Ruling on constitutionality of Florida school voucher law [FL DCA] News
Ruling on constitutionality of Florida school voucher law [FL DCA]

Governor John Ellis "Jeb" Bush, et al. v. Ruth D. Holmes, et al., Florida District Court of Appeal First Circuit, Judge Van Nortwick, November 12, 2004 [ruling that the state's 1999 school voucher law violates the state constitution because it allows tax dollars to be spent on religious schools]. Excerpt:

As did the trial court, we recognize the salutary public policy supporting the OSP legislation to enhance the educational opportunity of children trapped in substandard schools. Nevertheless, courts do not have the authority to ignore the clear language of the Constitution, even for a popular program with a worthy purpose. If Floridians wish to remove or lessen the restrictions of the no-aid provision, they can do so by constitutional amendment.

Read the full text of the opinion here [PDF]. Reported in JURIST's Paper Chase here.

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