Let's say the Legislative works with the Executive branch to draft a bill. There's this time there is communication between both messages via email and text messages. The bill is passed and a lawsuit is filed. In your opinion should those branches have the ability to claim privilege to prevent their communication from being made public?
No, undermines the meaning of Exec privilege, which is premised on separation of powers. This issue is currently being litigated in the Florida redistricting litigation. Now here's the argument for. Not saying I agree, just stating it. We don't really live under the separation of powers principles articulated in the federal Constitution and replicated in most state constitutions. Various branches of government do not really work at odds if they are of the same party. It certainly is the case here in Florida. I don't know if I ever recall an example of a separate branch of government being so subservient as the Florida legislature is to the Governor. So you could make that high-level political science argument. Except…. Redistricting is one of the examples where the Florida Legislature actually trying to stand up to the Governor, only to buckle under. They actually had a map that was conceded to be legal by all sides and would not have been challenged. DeSantis basically decided he wanted a fight, wanted to establish his national political bona fides by showing his racism, and forced through a more aggressive map which the Legislature capitulated on, producing litigation.
I think every discussion by our elected officials revolving around crafting legislation that impacts us should be posted on a website for all to view. Text. Email. Carrier pigeon. All of it.
Todays article on the current dispute over the “privilege” Lawmakers aim to avoid redistricting testimony - Tampa Bay Times
Yeah, not at all. Executive privilege is basically made up, so of course people with power try to broaden what it covers, in this case concealing their own backroom dealings which probably expose self-serving, racist or corrupt intent.
Absolutely not. Yes, very strange. Why would they not want everything out in the open? It's almost like they were doing underhanded/illegal things. But our state government would never!
