Court Opinion

ID: 9616829
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 04:50:17.154539+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:04:02.973214
License: Public Domain

Wright, J.
(concurring) — The majority is absolutely correct in saying this is a constitutional right which has existed from the adoption of the Fourteenth Amendment, which was 1868.
When we determine that a party, such as the petitioner herein, has a constitutional right, we necessarily imply that all who are situated similarly to the petitioner also have the same constitutional right, and have had it since the adoption of the relevant constitutional provision. Thus, it is incorrect to fail to apply a constitutional right retroactively. However, when common law rights are in question and we abrogate a judge-made rule, it is obviously proper, and often desirable, to apply the new rule prospectively.
There is much practical merit to the view of the dissent, and were the right involved other than a right granted by the constitution, the situation would be different.
Given the posture of this case, I feel it my duty to support and uphold the constitution and sign the majority opinion.