Fred M. Vinson

“ It is argued that the Wisconsin courts have adopted a practice of deciding questions of importance even though the case has become moot, and we are urged to follow that same practice. But whatever the practice in Wisconsin courts, 'A federal court is without power to decide moot questions or to give advisory opinions which cannot affect the rights of the litigants in the case before it. ”

“ After a restraining order had led to postponement of the strike, the Wisconsin Board appointed arbitrators to 'hear and determine' the dispute in accordance with the terms of the Wisconsin Public Utility Anti-Strike Law. Wis.Stat.1947, § 111.55. Upon the filing of the arbitrators' award, petitioners filed an action in a state circuit court to review that award. Id., § 111.60. That court affirmed the award and the Wisconsin Supreme Court affirmed, 1950, 257 Wis. ”

“ Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 1938, 304 U.S. 257, 260, 58 S.Ct. 863, 864, 82 L.Ed. 1326, and cases cited therein. As to No. 438, the judgment below imposes fines upon petitioners. No question of mootness can be raised so long as enforcement of that judgment is sought. ”