constitionality

Definition

Noun: - The quality or state of being constitutional: "constitutionality" refers to the adherence of a law, policy, or action to the principles and provisions of a constitution, especially in legal or governmental contexts. - The court ruled on the constitutionality of the new tax law. (The court decided whether the law was consistent with the constitution.)

Usage Examples

• (The discussion centered on whether the order violated the constitution.)
• (They debated if the amendment was legally valid under the constitution.)
• (The judge confirmed that the statute did not conflict with the constitution.)

Advanced Usage

• "to challenge the constitutionality of something": to formally question whether a law or action is constitutional.

  • The organization plans to challenge the constitutionality of the surveillance program in court. (They will argue in court that the program violates the constitution.)

• "presumption of constitutionality": the legal principle that a law is assumed to be constitutional unless proven otherwise.

  • Under the presumption of constitutionality, the court must first assume the law is valid. (The court starts with the assumption that the law is constitutional.)

Variants and Related Words

• Constitutional (adj): relating to or in accordance with a constitution.

  • The constitutional rights of citizens must be protected. (Rights guaranteed by the constitution.)

• Constitutionally (adv): in a manner that is consistent with a constitution.

  • The law was constitutionally sound. (The law was legally valid according to the constitution.)

• Unconstitutionality (n): the quality of being contrary to the constitution.

  • The unconstitutionality of the law was clear. (The law clearly violated the constitution.)

Synonyms

• Legality: the state of being lawful or in accordance with legal rules.
• Validity: the quality of being legally or logically sound.
• Conformity: compliance with rules or standards, especially a constitution.

Antonyms

• Unconstitutionality: the quality of being contrary to the constitution.
• Illegality: the state of being against the law.

Related Idioms

• "On constitutional grounds": based on reasons related to the constitution.
  • The case was dismissed on constitutional grounds. (The case was rejected because it violated the constitution.)

Related Phrases

• "To test the constitutionality": to examine whether something is constitutional.
  • The Supreme Court will test the constitutionality of the new voting law. (The court will evaluate if the law is constitutional.)