Can a city enact an ordinance to collect court costs without state law authorization?

A city cannot enact an ordinance to collect court costs without specific authorization from state law because municipalities operate under powers granted to them by the state. This principle, often referred to as home rule or statutory authority, establishes that cities must have clear legal backing in the form of state legislation to create or modify fees and costs associated with court functions.

Collecting court costs involves financial implications that typically fall under the purview of state law, as courts are often governed by statutes that dictate their procedures and fee structures. Without explicit state authorization, any attempt by a city to impose such costs would be considered invalid and unenforceable. This requirement ensures consistency, fairness, and adherence to broader legal standards across jurisdictions.

The other options suggest scenarios where cities may act independently or with limited regard to state law, but in matters involving court costs, the necessity for state authorization is critical for the proper functioning of the legal system and local governance.