Question for our gun enthusiast friends.

WRONG. The 1st amendment applies ONLY to the federal government. It says so, right there in the amendment.


That was originally. In 1925 the SC made free speech applicable to the states and later incorporated the other rights in the 1st Amendments.

Many state laws have been declared unconstitutional because they violated the free speech provision of the 1st (not because they violated the state constitution or state laws). All easily verified.
 
The ONLY constitution law is the constitution itself. There is no other constitutional law.

But how the Constitution's provisions are interpreted vary by time and individual interpretation.

For example, the 4th says government cannot conduct an "unreasonable" search without a warrant. What is a reasonable search government can conduct without a warrant and who makes that decision?
 
Just like Stop Signs don't MAKE anyone stop.

Correct. I've ran through quite a few of those signs myself (accidentally in most cases, but at one odd intersection I always do so as long as no cars or cops are around, just because of how the intersection is).

Additionally, people still murder, rape, steal, assault, lie in court, molest children, etc... so you're correct that no sign/law/etc. MAKES anyone stop doing particular things.
 
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That was originally. In 1925 the SC made free speech applicable to the states and later incorporated the other rights in the 1st Amendments.
The Supreme Court does NOT have the authority to change the Constitution of the United States.
Many state laws have been declared unconstitutional because they violated the free speech provision of the 1st (not because they violated the state constitution or state laws). All easily verified.
The Supreme Court does not have authority to change the Constitution of the United States. The States do not have to comply with such a ruling.
 
But how the Constitution's provisions are interpreted vary by time and individual interpretation.

For example, the 4th says government cannot conduct an "unreasonable" search without a warrant. What is a reasonable search government can conduct without a warrant and who makes that decision?

The government cannot conduct a search at all without a warrant. Yes...this means the TSA is unconstitutional. It is also ineffective.
 
The government cannot conduct a search at all without a warrant. Yes...this means the TSA is unconstitutional. It is also ineffective.

Of course it can. The plain English words of the Constitution say it cannot conduct an unreasonable search without a warrant meaning if it is reasonable no warrant is necessary.

See why the plain language of the Constitution can mean different things to different people? You completely ignore the reasonable exception in the plain language of the Constitution although you claim it is not subject to interpretation.

The TSA is a completely different animal. Based on your definition the border patrol must have a warrant to search vehicles coming into the U. S. that might be carrying contraband.
 
But how the Constitution's provisions are interpreted vary by time and individual interpretation.

For example, the 4th says government cannot conduct an "unreasonable" search without a warrant. What is a reasonable search government can conduct without a warrant and who makes that decision?

The people and the Courts; because that's why the US has a system set in place, to challenge such.
 
Of course it can. The plain English words of the Constitution say it cannot conduct an unreasonable search without a warrant meaning if it is reasonable no warrant is necessary.

See why the plain language of the Constitution can mean different things to different people? You completely ignore the reasonable exception in the plain language of the Constitution although you claim it is not subject to interpretation.

The TSA is a completely different animal. Based on your definition the border patrol must have a warrant to search vehicles coming into the U. S. that might be carrying contraband.

Because; unlike liberals, the majority of the US are able to think for themselves.
 
Because; unlike liberals, the majority of the US are able to think for themselves.

Exactly, and those able to think for themselves and read the Constitution know much of it is vague and subject to interpretation. Even those men writing the document had different interpretations of its meaning.
 
Exactly, and those able to think for themselves and read the Constitution know much of it is vague and subject to interpretation. Even those men writing the document had different interpretations of its meaning.

No it's not vague, except for liberals who want it to say what they want it to say.

They may not have initially agreed on what they wanted; but they came together and were able to unite on what they signed.
 
No it's not vague, except for liberals who want it to say what they want it to say.

They may not have initially agreed on what they wanted; but they came together and were able to unite on what they signed.

OK. Then you answer the hypothetical. The 4th says there shall be no unreasonable searches without a warrant. What is a reasonable search that does not require a warrant. And where do we find those "clear" examples.

I think conservatives also give it a broad interpretation to give government the power they want it to have. For example, "naturalization" has always meant process of becoming a citizen. But now it is being interpreted to include immigration control which clearly was not contained in that provision or early naturalization laws. I think that is because the right wants to make sure government has control over immigration and are willing to accept a liberal interpretation of governments power to achieve that control.

I am not arguing against immigration laws, just pointing out the Constitution does not give Congress that power (unless we stretch the meaning of naturalization).
 
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