The Washington State Constitution, authored by Robert F. Utter and Hugh D. Spitzer, is a comprehensive reference guide and legal commentary on Washington's governing charter. Part of the Oxford Commen
...
The Washington State Constitution, authored by Robert F. Utter and Hugh D. Spitzer, is a comprehensive reference guide and legal commentary on Washington's governing charter. Part of the Oxford Commentaries on the State Constitutions of the United States series, it provides a section-by-section analysis and a historical overview of the state's constitutional development.
Book Overview and Edition Details
The most recent version of this essential legal text is the Second Edition, which was significantly expanded from the original 2002 publication.
- The Washington State Constitution (2nd Edition)
- Publisher: Oxford University Press.
- Publication Date: April 11, 2013.
- Length: Approximately 330 pages.
- ISBN-13: 978-0199946167.
- Key Updates: This edition includes analysis of over 100 new judicial opinions and expanded details on the late 19th-century Populist movement's impact on the 1889 constitution.
Content and Structure
The treatise is divided into two primary parts to facilitate both historical and legal research.
- Historical Evolution: Part One tracks the progression of Washington’s legislation in its historical context, from its territorial origins to modern interpretations.
- Provision-by-Provision Commentary: Part Two offers a detailed analysis of each article and section of the current constitution, including the Preamble and the 32 individual articles.
- Key Themes: The authors examine unique aspects of the state charter, such as the "paramount duty" clause regarding education and the split executive branch power.
- Legal Resources: The volume contains a table of cases, a comprehensive bibliography with over 30 new reference works, and an index for navigating complex constitutional doctrines.
About the Authors
The authors are renowned experts in Washington state constitutional law.
- Robert F. Utter: A retired justice who served on the Washington State Supreme Court from 1971 to 1995, including a term as Chief Justice (1979–1981).
- Hugh D. Spitzer: A Professor of Law at the University of Washington School of Law and a practitioner of public finance and local government law in Seattle.
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