Opinion ID: 2629223
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Gunwall Factors Five and Six

Text: Factor five of the Gunwall analysis calls for us to examine the structural difference between the federal and state constitutions. Gunwall, 106 Wash.2d at 62, 720 P.2d 808. This court has previously stated that structural differences will always support an independent analysis. See Seeley, 132 Wash.2d at 790, 940 P.2d 604. See also Smith, 117 Wash.2d at 286, 814 P.2d 652 (listing several state constitutional protections not afforded citizens by federal constitution). The structural difference between the federal and state constitutions is apparent. Where the federal constitution is a grant of enumerated powers, the state constitution serves to limit the sovereign power, which directly lies with the residents and indirectly lies with the elected representatives. Gunwall, 106 Wash.2d at 62, 720 P.2d 808. Therefore, structural differences support an independent analysis. Finally, factor six of the Gunwall analysis favors independent analysis if the matters at issue are of particular state interest or local concern. Gunwall, 106 Wash.2d at 62, 720 P.2d 808. Because annexations are a matter of state and local concern, it is more appropriately addressed by the state constitution. See Hunter, 207 U.S. at 178-79, 28 S.Ct. 40, 52 L.Ed. 151 (finding annexation questions suitable for independent state constitutional analysis). For the reasons dictated by the preceding Gunwall analysis, we hold that article I, section 12 of the Washington State Constitution requires an independent constitutional analysis from the equal protection clause of the United States Constitution.