California Constitution Archives

Civil Rights Corps Damaging Criminal Justice System with Meritless Lawsuits

January 6, 2023 10:44 amJanuary 8, 2023 8:43 pm

Like many jurisdictions across the nation, Los Angeles County has a big problem with its bail system. Scores of defendants are being forced to wait far too long to make their case that they should have their bails lowered or...

When Some California Citizens Lack a State Senator

December 1, 2022 7:57 amDecember 1, 2022 8:28 am

According to Article IV, Section 2(a)(1) of the California Constitution, “the Senate has a membership of 40 Senators elected for 4-year terms, 20 to begin every 2 years.” As a result, half of the State Senate stands for election every...

Electing California’s Assembly Speaker

November 10, 2022 3:30 pmNovember 10, 2022 3:05 pm

With the convening of a new 2-year California Legislative Session, the Senate and Assembly will organize their respective houses and elect their leaders on December 5 when the 2023-24 Legislative Session officially begins. This article briefly reviews the applicable constitutional,...

Special Session or Extraordinary Session – Which Is It?

October 24, 2022 10:52 amOctober 24, 2022 10:55 am

With an impending special session being called by Governor Gavin Newsom when the California Legislature convenes its 2023-24 Regular Session on December 5, some observers have asked, “Is it called a special session or an extraordinary session?” California Constitution The...

What Is the ‘Order of Enumeration?’

October 17, 2022 6:44 amOctober 17, 2022 6:49 am

Pursuant to Article IV, Section 9 of the California Constitution, there is a requirement for each bill to have a title. The constitutional provision states: “A statute shall embrace but one subject, which shall be expressed in its title. If...

Are Legislative Findings in ‘No Place Like Home’ Bills Sufficient?

October 15, 2022 7:16 amOctober 15, 2022 7:32 am

In reviewing recently-passed legislation that proposes amendments to the “No Place Like Home Program,” as enacted by the voters by Prop. 2 in 2018, the same legislative finding and declaration is made in each bill. It is a simplistic statement...

Common Sense Public Safety: Tulare County DA Warns of Fallout with Reduced Sentences and CDCR Resentencing

October 14, 2022 8:20 amOctober 15, 2022 7:12 am

In June, the Globe spoke with Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward about the alarming effects of legislative efforts to remove and reduce violent criminal offenses in the state, undermining law enforcement. We discussed the repercussions of AB 333, the far-reaching fingers...