FL Con Law Flashcards
If the legislature abolishes a cause of action a reasonable alternative must be provided UNLESS
(1) the legislature can demonstrate a compelling public necesity for abolition of the right AND
(2) no alternative method of meeting such a public necessity exists
Impairment of obligation of contract
Both FL and Feds prohibit state laws retroactivel yimpairing obligtion of contracts
Test for impairment of obligation of contract
If a law substantially impairs rights under an existing contract, it will be valid only if:
(1) it serves an important and legitimate public interest and
(2) it is reasonably and narrowly tailored to meet that interest
Procedural requirements are often deemed by courts to…
apply retroactively
Right to jury trial
There is a constitutional right in Florida to jury trial in all proceedings where the right existed for that action at the time of the first constitution in 1845.
Separation of powers
One branch of government can’t exercise any powers pertaining to another branch
The Florida supreme court has exclusive jurisdiction to…
Promulgate rules of practice and procedure in all courts and to supervise the administration of al lcourts.
Access to courts
Courts shall be open to every person for redress of any injury and justice shall be administered without sale, denial, or delay
General Law
applies uniformly statewide to all people or circumstances
Special laws
relate to specific persons or things or specific part of the state
What additional requirements are there for special laws?
(1) must be given prior public notice in newspaper of general circulation in affected areas OR
(2) be approved by referendum in affected area
Which subjects require uniformity of the laws? (VIDEOTAPE JLC)
Venue (change of)
Incorporation
Divorce
Elections
Occupations (regulation of)
Taxation
Adoption
Punishment for crimes
Evidence (rules of)
Juries
Lien creation
Conditions to bring civil/criminal suit
General Law of Local Application
uses a classification scheme (based upon e.g. population) to restrict its application to particular localities. It does not require notice or referendum.
What must a general law of local application have?
Some nexus between the classification scheme and the purpose of the act. The subject matter must be reasonably related to the classification.
Who qualifies as an elector
18 years of age, permanent resident of FL, registered as elector
if adjudicated mentally incompetent, not qualified until disability removed
if convicted of felony not qualified to vote until served all terms of sentence
How to determine whether government action is forbidden establishment of religion
upheld only if
(1) primarily secular purpose
(2) primary effect neither advances nor inhibits religion
(3) law doesn’t produce excessive entanglement
Time, place, manner restrictions
generally allowed if not content based
Content based restrictions
govt must show they are narrowly tailored to serve a compelling vot interest
Commercial speech
intermediate scrutiny - substantial relationship to important government interest
Obsecenity
pruient and offensive under local community standards and
lacking any serious artistic, literary value (under national standards)
Freedom of assembly
People retain the right to assemble peaceably and petition for redress of grievances
Right to work
No person may be denied a job because of membership or non membership in a union.
Right to strike
Both public and private employees have the right to collective bargaining but public employees do not have the right to strike.
Right to bear arms
People have the right to bear arms ot protect themselves and the state but manner may be regulated. 3 day waiting period between retail purchase and delivery. COunties may impose add’l waiting period of 3-5 days and background check.