An in-depth look at the impact of Justice Maria Elena Cruz on the Arizona Supreme Court
Maria Elena Cruz: Steadfast Defender of Voter-approved Laws
Appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court, Judge Maria Elena Cruz has consistently upheld the voice of the voters. Her commitment to the rule of law and due process is evident in her pivotal role in major court decisions of recent times. Cruz’s contribution to some high-profile verdicts at the Court of Appeals demonstrates her steadfastness in upholding legal and democratic principles. In a significant judgment that safeguarded Arizonans from creditors, Cruz wrote for a unanimous panel that rejected attempts by lenders and attorneys to nullify a voter-sanctioned law. Cruz boldly stated that Proposition 209 was not “vague and unintelligible,” negating their argument that rendered the act unenforceable.
Interest Cap on Medical Debt: A Resounding Win for the Public
Cruz’s input was instrumental in retaining the annual 3% interest cap on medical debt, a vast departure from the previous 10% rate. In addition, Cruz’s ruling saw a substantial increase in bankruptcy protection for homeowners and a restriction on the amount of disposable income that could be garnished — consequentially bolstering protections for debtors in Arizona.
Fighting for Accountability in Healthcare Services during COVID-19
The newly appointed Justice has been a proponent of preserving patient rights even during a health crisis. In a landmark decision in 2023, Cruz wrote a ruling that impeded lawmakers from granting doctors and hospitals immunity from negligent care claims during the COVID pandemic. Cruz argued that the 2021 law was in contravention with the Arizona Constitution, effectively safeguarding the right to sue for damages resulting from negligence while receiving healthcare services. This ruling served as a vital check against medical malpractice during emergencies.
On Upholding the Sanctity of Contracts
Cruz’s penchant for legal precision is further displayed in a case involving a divorced woman seeking to use fertilized embryos against her ex-husband’s wishes. Despite the majority ruling in favor of the woman, Cruz, in her dissent, highlighted the contract that the couple had initially signed, insisting on the necessity of written consent from both parties. Cruz’s focus on upholding the contract echoed her enduring regard for the rule of law.
Maria Elena Cruz: Preserver of Legal and Democratic Values
As a newly appointed Supreme Court Justice, Cruz brings to the bench a reputable track record of preserving the democratic will of voters and the sanctity of legal agreements. Her strenuous defense of legal principles in landmark decisions has made her an exemplary figure in the Arizona Judiciary. With her commitment to upholding the rule of law and due diligence in her legal analysis, we anticipate Cruz’s tenure at the Supreme Court will continually strengthen the Arizona legal landscape
Originally Post From https://www.yourvalley.net/stories/new-arizona-supreme-court-justice-had-hand-in-consequential-decisions,560649
