Warning

Info

Warning

Info

Warning

Info

LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

Ashwander rules

Read a random definition: citatory

A quick definition of Ashwander rules:

Ashwander rules are a set of principles that the U.S. Supreme Court follows when deciding cases that involve constitutional questions. These rules were created to make sure that the Court only decides on constitutional issues when it is absolutely necessary, and to avoid making decisions on constitutional questions if the case can be resolved on another issue. The rules include things like not deciding on a constitutional question in a friendly case, not creating a rule of constitutional law that is broader than necessary, and not ruling on the constitutionality of a law unless the plaintiff is harmed by it. These rules help the Court make fair and just decisions that follow the law.

A more thorough explanation:

Ashwander rules refer to a set of principles that guide the U.S. Supreme Court in deciding constitutional questions. These rules were outlined in Justice Brandeis's concurring opinion in Ashwander v. Tennessee Valley Authority in 1936.

The Ashwander rules include:

  • The court should not decide a constitutional question in a friendly suit.
  • The court should not anticipate a question of constitutional law.
  • The court should not create a rule of constitutional law that is broader than that called for by the facts of the case.
  • The court should not decide a constitutional issue if the case can be decided on another ground.
  • The court should not rule on the constitutionality of a statute unless the plaintiff is harmed by the statute or if the plaintiff has accepted the benefits of the statute.
  • The court should not rule on the constitutionality of an act of Congress without first analyzing whether the act can be fairly construed in a way that would avoid the constitutional question.

For example, if a person challenges a law that they have not been affected by, the court may not rule on the constitutionality of the law. Similarly, if a case can be decided on a non-constitutional issue, the court may avoid ruling on the constitutional question.

The Ashwander rules help ensure that the Supreme Court only decides constitutional questions when necessary and avoids creating broad rules that may have unintended consequences.

ASFA | as-is warranty

Warning

Info

General

General chat about the legal profession.
main_chatroom
👍 Chat vibe: 0 👎
Help us make LSD better!
Tell us what's important to you
medicine is a scam
join the ethically ambiguous legal field instead
Dkk
18:57
I want to meet an attorney that defends clients who run into flat earth problems. I want an attorney that knows and believes in flat earth theory.
19:05
i want a flat earther for president. i want a guy who posts on 4chan for president. i want someone who mogs for president.
Dkk
19:18
Exactly. My version of that awful poem.
Dkk
19:19
I can accept a president with maybe one or two of the poems traits hut good God, all of them??? No ty.
windyMagician
19:20
president who respects sex is crazy
windyMagician
19:20
we had bill clinton already
Dkk
19:21
Bill Clinton, first and last black president
windyMagician
19:23
I want to go running but my leg feels weird
windyMagician
19:23
it doesn't hurt its just tingly
Dkk
19:26
It needs more alcohol. You tingle when your nerves need watering.
19:27
try stretching it maybe to see what's up
windyMagician
19:27
stretches make me think it's just soreness
windyMagician
19:27
I'm sober lol
Dkk
19:38
Anyone else get the google notification that your LSD password has been compromised lol. LSD got hacked.
20:48
what.jpg @Dkk
CynicalOops
21:03
You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?
jackfrost11770
21:10
nope dk
CynicalOops
22:37
Calvinamala Harris
jackfrost11770
23:16
should i start using letterboxed again
Dkk
23:25
@jackfrost11770: if you want but like it aint for me
dk do u ever eat at bk
Dkk
23:48
@chickenburgahfart: I would do that in the Army if really desperate for food or if I had to work through lunch. One of the few fast food places I go to.
bk so slept on
Dkk
0:23
I will take In N Out everyday over it when I can though.
texaslawhopefully
1:22
In N Out is not only the best fast food place, but the prices too are fantastic
Dkk
1:27
Indeed, indeed.
LSD+ is ad-free, with DMs, discounts, case briefs & more.