Kenneth Robinson, an Infant by His Parent and Guardian Ad Litem, Ernestine Robinson Plaintiffs-Respondents…

Summary

The New Jersey Supreme Court held that the Public School Education Act of 1975 is facially constitutional, assuming it will be fully funded, because it defines the constitutional goal of a thorough and efficient education, delegates appropriate authority to the Commissioner and State Board, and provides fiscal mechanisms intended to meet the constitutional mandate. The decision rests on a de novo review of the statute’s text and the Court’s prior Robinson jurisprudence. The Court vacated its prior injunction and retained jurisdiction to order relief if the Legislature fails to fully fund the Act. The judgment was contested by a dissent and several concurring opinions.