Constitution Quote by John Marshall
“A legislative act contrary to the Constitution is not law.”
About This Quote
Source Court Opinion: Marbury v. Madison, 1803
A law that conflicts with the Constitution has no legal authority.
In simple terms: Unconstitutional laws are invalid.
Key Takeaway
Uphold constitutional supremacy.
Themes
law
government
constitution
Mood
serious
analytical
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- court challenges
- policy making
Key Concepts
legal theory
judicial review
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we enforce constitutional compliance?
- What safeguards exist against unconstitutional laws?
A Different Perspective
Political pressure may ignore constitutional limits.
![“[E]very act of a delegated authority, contrary to the tenor of the commission under which it is exercised, is void. No legislative act, therefore, contrary to the Constitution, can be valid. To deny this, would be to affirm, that the deputy is greater than his principal; that the servant is above…” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/156/alexander-hamilton-619_acting_e-very-act-of-a-delegated-authority-cont_1212377.jpg)
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
