constitutional law

noun

1. the body of law that evolves from a constitution, setting out the fundamental principles according to which a state is governed and defining the relationship between the various branches of government within the state.

Word History and Origins

Origin of constitutional law¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

United States, which transformed the Richard Nixon “when the president does it, it’s not illegal” adage into an ironclad principle of constitutional law, Goldstein’s logic would turn democratic elections into get-out-of-jail-free cards for anyone who can afford to buy one.

From Slate

But his choice to do so demonstrates how malleable this country’s conception of justice really is: If a defendant is famous and powerful enough, elite lawyers will write in to the newspaper of record to cravenly argue that, as a matter of constitutional law, famous and powerful people actually shouldn’t be subject to the legal system at all.

From Slate

James Sample, a professor of constitutional law at Hofstra University, agreed that the issue of “respecting the presidency” would be central to Merchan’s judgment but added that he must also balance “respecting a jury verdict.”

From Salon

Following decades of trenchwork by Alito and his allies in the right-wing legal movement to advance the concept of a dominant “unitary executive,” this worldview catapulted into the spotlight—and our constitutional law—in this year’s 6–3 ruling in Trump v.

From Slate

“Saying history and tradition gives less room for interpretation or controversy than other approaches is preposterous,” said Noah Feldman, a constitutional law professor at Harvard.

From Slate