Court Opinion

ID: 9593802
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 00:25:01.227303+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:02:17.377859
License: Public Domain

JOE H. GALVAN, District Judge (specially concurring). I concur in the result and the analysis so ably expressed by Justice Ransom. However, since the opportunity may never again present itself and for the reason that thoughts and ideas harbored but not expressed become part of the cosmos without contributing to its order, I feel compelled to add the following. Needless to say, these observations are not in any way to be construed as a statement of policy or opinion of the Court, the Justices of the Court, or the District Judges sitting on the Court for this case. This is merely the opinion of the writer as a District Judge who by happenstance was selected to sit on this case and whose humble opinion is that extending an olive branch is always conducive to mutual understanding. Beyond cavil is the proposition that this case will have a far-reaching impact on the constitutional jurisprudence of this State. It is therefore appropriate for this Court to discuss the interrelationship among the “three equal and co-ordinate branches” of government. Renck v. Superior Court, 66 Ariz. 320, 326, 187 P.2d 656, 660 (1947). The salutary scheme of “checks and balances” does not contemplate a constant or recurring tension among the departments in accomplishing their constitutional mandate. It does not envision power struggles or one-upmanship. To the contrary, there is a prohibition against any of the departments exercising any powers properly belonging to either of the others, except as provided by the Constitution. N.M.Const. art. Ill, Section I. Rather, like a well-oiled machine whose disparate parts independently but in harmony with each other accomplish their unified purpose, so the three departments together strive for one goal— good government. This Court does not intend to create law, but to interpret it; and in a spirit of solidarity invites the legislative branch to create the law but leave to the courts to say what the law is. Finally, I respectfully enjoin the executive branch in implementing the law to accord to its sister branches the deference and respect to which they are entitled. For government functions at its best when the three branches of government, while not in any way abrogating their constitutional prerogatives, operate on the basis of mutual respect and self-imposed restraint. As we rapidly approach the unimagined wonders of the twenty-first century, all public servants should be ever cognizant of the unalterable fact that a strong and independent judiciary, a conscientious and concerned legislature, and an efficient and effective executive make for what our Constitution represents — good government. The people of the State of New Mexico deserve, nay, demand nothing less.