J.A.S. v. State

ANSTEAD, Justice.

We have for review the decision in State v. J.A.S., 686 So.2d 1366 (Fla. 5th DCA 1997). We accepted jurisdiction to answer the following question certified to be of great public importance:

WHETHER THE POTENTIAL PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF SECTION 800.04, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY A MINOR UNDER THE AGE OF SIXTEEN FURTHERS A COMPELLING STATE INTEREST THROUGH THE LEAST INTRUSIVE MEANS?

Id. at 1370. We have jurisdiction. Art. V, § 3(b)(4), Fla. Const. For the reasons expressed below, we answer the certified question in the affirmative, approve the decision under review, and hold that…