Cornell University Law School (http://www.lawschool.cornell.edu/) (https://www.cornell.edu) Search Cornell (https://www.cornell.edu/search/) 1 No. 74 Campaign for Fiscal Equity, Inc., et al., Appellants, v. The State of New York, et al., Respondents. 2003 NY Int. 84 June 26, 2003 This opinion is uncorrected and subject to revision before publication in the New York Reports. Joseph F. Wayland and Michael A. Rebell, for appellants. Daniel Smirlock, for respondents. City of New York, et al.; New York Civil Liberties Union; New York State Association of Small City School Districts, Inc.; New York State Coalition for 853 Schools, Inc.; Black, Puerto Rican and Hispanic Legislative Caucus, et al.; Partnership for New York City, Inc.; Midstate School Finance Consortium; League of Women Voters of New York State, Inc.; Rochester City School District; United Federation of Teachers; Alliance for Quality Education, et al.; Council of the Great City Schools; New York State School Boards Association, Inc. et al., amici curiæ. KAYE, CHIEF JUDGE: We begin with a unanimous recognition of the importance of education in our democracy. The fundamental value of education is embedded in the Education Article of the New York State Constitution by this simple sentence: "The legislature shall provide for the maintenance and support of a system of free

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