justice Blackmun did not participate in the case's decision.

Review by Writ of Certiorari

Application: The case reached the Supreme Court through a writ of certiorari, indicating the Court's decision to review the lower court's ruling.

Reasoning: The case reached the Supreme Court through a writ of certiorari from the United States Court of Claims.