The Florida State Constitution.

• Author: Mills, Jon L.
• Position: Book review

The Florida State Constitution

by Talbot "Sandy" D'Alemberte

The Florida Constitution itself is not light reading. However, Talbot "Sandy" D'Alemberte's The Florida State Constitution is mandatory reading for anyone with an interest in Florida constitutional issues. The book dissects a complex legal document into manageable sections with guiding commentary and definitive analysis on the history and differing interpretations of its provisions. It is the best comprehensive resource for practitioners, law students, journalists, and professors. Because of the upcoming Constitution Revision Commission process in 2018, it should be important to all Floridians.

Sandy D'Alemberte is uniquely qualified to make this overarching assessment of the Florida Constitution, given his lifelong active participation in its development: as a draftsman, a teacher, and a litigator for the past 50 years. He was a member of the House of Representatives when it was debating the proposals that led to the 1968 dramatic overhaul of the Florida Constitution. D'Alemberte also chaired the 1977-1978 Constitution Revision Commission, is former president of the ABA, and currently serves as president emeritus of Florida State University and a professor of Florida constitutional law at Florida State College of Law.

This book begins with an examination of the role of state constitutions in relation to the federal constitution in a strong and demonstrative way. It describes the important function that state constitutions have in policy work in the United States, a timeless consideration that only becomes more relevant in today's political climate. The book then traces an overview of the history of Florida's five constitutions, beginning in 1838. This historical context is important for understanding current interpretations of the constitution, as well as the 2017-2018 Constitution Revision Commission's role in shaping the future of the document and public policy in our state.

D'Alemberte then proceeds into a section-by-section analysis in which each provision's...