Tag Archives: separation of powers

New Jersey Supreme Court Ruling on Same Sex Marriage

The same sex marriage debate is being decided in New Jersey. A case came before the New Jersey Supreme Court yesterday, and ironically, some people on either side of the debate see the ruling as both a victory as well as a disappointment. How does that work? Let’s look at what the Court ruled. The state Supreme Court, correctly, could not find a fundamental right for same sex marriage. However, it did find that gay couples should have the same rights and benefits extended to married couples. What does this mean? It means that although the argument over certain rights … Continue reading →

Courts and Marriage

What is your opinion when it comes to courts deciding the definition of marriage? Do courts have the power to make such decisions, or do you believe that protected institutions and the rule of law should be defined by the legislature? You probably have a good idea by now how I feel regarding the same sex marriage debate, but I think it’s important to stress why. I firmly believe that such important issues must be decided in the legislature instead of the courts, and there are two main reasons for this opinion. They have to do with checks and balances. … Continue reading →