Opinions of the Justices to the Senate & House of Representatives
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
On February 13, 1781, the following order was passed by the Senate, and on February 20 by the House of Representatives : Whereas it is provided by the Constitution that “ all money bills shall originate in the House of Representatives,” and the House are of opinion that, agreeable to the spirit of the clause above recited, it is their exclusive right and duty to originate an inquiry into the returns made from the several towns and plantations for the purpose of settling a…
Read the full summary
On February 13, 1781, the following order was passed by the Senate, and on February 20 by the House of Representatives : Whereas it is provided by the Constitution that “ all money bills shall originate in the House of Representatives,” and the House are of opinion that, agreeable to the spirit of the clause above recited, it is their exclusive right and duty to originate an inquiry into the returns made from the several towns and plantations for the purpose of settling a valuation, and finally to conclude on the proportion of ratable property within each town and plantation in this state;…
1Opinion of the Court
*550To the Honorable Senate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts :
Pursuant to your Honors’ directions, I have endeavored to consider the subject mentioned in your Honors’ resolve as fairly and fully as the very short time allowed me would permit. Perhaps if I had heard all the arguments that have been made use of, I might be of a different opinion. But in obedience to your Honors’ command, I must now express my mind on the subject as clearly as I am capable of.
It seems necessary in the first place to consider, whether this settlement of a valuation is an acit of legislation, or not. It appears to…
2Cited by3 opinions
- Paisner v. Attorney GeneralMassachusetts Supreme Judicial Court · 1983
- State ex rel. Horne v. HolcombNebraska Supreme Court · 1895
- Opinion of the Justices to the House of RepresentativesMassachusetts Supreme Judicial Court · 2015