Snowden v. Brown

Citations

• 60 Fla. 212

Syllabus

<p>1. Section 3 of Chapter 5973 is in conflict with the provision of Section 20 of Article III of the State Constitution that “the legislature shall not pass special or local laws * * * for the punishment of crime or misdemeanor,” and is not authorized by any other provision of the organic law. Such section 3 is inoperative and a sentence imposed under it is void.</p> <p>2. The legislature may enact special or local laws within its discretion for the protection of fish or game in this State, and by valid general laws may prescribe punishments and penalties for violations of the special or local laws.</p> <p>3. In construing and applying a statute, the main object is to effectuate the valid legislative intent. The language and purpose of a statute should be considered in ascertaining the legislative intent as to the subject matter upon which the law is to operate.</p> <p>4. Statutes prescribing punishments and penalties should not be extended further than their terms reasonably justify.</p> <p>5. The terms of Chapter 5920 do not justify its extension to Chapter 5973.</p>