Binding Quote by John Taylor
“All laws that are proper and correct, and all obligations entered into which are not violative of the constitution should be kept inviolate. But if they are violative of the constitution, then the compact between the rulers and the ruled is broken and the obligation ceases to be binding.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Constitutional Law Lecture, 19th century, null
A law or duty that conflicts with the constitution loses its authority and must be discarded.
In simple terms: Unconstitutional rules are not binding.
Key Takeaway
Reject unconstitutional obligations.
Themes
law
constitution
authority
Mood
serious
analytical
Type
legal
political
When to use this quote
- government policy
- civil rights
- judicial review
Key Concepts
legal theory
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we identify unconstitutional obligations?
- What safeguards ensure compliance?
A Different Perspective
Constitutional supremacy may be contested in practice.
![“In a very real sense, the Constitution is our compact with history . . . [but] the Constitution can maintain that compact and serve as the lodestar of our political system only if its terms are binding on us. To the extent we depart from the document's language and rely instead on generalities…” quote by Alex Kozinski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/57c/alex-kozinski-26609_between-the-lines_in-a-very-real-sense-the-constitution-is_1028882.jpg)
![“[In the case of] dangerous exercise of other powers, not granted by the said compact, the states, who are parties thereto, have the right, and are duty bound, to interpose for arresting the progress of the evil.” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a51/james-madison-373_arresting_in-the-case-of-dangerous-exercise-of-oth_63920.jpg)
