The state has a right to do that [outlaw contraceptives]…
![“The state has a right to do that [outlaw contraceptives], I have never questioned that the state has a right to do that. It is not a constitutional right, the state has the right to pass whatever statutes they have. That is the thing I have said about the activism of the Supreme Court, they are…” quote by Rick Santorum](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/e53/rick-santorum-1840_activism_the-state-has-a-right-to-do-that-outlaw_181390.jpg)
“The state has a right to do that [outlaw contraceptives], I have never questioned that the state has a right to do that. It is not a constitutional right, the state has the right to pass whatever statutes they have. That is the thing I have said about the activism of the Supreme Court, they are creating right, and they should be left up to the people to decide.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker argues that the government can legislate on issues like contraceptives because it holds authority to make laws, not because such matters are constitutionally protected. The Supreme Court should not create rights but defer to popular decision‑making.
In simple terms: The state can law contraceptives; the Court should defer to people.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the limits of judicial power.
Themes
government authority
constitutional law
judicial restraint
public policy
individual rights
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
legal
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- health legislation
- court decisions
Key Concepts
separation of powers
legitimacy of lawmaking
democratic legitimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- Should courts create rights or leave them to elected bodies?
- How does this view affect reproductive health policy?
A Different Perspective
Courts may overstep by creating rights not grounded in the Constitution.