The Convention passed language making the Constitution “the supreme law of the land” and thus superior to all state laws and constitutions. This decision was crucial in establishing a clear hierarchy of legal authority within the United States. The Founding Fathers recognized the need for a central document that would serve as the ultimate law of the land, ensuring consistency and coherence in the nation's legal framework.
On Feb. 8, 2024, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in a potentially historic case that could affect former President Donald Trump's legacy. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the interpretation of the Constitution and the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
By a bare 5-4 majority, the Supreme Court reaffirms that federal law still applies to Texas. This decision underscored the principle that federal law supersedes state laws when there is a conflict between the two. It also highlighted the importance of the Supreme Court in interpreting and upholding the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
A consequential development of the Trump era is what increasingly looks like the Republicans' acrimonious divorce from the rule of law. This trend has raised concerns about the erosion of constitutional norms and the potential for a breakdown in the rule of law in the United States.
The US Supreme Court struggled to find a middle ground on the application of free-speech principles to the internet, as the justices grappled with the complexities of modern technology and communication. This case highlighted the challenges of applying traditional legal principles to rapidly evolving forms of expression and exchange.
The Supreme Court will consider whether city ordinances that bar homeless people from camping on public property violate constitutional rights. This case raises important questions about the balance between maintaining public order and respecting the rights of marginalized populations, underscoring the ongoing tension between law enforcement and civil liberties.
Brazil's supreme court has blocked efforts to dramatically strip Indigenous land rights, a historic win for Indigenous communities in the country. This ruling reaffirmed the importance of upholding constitutional protections for Indigenous peoples and preserving their ancestral lands from encroachment and exploitation.
The ruling in this Supreme Court case upheld a Louisiana state law that allowed for 'equal but separate accommodations for the white and Black communities. This decision highlighted the ongoing challenges of racial discrimination and segregation in America, underscoring the need for continued vigilance in protecting civil rights and equal treatment under the law.
The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in favor of a Colorado web designer's crusade to make exemptions from anti-discrimination laws so she can refuse services to same-sex couples. This decision raised questions about the limits of religious freedom and the extent to which individuals can cite their beliefs as justification for discriminatory behavior.
