Constitutional law covers a broad range of cases involving the federal Constitution, Missouri's state Constitution, and the cases interpreting them.
Our legal system has a hierarchy. Many Americans are familiar with our federal Constitution and the Amendments, including the Bill of Rights (the first 10 Amendments). Missouri also has a state Constitution. The state Constitution is much longer than the federal one.
In addition to Constitutions, we also have federal laws, state laws, and municipal ordinances. The Constitutions trump laws; if a law conflicts with the Constitution, it is unconstitutional. Federal normally trumps state thanks to the U.S. Constitution's Supremacy Clause.
If your head isn't spinning already, it wouldn't take much longer for me to make it spin. When is a case heard in state court versus federal court? Which rules and deadlines apply when there's a conflict? Why do some parts of federal amendments apply to protect rights in the states but others don't?
Constitutional law is the process by which we understand our Constitutions, what rights we have, and how our government should operate. It's a long work in progress that will hopefully get much longer. Our constitutional law practice involves litigating your civil rights directly, like in 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 cases. It also means helping citizens and government officials develop proposals for our state Constitution and laws.
We like to say you have MO Rights. Our job is to protect them.
Comentarios