Page W. Acree v. Shell Oil Company

This is a Louisiana diversity action. The district court dismissed the plaintiffs’ suit with prejudice. Acree v. Shell Oil Company, 548 F.Supp. 1150 (M.D.La.1982). As the plaintiffs argue on their appeal, the issues of state law presented are complex and are not clearly governed by controlling Louisiana law or decision. The opposing constructions of state law are supported by almost equally sound reasons. We have concluded that affirmation is appropriate under the principle that a federal district court’s determination on the law in his state is entitled to great weight on review, Smith v.…