Court Opinion

ID: 9740406
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 20:34:43.161537+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:24:18.113236
License: Public Domain

Yeager, J.,
dissenting.
The majority opinion in this case finds support in decisions from some jurisdictions. In other jurisdictions an opposite viewpoint has been expressed. It is but fair to say that in the jurisdictions wherein the question has been considered the majority hold to the view expressed in the majority opinion herein.
With that view I cannot agree and in consequence I respectfully dissent.
Article III, section 19, of the Constitution of Nebraska to the extent that it is important here is the following: “The Legislature shall never grant any extra compensation to any public officer, agent or servant after the services have been rendered nor to any contractor after the contract has been entered into, nor shall the compensation of any public officer * * * be increased or diminished during his term of office.”
In the words employed in this provision, taken either in or out of context or in relation to any other constitutional provision, I fail to find any confusion or ambiguity. The language to me is simple, plain, and clear and thus, under rules so well known that citation of authority therefor would be superfluous, it is entitled to be accorded its common and ordinary meaning. It says, and I cannot escape the belief that it means, that-the com*99pensation of no public officer shall be increased or diminished during his term of office.
As I interpret, this county judge was entitled to receive without increase or decrease the salary which was appropriate under law at the commencement of his term of office.