Dewey v. Reynolds Metals Co.
Headline: Split decision affirms lower-court ruling in dispute between Dewey and Reynolds Metals Company, leaving the Sixth Circuit’s judgment in place because the Justices were equally divided.
Holding: The Court affirmed the Sixth Circuit’s judgment by an equally divided Court, and Justice Harlan did not participate in the decision.
- Leaves the Sixth Circuit’s judgment in place for the parties involved.
- Produces no written majority opinion explaining a new national rule.
- Records Justice Harlan as not participating in the decision.
Summary
Background
This case involved a legal dispute between Dewey and Reynolds Metals Company. The Court record lists counsel for both sides and several groups and the United States filing briefs asking the Court to rule. The case reached the Supreme Court after consideration by the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and was argued to the Justices on April 20–21, 1971.
Reasoning
The Supreme Court issued a short per curiam order stating simply that "the judgment is affirmed by an equally divided Court." The order records that Justice Harlan took no part in the consideration or decision. The opinion provides no extended majority explanation of the legal issues or factual findings in the underlying dispute.
Real world impact
Because the Justices were evenly divided and one Justice did not participate, the practical effect of this ruling is that the Sixth Circuit’s decision remains in effect for the parties and the case before that court. The Supreme Court’s order here does not include a written majority opinion explaining a new legal rule or resolving the broader legal question, so it offers no new nationwide guidance in this short per curiam disposition.
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