Ninth Circuit (on May 8th): "Hey, this is a tough state law issue. Help us out on it, California Supreme Court. Here's our question for you: . . . ."
California Supreme Court (on August 7th): "Ugh. Do you really have to bother us? Didn't you guys answer that question for yourself -- in another case involving a different panel -- back in March and June?"
Ninth Circuit (today): "Uh, no. That was a federal law case. This is a state law issue. That's a pretty simple distinction. Get it? Now, seriously: Please answer our question."
We'll see how this scintillating dialogue continues over the next year or so.
