Constitutional Law has been on many people’s minds in recent years, and like many other highly specialized topics, most people don’t know what they’re talking about when they talk about Constitutional Law. (After all, studies have found that only 2 out of 5 Americans can even name the three branches of government.) So what is Constitutional Law, and Why is it so important?
What is the Definition of Constitutional Law?
A basic definition of Constitutional law is law that’s related to the Constitution. However, when defining Constitutional law, it’s important to know that it includes interpreting and implementing the Constitution. To answer what is Constitutional law, a person must understand that this form of law may consist of an attorney interpreting the Constitution to decide if a client’s Constitutional rights have been violated. The attorney then may use this as part of the case. Some attorneys, on the other hand, work with the Supreme Court and have a bigger role in Constitutional law since these attorneys argue cases that will determine how the Constitution is interpreted. These lawyers play a vital role since the political and social issues are ever-changing in the United States.
When considering the definition of Constitutional law, a person has to understand that few attorneys solely practice Constitutional law. While those who work with the government may, a private-practice attorney may focus on another type of law but need to use Constitutional or might take on Constitutional law cases from time to time. That’s because the definition for Constitutional law is specific, and sometimes it just plays a part in a case rather than being the main focal point of the case. An expert in Constitutional law is far more likely to teach law than to practice. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, for instance, was a Constitutional law professor before becoming a judge, as was Barack Obama.
What Are Examples of Constitutional Law
When providing a definition for Constitutional law, it’s important to understand that the Constitution is an intricate document with several sections that help the three branches of government work together while ensuring the basic rights of citizens. So what is the purpose of Constitutional law? Since the United States was different hundreds of years ago, the laws and what does Constitutional law mean isn’t 100-percent the same as when it was first written. Therefore, attorneys must interpret the document and determine how it applies in today’s world.
Certain aspects of the definition and scope of Constitutional law are more prevalent than others. For instance, one common part of what does Constitutional law deal with is freedom of speech. This deals with a person’s right to say what he or she wants, assemble, and practice a religion of his or her choosing. It’s important to understand that what does Constitutional law mean in terms of freedom of speech excludes saying certain things. These restrictions are the same for everyone.
Another common part of what does Constitutional law deal with is the right to due process. This is a part of what does Constitutional law mean that deals with court. This is an answer to what is an example of Constitutional law that gives people the right to a fair judicial procedure. When considering what the definition and scope of Constitutional law are, this part of the law guarantees that a defendant has the right to defend him or herself and be heard. Additionally, as an answer to what is an example of Constitutional law, this part of the Constitution guarantees a person the right to an attorney.
How Do I Become a Constitutional Lawyer?
If a person thoroughly understands the Constitutional law definition and example, a person may be interested in becoming an attorney who practices this type of law. This is especially the case since what is the purpose of Constitutional law consists of protecting the citizens of the United States. The Constitutional law definition and example as well as what is the purpose of Constitutional law deals the major laws in the country.
To become an attorney who practices Constitutional law, a person must first earn an undergraduate degree. The options for this are vast. There isn’t a specific undergraduate degree that a person has to earn. However, certain majors better prepare a student for attending law school better than others. For instance, a person may want to consider earning a liberal arts degree, such as one in philosophy. A political science degree could also be an option since this degree covers law and the judicial system. A degree in history, English, or even criminal justice or a similar field could help a person as well. Other options include business, economics, arts and humanity, psychology, math, and science. It’s important to choose a major that a person will do well in since a person’s GPA is important when getting into law school. Plus, if a person decides not to continue on to law school, he or she has a solid foundation and opportunities for other forms of employment besides a lawyer with any of these degree options.
The next step is applying to law school. Law school consists of earning a graduate degree that prepares a student to take the BAR. During law school, a person will learn about Constitutional law as well as various other aspects of law. It’s a three-year degree program. After two years in the program, a person can apply for an internship that focuses on Constitutional law. Then, he or she must pass the BAR before starting to practice as a constructional lawyer or any type of lawyer at that matter.