Opinion ID: 1100973
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Judicial Encroachment

Text: Appellants Smith and the Academy next contend that sections 51 and 52 [punitive damages], section 53 [remittitur and additur], section 54 [an optional provision for settlement conferences], section 56 [requiring an itemized verdict for economic, noneconomic, and punitive damages], section 57 [providing alternative methods for payment of future economic damages], and section 58 [attorney's fees], each violate the separation of powers provision of article II, section 3, of the Florida Constitution. We agree with the trial judge's rejection of this argument and approve his explanation. [10] When the legislature enacted these provisions, it was addressing the substantive rights of plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation actions with regard to recovery of damages. Although section 56 in particular has certain procedural aspects that will require immediate examination by this Court, its provisions are necessary to implement the substantive provisions of sections 51, 52, and 60. We find that all these sections are directly related to the substantive statutory scheme and conclude that these provisions do not violate the separation of powers clause of the Florida Constitution.