The Constitution is the highest law in the state, and no law can go against the Constitution. One of the jobs the Supreme Court is tasked with is deciding whether specific laws that are brought before them are Constitutional or not. Hear from Chief Justice Debra Stephens as she explains when the State Supreme Court has the final say on the interpretation of laws and what role the Legislature has when a law is deemed to be unconstitutional.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why could the Washington State Supreme Court be seen as the highest court in the state?
2. For what cases does the Washington State Supreme Court not have the final say?
3. What role does the legislature have when a law is declared unconstitutional?
4. What is a judicial precedent? How do later courts contend with Supreme Court precedents?
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