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Yes, when you argue a case in court you have to cite legal precedents. The Constitution and the laws passed by Congress along with the interpretations of those laws by the Court (all Courts, not just the Supreme Court) constitute the law.

When courts disagree or a decision is appealed to a court the decision of the highest court becomes the new standard. The Supreme Court is the highest standard.


Answer

Yes and no. Usually the "Supreme Law of the Land" refers to the Constitution of the United States. According to Article VI, Section 2 of the Constitution, however, the "Supreme Law of the Land" means "This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof." We usually take this to mean enacted laws, or laws made by a legislative body, like Congress, but it can also mean common law, or laws made as a result of judicial decisions.

Supreme Court decisions make common law, which is enforceable and carries the rule of law, so it must also be in compliance with the Constitution. In that sense, rulings by the Supreme Court could be considered part of the "Supreme Law of the Land," as long as they are constitutionally sound.


Article VI, Section 2 (Supremacy Clause)

This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in the Constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding.


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No. According to Article VI of the Constitution, the Constitution is the "supreme law of the land." The US Supreme Court is the highest appellate court in the United States, and has ultimate responsibility and authority for interpreting the Constitution.

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15y ago
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laws againsed sodomy as violations of substansive due process...what that means I have no clue lol

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13y ago
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No. The State Supreme Court interprets laws and the state constitution, and serves as the final appellate court when cases are appealed. The state legislature makes laws.

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14y ago
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No. The Supreme Court is not a lawmaking body. Congress is the chief lawmaking body in the US.

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16y ago
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No, it is the highest court.

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9y ago
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Q: Is the US Supreme Court the law of the land?
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