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It's your ruling...
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| An Editorial |
February 09, 2010 |
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February's "We take care of our own" award goes to the Mississippi Supreme Court.
The state high court unanimously ruled recently that the governor could not cut the institution's budget. This ruling came in the face of continuing declines in state revenues and the need for sacrifices and frugality at all levels of state government.
Touting separation of powers, the Big Wigs said only the legislature could regulate their money.
After the court's decision, the state's Department of Finance and Administration director said he could be arrested if he cut their money.
This is probably not correct because the justices' coveted separation powers doctrine also gives the executive branch the sole power to enforce laws and court rulings.
We are reminded of a quote attributed to Andrew Jackson in connection with a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court while he was president.
"(Chief Justice) John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it."
Gov. Haley Barber might well say "(Chief Justice) Bill Waller has made his decision, now let him enforce it."
This prospect, at the very least, is intriguing.
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©The Democrat 2010
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