Law Commons^™

The Scottish Independence Referendum And The Principles Of Democratic Secession, Benjamin Levites

Brooklyn Journal of International Law

On September 18, 2014, Scottish voters decided whether to sever the 307 years of unity between Scotland and the United Kingdom in an independence referendum. While the voters ultimately rejected independence, the process by which the Scots accomplished this historic exercise will inform further democratic secession movements.

This Note examines the significant implications of Scotland’s independence referendum by assessing the history of independence referendums and the present scope of relevant international law. The formative history of the independence referendum and modern precedential examples established the requirements for democratic secession. In turn, the Scottish independence referendum, in the context of evolving …

Electoral Recall In Washington State And California: California Needs Stricter Standards To Protect Elected Officials From Harassment, Joshua Osborne-Klein

Seattle University Law Review

This article highlights the weaknesses of the electoral recall mechanisms in California and the way in which the Washington recall process has avoided such weaknesses. Part II provides general background information on the development of recall mechanisms. Part III explores how the United States Supreme Court has ruled on recall attempts and the specific guidance the Court has provided for states in developing adequately protective recall processes. Part IV analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the California recall provisions by examining the recall-related opinions of California courts and the complexities of Governor Davis's recall. Part V provides a solution to …

Direct Democracy Is Not Republican Government, Steven William Marlowe

Seattle University Law Review

This Article will initially explain the examples of direct democracy in the states of Washington and Oregon. It will then analyze the United States Constitution's Guarantee Clause. Finally, this Article will argue that state initiative and referendum provisions are inconsistent with a republican form of government and that laws passed through the use of this process are unconstitutional.

Courts As Watchdogs Of The Washington State Initiative Process, Kenneth P. Miller

Seattle University Law Review

This Article describes the high rate at which courts have invali- dated Washington initiatives and then explores why this is so. The Article suggests that it is initiative lawmaking's Populist orientation—with respect to both its unfiltered majoritarian processes and its often—constitutionally suspect substance-that makes initiatives vulnerable to legal attack.