What is the test for invalidating the entire statute of Section 7.48.050(2) of the Washington State Code of Civil Procedure when some portions of the statute are found to be unconstitutional?

MultiRegion, United States of America

The following excerpt is from Spokane Arcades, Inc. v. Brockett, 631 F.2d 135 (9th Cir. 1980):

Appellants contend that the entire statute should not be invalidated merely because some portions are found to be unconstitutional. This argument is unpersuasive. The injunction and closing order provisions represent a vital part of the statutory scheme. To eliminate these enforcement provisions would essentially eviscerate the statute and "would create a program quite different from the one the (people) actually adopted." Sloan v. Lemon, 413 U.S. 825, 834, 93 S.Ct. 2982, 2987, 37 L.Ed.2d 939 (1973). This we decline to do. That the statute contains a severability clause, Wash.Rev.Code 7.48.900, does not authorize us to indulge in major revisions to salvage the statute. Id. at 833-34, 93 S.Ct. at 2987. We are certain that the legislature of the State of Washington can do this better than we.

Affirmed.

* Honorable Marion J. Callister, United States District Judge for the District of Idaho, sitting by designation.

1 The statutory definition of "lewd matter" expressly incorporates the standards approved in Miller v. California, 413 U.S. 15, 24, 93 S.Ct. 2607, 2614, 37 L.Ed.2d 419 (1973). Wash.Rev.Code 7.48.050(2).

Other Questions


Does Section 167(4) of the New York State Code of Civil Procedure apply to a plaintiff's claim under Section 167 of the Civil Rights Act? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Is there a qualified immunity in the context of a civil action brought by former Deputy First Minister of State John Rutherford, who was sued in his individual capacity for violating Section 1983 of the Civil Code of Civil Procedure? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the effect of section 6621 of the Civil Code of Civil Procedure when dealing with civil matters? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
If a section of the New York State Code of Civil Procedure is ambiguous, what is the test for assessing the meaning of the statute in its current form? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the defense of a plaintiff in a civil case arising under Section 1983 of the Civil Code of Civil Procedure? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does Section 871(a) of the Criminal Code require a defendant to give notice of the charge under section 871 of the Civil Code of Civil Procedure? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Is Section 2423(b) of the Civil Code of Civil Procedure unconstitutional because it prohibits travel in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in any sexual act with a minor? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Can a criminal conviction under section 2113(a) of the Civil Code of Civil Procedure be brought under Section 2113 of the Criminal Code when a plaintiff is injured in an accident? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does a party charged as a co-principal under Section 2(b) of the Civil Code of Civil Procedure have to be found guilty of criminal conspiracy to pervert the course of justice? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
If a section of the New York State Code of Civil Procedure is ambiguous, what is the test for assessing the meaning of the statute in its current form? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.