It's a testament to modesty and neutrality when the Ninth Circuit certifies a state law question to the state supreme court. It's nice when the California Supreme Court answers that question fairly promptly. And it's wonderful when, in light of the state court's answer, the Ninth Circuit remands the case and tells the district court to act quickly. Especially when, as here, the case involves retirees, who subsist upon the benefits at issue and some of whom die throughout the pendency of the litigation.
Well done.
