Arizona Constitution Article 28 - ENGLISH AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Arizona Constitution – Article 28: English as the Official Language
Full Title:
Article XXVIII. English as the Official Language
Summary:
Article 28 of the Arizona Constitution declares English as the official language of the State of Arizona. It mandates that all official government actions be conducted in English, with some exceptions.
Key Provisions:
Section 1 – English as the Official Language:
English is the official language of the state of Arizona.
Section 2 – Official Actions to be in English:
All official actions of the state and its political subdivisions must be conducted in English.
“Official action” refers to written and spoken communications by government officials or employees during official duties.
Section 3 – Exceptions:
Exceptions are allowed when:
Federal law requires the use of another language.
It involves the teaching of languages.
Public health and safety require communication in another language.
Protecting the rights of criminal defendants or victims requires another language.
Promoting tourism, commerce, or international trade.
Language is used privately or informally by government employees or officials (as individuals, not as official representatives).
Section 4 – Enforcement and Standing:
Any person residing or doing business in Arizona has standing to sue to enforce this article.
Courts may award legal fees and costs to prevailing parties.
Section 5 – Severability:
If any provision is held invalid, the rest of the article remains in effect.
Background:
Passed by Arizona voters in 2006 through Proposition 103.
It reflects a political and cultural movement prioritizing English in government operations, though it allows for practical exceptions.
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