Opinion ID: 888676
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: the court's equal protection analysis

Text: ¶ 112 Given my conclusion that § 27-1-710(6), MCA, is special legislation, I would not reach the Rohlfs' alternative argument that this provision violates Article II, Section 4's Equal Protection Clause. But since the Court has addressed the equal protection issue, I note two points about the Court's analysis. First, I do not agree with the Court's reliance on Meech v. Hillhaven West, Inc., 238 Mont. 21, 776 P.2d 488 (1989). The Court's citations to Meech are inapt for purposes of resolving the issues presented in this case. Second, I disagree with the Court's statements in ¶ 29 that the notice provision does not involve a fundamental right and that strict scrutiny is not required. As the Court acknowledges in ¶¶ 27 and 29, the notice provision hinders the right of access to the courts. That right is guaranteed by Article II, Section 16, which states that [c]ourts of justice shall be open to every person, and speedy remedy afforded for every injury of person, property, or character. This Court has held repeatedly that the rights enumerated in Article II of Montana's Constitution (the Declaration of Rights) are fundamental constitutional rights. Kortum-Managhan v. Herbergers NBGL, 2009 MT 79, ¶ 25, 349 Mont. 475, 204 P.3d 693 (citing cases); Wadsworth v. State, 275 Mont. 287, 299, 911 P.2d 1165, 1172 (1996). Hence, as Article II, Section 16 is contained in the Declaration of Rights, it necessarily follows that it is a fundamental right to which strict scrutiny applies. See Snetsinger v. Montana University System, 2004 MT 390, ¶ 17, 325 Mont. 148, 104 P.3d 445 (Strict scrutiny applies if a ... fundamental right is affected.). And for these reasons, I would overrule the statements in Linder v. Smith, 193 Mont. 20, 25-26, 629 P.2d 1187, 1190 (1981), on which the Court relies in ¶ 29, that access to the courts is not an independent fundamental right and access may be hindered if there exists a rational basis for doing so.