This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

A mineral lease signed in 1969 requires D to pay a royalty based on the coal's 'sales price.' Congress enacted two excise taxes. The lease defines 'sales price' unhelpfully as the 'average invoice price of coal mined, removed and sold.' Are excise taxes part of the 'average invoice price'?

The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

The court's holding and decision will be displayed here.

Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.