Florida Constitutional Law: State and Federal Cases

Constitutional Law Experience

While we handle many different legal cases at the Woodring Law Firm, constitutional cases are a top priority. Mr. Woodring has been involved in numerous high-profile constitutional cases in Florida over the past twenty-five years. He has argued cases in the Florida Supreme Court and Florida’s District Courts of Appeal and has briefed cases in the U.S. Supreme Court. His constitutional cases have involved:

Elections, ballot initiatives, and constitutional amendments

• Proposed constitutional amendments
• Ballot summary and title cases
• Single subject challenges
• Fiscal impact statement challenges
• Redistricting issues
• Election law cases like Bush v. Gore

Education

• School choice
• Charter schools
• Equitable educational funding
• The governance of Florida’s education system, including the roles of the Board of Governors, the state universities, and the State Board of Education

Government powers, budgets, and public employment

• Budget vetoes and proviso language disputes
• Tax and budget reform
• Collective bargaining
• Eliminating race as a factor in awarding government contracts and admissions to the state university system
• Defending statutes against constitutional challenges
• Separation of powers disputes

Individual rights

• The right to privacy
• Racial and religious discrimination
• First Amendment free speech cases
• Religious freedom matters
• Due process and equal protection claims
• Takings and property rights claims
• Parental notification
• Parental rights
• Cases involving “Choose Life” license plates

What Is a Constitutional Case?

Broadly defined, a constitutional case occurs whenever a portion of a state or federal constitution needs interpretation. Constitutional cases often involve challenging or defending a statute, administrative rule, or executive action alleged to violate the state or federal constitution. Less frequently, they may involve a claim that a state constitutional provision is unconstitutional under the federal Constitution or is preempted by federal law.

Why Constitutional Cases Matter

Cases involving constitutional issues are among the most significant in the law and often affect the most people. There is also a sense of finality in constitutional cases because cases interpreting constitutional provisions are the ultimate authority on what can be done in a particular area of the law and can only be altered by amending the constitution or if the U.S. Supreme Court or the Florida Supreme Court is convinced to change its original ruling. While every case is important, especially to the parties involved, constitutional cases are of great significance not only to those directly affected but also to everyone bound by that ruling. This is one reason why amicus briefs, or “friend of the court” briefs, are often filed in constitutional cases by individuals and organizations who are concerned about the outcome but are not parties to the case.

Talk to Us About a Constitutional Question

If you believe you have a constitutional claim, need to defend against a constitutional challenge, want help amending the constitution or defeating a proposed amendment, think a statute or rule is unconstitutional, or are concerned about how a constitutional case you heard about might affect you, please contact us. We are happy to discuss any potential constitutional case with you. Call 850-567-8445, email Info@woodringlawfirm.com, or use the contact form on this page.

Common Questions About Constitutional Cases

Does Woodring Law Firm handle both Florida and federal constitutional cases?

Yes. We handle cases under the Florida Constitution and the U.S. Constitution, in state and federal courts throughout Florida.

Can a constitutional ruling be changed?

Only by amending the constitution, or if the U.S. Supreme Court or the Florida Supreme Court is convinced to change its original ruling.

What is an amicus brief?

An amicus brief, or “friend of the court” brief, is filed by an individual or organization that is concerned about the outcome of a case but is not a party to it. Amicus briefs are often filed in constitutional cases.

Can the firm help with a proposed constitutional amendment?

Yes. Contact us if you want help amending the constitution or defeating a proposed amendment. Mr. Woodring’s constitutional cases have involved proposed constitutional amendments, ballot summary and title cases, single subject challenges, and fiscal impact statement challenges.

What kinds of constitutional cases has Mr. Woodring been involved in?

Over the past twenty-five years, cases involving elections and constitutional amendments, education, government powers and budgets, and individual rights such as privacy, free speech, and religious freedom.