constitutionality

noun

con·sti·tu·tion·al·i·ty | \ ˌkän(t)-stə-ˌtü-shə-ˈna-lə-tē,

-ˌtyü-\

Definition of constitutionality

: the quality or state of being constitutional especially : accordance with the provisions of a constitution questioned the constitutionality of the law

Examples of constitutionality in a Sentence

He questions the constitutionality of the proposed law.

Recent Examples on the Web

That could set up the state for a legal challenge over its constitutionality, including from the same federal appeals court that two years ago struck down similar legislation approved in Arkansas and North Dakota. — Barbara Rodriguez And Scott Stewart, BostonGlobe.com, "Iowa lawmakers pass ban on most abortions, aiming for court fight," 3 May 2018 In the meantime, Rynearson sued to challenge the constitutionality of the law, and Leighton dismissed it based on case law that says federal courts should abstain from intervening in state cases while proceedings are ongoing in state court. — Heidi Groover, The Seattle Times, "Does Washington cyberstalking law violate free-speech rights? Bainbridge man gets new chance to make his case," 11 Sep. 2018 What the case is about: Lawyers for Haning filed a motion last week that challenges to the constitutionality of Whitaker’s acting appointment. — Jen Kirby, Vox, "A brief guide to the legal challenges against acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker," 21 Nov. 2018 In 2015, Corey and Simpson rallied defense attorneys in 27 pending capital murder cases and took them before a Maricopa County Superior Court judge to argue the constitutionality of the Arizona death penalty laws. — Michael Kiefer, azcentral, "U.S. Supreme Court turns down case challenging Arizona's death penalty," 19 Mar. 2018 Also, some lawmakers and legal scholars have expressed concerns about the bill’s constitutionality. — Ryan Tracy, WSJ, "Trump Says He Is Unlikely to Agree to Sit-Down Interview in Mueller Probe," 18 Nov. 2018 In a 2011 dissent on a ruling upholding the ACA’s constitutionality, Kavanaugh argued that the president could decline to uphold legislation like the ACA despite a court’s findings, according to The Washington Post. — Lauren Young, Teen Vogue, "Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh's Track Record on Gun Control, Reproductive Rights, and More," 10 July 2018 On Monday, Alliance Defending Freedom appealed a June Arizona Court of Appeals ruling that affirmed the constitutionality of the Phoenix law. — Jessica Boehm, azcentral, "Wedding invitation designers appeal ruling requiring them to serve sames-sex couples," 10 July 2018 The rescission of this guidance does not overrule forty years of precedent that affirms the constitutionality of a university’s limited use of race in college admissions. — Stephen A. Crockett Jr., The Root, "2 Birds, 1 Racist President: Trump to Undo Obama Policy That Used Race as Factor for Diversity in Schools," 4 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'constitutionality.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near constitutionality

constitutional

constitutional formula

constitutional monarchy

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Last Updated

6 Jan 2019

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The first known use of constitutionality was in 1787

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More Definitions for constitutionality

constitutionality

noun

English Language Learners Definition of constitutionality

: the state of being allowed by or in agreement with a constitution : the state of being constitutional

See the full definition for constitutionality in the English Language Learners Dictionary

constitutionality

noun

con·sti·tu·tion·al·i·ty | \ ˌkän-stə-ˌtü-shə-ˈna-lə-tē, -ˌtyü-

Legal Definition of constitutionality

: the quality or state of being constitutional especially : conformity with the provisions of a constitution questioned the constitutionality of the income tax