Quote:
Originally Posted by Botnst
Sometimes one right conflicts with another. When that happens how do we determine which 'right' takes precedence?
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The Declaration Of Independence, while a very important and historical document, does not carry the weight of law as does the Constitution. My opinion....
It can and has been cited numerous times by the SCOTUS as the source of the basic principles upon which all our other laws are based, but it does not outline in specific terms how the law will be administered.
Rescinding the rights of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness for convicted criminals is a case in point.
So it would appear to me that the laws specified in the Constitution, and even those passed by Congress and other local legislatures take precedence over the Declaration unless the issue is taken to the SCOTUS and found to be in conflict with the underlying principles contained therein.