constitutionality

noun

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

-ˌtyü-

: 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

Three cases — two arising from state Circuit Courts, one from U.S. District Court — raising identical questions about the law’s constitutionality are before the state Supreme Court. —Alex Mann, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2024

The Supreme Court has previously taken up several cases about the constitutionality of the Ten Commandments in public spaces. —Eric Levenson, CNN, 5 Aug. 2024

Until very recently, the legality and constitutionality of vaccine mandates was never questioned by the courts. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2024

But Louisiana has better things to do with its money than litigate the constitutionality of a law that so clearly violates the First Amendment. —Washington Post, 27 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

constitutionality

noun

con·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al·​i·​ty ˌkän(t)-stə-ˌt(y)ü-shə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

: the quality or state of being in agreement with a constitution

Legal Definition

constitutionality

noun

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

: the quality or state of being constitutional

especially : conformity with the provisions of a constitution

questioned the constitutionality of the income tax