Opinion ID: 2150185
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: overview of the separation of powers clause

Text: Nebraska's separation of powers clause [16] prohibits the three governmental branches from exercising the duties and prerogatives of another branch. [17] It also prohibits a branch from improperly delegating its own duties and prerogativesexcept as the constitution directs or permits. [18] Our constitution, unlike the federal Constitution and those of several other states, contains an express separation of powers clause. So we have been less willing to find overlapping responsibilities among the three branches of government. [19] Deciding whether the Nebraska Constitution has committed a matter to another governmental branch, or whether the branch has exceeded its authority, is a delicate exercise in constitutional interpretation. [20] And it is our responsibility, as the ultimate interpreter of our constitution, to make that decision. [21] As we know, the line between what is a legislative function and what is a judicial one has not been drawn with precision; we make that decision on a case-by-case basis. [22] In defining that line, we look at the function's purposenot merely its statutory originto decide whether a governmental function is legislative or judicial. [23]