Court Quote by Harry A. Blackmun
“This Court repeatedly has recognized that the whole subject of the domestic relations of husband and wife belongs to the laws of the States and not to the laws of the United States.”
About This Quote
Source Supreme Court Opinion, 1972
The Court says family law matters are governed by state law, not federal law.
In simple terms: Family law is a state issue, not federal.
Key Takeaway
Recognize state authority over domestic relations.
Themes
law
federalism
family
Mood
analytical
formal
Type
legal
jurisprudential
When to use this quote
- marriage contracts
- divorce proceedings
- child custody
- state legislation
Key Concepts
jurisdiction
state vs federal authority
Questions to Reflect On
- Should family law be standardized nationally?
- How do state differences impact families?
A Different Perspective
State laws can vary widely, causing inconsistency across the country.
![“The mandated description of fetal characteristics at two-week intervals, no matter how objective, is plainly overinclusive. [It is] not medical information that is always relevant to the woman's decision, and it may serve to confuse and punish her and to heighten her anxiety.” quote by Harry A. Blackmun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8ae/harry-a-blackmun-19399_anxiety_the-mandated-description-of-fetal-charac_316886.jpg)
