Opinion ID: 2367442
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: Intrinsic construction Vacancy as a constitutional term

Text: In determining the meaning of the term vacancy, we look next to the language of the Constitution itself. Article III, § 9 provides two separate grants of power to the Governor to fill public offices: He shall have power, unless herein otherwise provided, to appoint, by and with the consent of a majority of all the members elected to the Senate, such officers as he is or may be authorized by this Constitution or by law to appoint. He shall have power to fill all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, in offices to which he may appoint, except in the offices of Chancellor, Chief Justice and Associate Judges, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the end of the next session of the Senate. Although the federal authorities tend to ignore the precise language, given our constitutional holdover provision, we think it is significant that the Governor's regular power to appoint is not limited by the concept of a vacancy. Rather it is expressed in terms of a power ... to appoint as authorized by the Constitution or law. His recess appointive power is, however, limited to fill all vacancies. Thus, as to the regular power, it is clear that he can appoint on the expiration of a term, notwithstanding a holdover occupant and the holdover incumbent can be divested when the Senate consents. It does not follow, however, that, merely because a holdover officer is subject to being divested by a successor appointed and confirmed in regular course, that he is also subject to being divested by a recess appointment. A distinction is made by the constitutional language in Article III, § 9 standing alone. The language of the recess power also draws our attention to the express exception for constitutional judicial offices. The special provision for such offices is found in Article IV, § 3, which reads in pertinent part: If a vacancy shall occur, by expiration of term or otherwise, at a time when the Senate shall not be in session, the Governor shall within thirty (30) days after the happening of any such vacancy convene the Senate for the purpose of confirming his appointment to fill said vacancy and the transaction of such other executive business as may come before it. Such vacancy shall be filled as aforesaid for the full term. It is significant that, in this special context, the constitutional framers thought it necessary to define the concept of vacancy by adding the qualifying words by expiration of term or otherwise. The clear inference is that expiration of a judicial term would not otherwise cause a vacancy to happen. [11] The word vacancy is used in various constitutional provisions but these are not particularly helpful in reference to the instant problem. [12] We are left with the conclusion from the constitutional language above that the recess power to fill vacancies was not designed to permit appointments on the mere expiration of stated terms. Thus, since expiration of term does not create a vacancy, the Article III recess power cannot be exercised and a successor cannot be duly qualified under Article XV, § 5 to terminate the holdover's right to office.