{ "id": 8631928, "name": "STATE v. L. H. LUEDERS", "name_abbreviation": "State v. Lueders", "decision_date": "1938-12-14", "docket_number": "", "first_page": "558", "last_page": "562", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "214 N.C. 558" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "N.C.", "id": 9292, "name": "Supreme Court of North Carolina" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 5, "name_long": "North Carolina", "name": "N.C." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "182 S. E., 453", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "208 N. C., 675", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8614770 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/208/0675-01" ] }, { "cite": "185 S. E., 663", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "210 N. C., 166", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8624600 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/210/0166-01" ] }, { "cite": "296 U. S., 315", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "U.S.", "case_ids": [ 5722248 ], "weight": 2, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/us/296/0315-01" ] }, { "cite": "140 S. E., 216", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "194 N. C., 498", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8612587 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/194/0498-01" ] }, { "cite": "161 S. E., 81", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "201 N. C., 620", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8627240 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/201/0620-01" ] }, { "cite": "20 N. 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C., 305", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8628892 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/191/0305-01" ] }, { "cite": "135 S. E., 529", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "192 N. C., 588", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8625312 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/192/0588-01" ] }, { "cite": "184 S. E., 532", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "weight": 2, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "182 S. E., 711", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "209 N. C., 57", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2221284 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/209/0057-01" ] }, { "cite": "80 S. E., 1075", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "166 N. C., 265", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11269400 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/166/0265-01" ] }, { "cite": "182 S. E., 716", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "209 N. C., 53", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2221515 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/209/0053-01" ] }, { "cite": "70 A. L. R., 90", "category": "reporters:specialty", "reporter": "A.L.R.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "41 S. E., 284", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "130 N. C., 666", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11274822 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/130/0666-01" ] }, { "cite": "102 S. E., 849", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "179 N. C., 457", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8656327 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/179/0457-01" ] }, { "cite": "65 S. E., 993", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "151 N. C., 672", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8655940 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/151/0672-01" ] }, { "cite": "183 S. E., 272", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "209 N. C., 298", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2221512 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/209/0298-01" ] }, { "cite": "89 N. C., 563", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8683466 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/89/0563-01" ] }, { "cite": "180 S. E., 664", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "208 N. C., 391", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8607442 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/208/0391-01" ] }, { "cite": "154 S. E., 604", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "199 N. C., 278", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8599333 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/199/0278-01" ] }, { "cite": "94 N. C., 824", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8652146 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/94/0824-01" ] }, { "cite": "182 S. E., 715", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "209 N. C., 50", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2221522 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/209/0050-01" ] }, { "cite": "189 S. E., 509", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "211 N. C., 206", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8625689 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/211/0206-01" ] }, { "cite": "213 N. C., 674", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8630249 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/213/0674-01" ] } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 551, "char_count": 9458, "ocr_confidence": 0.508, "pagerank": { "raw": 8.134802785570592e-07, "percentile": 0.9743556477617035 }, "sha256": "3977b2be2879c4651dbbe31218ffec2ffea518997a3adfa62e010044e1e4286f", "simhash": "1:8ee343972616e52c", "word_count": 1682 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T22:38:13.292364+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [], "parties": [ "STATE v. L. H. LUEDERS." ], "opinions": [ { "text": "Stacy, O. J\\\nTbe purpose of this appeal, frankly avowed, is to obtain a reconsideration of the decision in S. v. Lawrence, 213 N. C., 674, and to test again the constitutionality of ch. 155, Public Laws 1935.\nThere are certain irregularities appearing on the face of the record which preclude a consideration of the constitutional question. S. v. Smith, 211 N. C., 206, 189 S. E., 509.\nIn the first place, the defendant entered no plea in the Superior Court, where, on appeal, the cause was to be tried de novo. In fact, it does not appear whether he was present when the case was heard. In the absence of a plea to the indictment or charge, there was nothing for the jury to determine. See S. v. Camby, 209 N. C., 50, 182 S. E., 715.\nSpeaking to a similar situation in S. v. Cunningham, 94 N. C., 824, Ashe, J., delivering the opinion of the Court, said: \u201cThere is manifest error in the judgment of the Superior Court. First, for the reason that there was no plea filed by the defendant, and therefore no issue to be submitted to the jury, and consequently the verdict returned by them was a nullity; and it must follow, as a necessary consequence, that no judgment could be pronounced upon such a verdict.\u201d See S. v. Beal, 199 N. C., 278, 154 S. E., 604; S. v. Walters, 208 N. C., 391, 180 S. E., 664; S. v. Stewart, 89 N. C., 563.\nSecondly, the verdict of the jury was rendered on an agreed statement of facts, and the defendant excepts to the verdict. Whether these \u201cagreed facts,\u201d signed only by counsel, may properly be regarded as admissions binding on the defendant, we need not now determine. See S. v. Grier, 209 N. C., 298, 183 S. E., 272; S. v. Butler, 151 N. C., 672, 65 S. E., 993; Turner v. Livestock Co., 179 N. C., 457, 102 S. E., 849; S. v. Foster, 130 N. C., 666, 41 S. E., 284; Dick v. United States, 40 F. (2d), 609, 70 A. L. R., 90, and note; Weeks on Attorneys, 393; Wharton\u2019s Cr. Evidence, Vol. 2, 1109. There is no contention that the verdict is a special one. S. v. Hill, 209 N. C., 53, 182 S. E., 716; S. v. Allen, 166 N. C., 265, 80 S. E., 1075.\nIt is not the custom of appellate courts to decide constitutional questions except in the exercise of judicial power properly invoked. S. v. Smith, supra; S. v. Williams, 209 N. C., 57, 182 S. E., 711; In re Parker, ibid., 693, 184 S. E., 532. Indeed, it is only in such cases, i.e., in cases calling for the exercise of judicial power \u2014 the power to say, not what the law ought to be, but what it is \u2014 that the courts may render harmless invalid acts of the General Assembly. Wood v. Braswell, 192 N. C., 588, 135 S. E., 529; Moors v. Bell, 191 N. C., 305, 131 S. E., 724. For this reason, they never anticipate questions of constitutional law in advance of the necessity of deciding them, nor venture advisory opinions on constitutional questions. S. v. Corpening, 191 N. C., 751, 133 S. E., 14; Person v. Doughton, 186 N. C., 723, 120 S. E., 481. It is only when tbe courts are exercising the judicial power vested in them by the Constitution that they are authorized to declare acts of the General Assembly in contravention of the organic law. Moore v. Bell, supra; Adkins v. Children\u2019s Hospital, 261 U. S., 525. And further, the rule is, that if a case can be decided on either of two grounds, one involving a constitutional question, the other a question of lesser moment, 'the latter alone will be determined. Reed v. Madison County, 213 N. C., 145, 195 S. E., 620. \u201cIt is not the habit of the Court to decide questions of a constitutional nature unless absolutely necessary to a decision of the case\u201d\u2014 Mr. Justice Pickham in Burton v. U. S., 196 U. S., 283.\nThis policy of refraining from deciding constitutional questions, even when properly presented, if there be also present some other ground upon which the case may be made to turn, is predicated on the following considerations :\n1. In considering the constitutionality of a statute, every presumption is to be indulged in favor of its validity. S. v. Revis, 193 N. C., 192, 136 S. E., 346; Sutton v. Phillips, 116 N. C., 502, 21 S. E., 968; S. v. Manuel, 20 N. C., 144.\n2. If the act of assembly be fairly susceptible of two interpretations, one constitutional and the other not, in keeping with the rule of favorable construction, the former will be adopted and the latter rejected. S. v. Casey, 201 N. C., 620, 161 S. E., 81; S. v. Yarboro, 194 N. C., 498, 140 S. E., 216; S. v. Revis, supra; Hopkins Fed. S. & L. Assn. v. Cleary, 296 U. S., 315, 80 Law Ed., 251.\n3. The courts will not determine a constitutional question, even when properly presented, if there be also present some other ground upon which the case may be made to turn. Reed v. Madison County, supra; In re Parker, supra; S. v. Ellis, 210 N. C., 166, 185 S. E., 663.\n4. The courts will not declare an act of the General Assembly unconstitutional even when clearly so, except in a case properly calling for the determination of its validity. Newman v. Comrs. of Vance, 208 N. C., 675, 182 S. E., 453; Wood v. Braswell, supra; S. v. Corpening, supra; Person v. Doughton, supra.\n5. It is only in the exercise of the judicial power vested in the courts by the Constitution that they are authorized to render harmless invalid acts of the General Assembly. Wood v. Braswell, supra; Moore v. Bell, supra.\nIt is one of the attributes of the American system that its organic charter is binding on, and unalterable' by, the law-making body. The Constitution, or the law \u201caccording to which the community hath agreed to be governed,\u201d is above the government as well as the governed, and enforceable against both. Hence, an act of the Legislature in conflict with the organic law is not simply impolitic but void. To search out and find this conflict, where such exists, is the function of an independent judiciary, but this it does only in cases properly presenting the question. 11 Am. Jur., 712. The reason for this arises out of the delicacy of the task. To oblige a government to control itself is a matter of no small moment. But from the authority vested in the courts to ascertain and determine the law in a given case, there necessarily results, in case of conflict, the duty to declare and enforce the rule of the supreme law and to reject that of an inferior act of legislation which, transcending the. Constitution, is of no effect and binding on no one. Adkins v. Children s Hospital, supra; 11 Am. Jur., 713.\nThe cause will be remanded for trial according to the usual course and practice in such cases.\nError and remanded.", "type": "majority", "author": "Stacy, O. J\\" } ], "attorneys": [ "Attorney-General McMullan and Assistant Attorneys-General Bruton and Wettach for the State.", "Norman Block and W. Clary Holt for defendant." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "STATE v. L. H. LUEDERS.\n(Filed 14 December, 1938.)\n1. Criminal Daw \u00a7 21\u2014\nIn the trial in the Superior Court, either originally or de novo upon appeal, it is necessary for defendant to enter a plea to the indictment or charge, since in the absence of a plea there is nothing for the jury to determine.\n2. Criminal Daw \u00a7 52a: Constitutional Daw \u00a7 27\u2014\nA verdict may not be rendered on an agreed statement of facts in a criminal prosecution, the verdict not being a special verdict. Whether the agreed statement of facts signed only by counsel constitutes admissions binding on defendant, not decided.\n3. Appeal and Error \u00a7 40g\u2014 .\nThe Supreme Court will not venture advisory opinions on constitutional questions, and may not decide a constitutional question unless the question is properly presented.\n4. Same\u2014\nThe Supreme Court will not decide a constitutional question, even when properly presented, when the appeal may be properly determined on a question of less moment.\n5. Statutes \u00a7 5b\u2014\nIn considering the constitutionality of a statute, every presumption is to be indulged in favor of its validity.\n6. Same\u2014\nWhen a statute is fairly susceptible of two constructions, one constitutional and the other not, the former will he adopted under the rule of favorable construction.\n7. Constitutional Haw \u00a7 6b\u2014\nThe courts may determine the constitutionality of a statute only in the exercise of the judicial power vested in them by the Constitution, but when a constitutional question is properly presented, the courts have the power and the duty to declare and enforce the supreme law and reject a legislative act in conflict therewith.\n8. Constitutional Haw \u00a7 4a\u2014\nThe Constitution is the supreme law, binding on, and unalterable by, the law-making body, and an act of the Legislature in conflict therewith is not merely impolitic but void.\nAppeal by defendant from Phillips, J., at September Term, 1938, of GlTILEORD.\nCriminal prosecution tried upon warrant charging the defendant with \u201cpracticing photography without a license and without being registered with the State Board of Photographic Examiners,\u201d in violation of ch. 155, Public Laws 1935.\nThe case was originally tried in the municipal court of the city of Greensboro, where the defendant was found guilty and sentenced \u201cto the county jail for a term of.suspended .pay costs.\u201d From this judgment,- an appeal was taken to the Superior Court of Guilford County.\nIn the Superior Court, the solicitor and counsel for defendant agreed upon certain facts, and the jury rendered the following verdict:\n\u201cUpon the foregoing statement of agreed facts, the jury for its verdict finds the defendant guilty.\u201d\nProm judgment imposing a fine of $10.00 and the costs, the defendant appeals, excepting \u201cto the verdict and signing of the judgment.\u201d\nAttorney-General McMullan and Assistant Attorneys-General Bruton and Wettach for the State.\nNorman Block and W. Clary Holt for defendant." }, "file_name": "0558-01", "first_page_order": 626, "last_page_order": 630 }