What does repugnant mean in the Constitution?
Asked by: Rocky Schneider | Last update: March 17, 2026Score: 5/5 (34 votes)
In the U.S. Constitution, "repugnant" means a law or action that contradicts, conflicts with, or is inconsistent with the Constitution, rendering it void, as established in Marbury v. Madison. It signifies a direct clash where a statute's provisions are incompatible with constitutional principles, making it the role of the judiciary to declare such laws unconstitutional, meaning they are "repugnant" to the supreme law of the land.
What does repugnant mean in law?
In law, "repugnant" means contradictory, inconsistent, or in direct conflict with something else, such as another clause in a contract, a statute conflicting with the Constitution, or a jury verdict that convicts and acquits on the same core issue, rendering the inconsistent part void or nullified. It signifies an irreconcilable clash, not just something generally unpleasant, though in ethics, it can also describe something morally repulsive to a lawyer.
What does it mean when a law is repugnant to the Constitution?
“A Law repugnant to the Constitution is void.” With these words written by Chief Justice Marshall, the Supreme Court for the first time declared unconstitutional a law passed by Congress and signed by the President. Nothing stated in the Constitution gave the Court this specific power.
What is the full meaning of repugnant?
adjective. Britannica Dictionary definition of REPUGNANT. [more repugnant; most repugnant] formal. : causing a strong feeling of dislike or disgust : repulsive. a morally repugnant act.
What does repugnance mean in law?
In common law, repugnancy refers to a contradiction or inconsistency between clauses of the same document, deed, or contract, or between allegations of the same pleading.
Word of the Day - REPUGNANT. What does REPUGNANT mean?
What is the doctrine of repugnant?
The doctrine of repugnancy in India provides that if there is a conflict between a state law and a parliamentary law on the same concurrent subject matter, the parliamentary law will prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.
What is morally repugnant?
In legal ethics, however, “repugnant” connotes “disgust-based morality.” Something is repugnant when condemned as repulsive or immoral. A repugnant object, then, is an object with an imputed identity of repulsiveness.
What's a more formal word for repugnant?
distasteful, objectionable, or offensive. a repugnant smell. making opposition; averse.
What is repugnant behavior?
Repugnant behavior means actions, ideas, or beliefs that are extremely distasteful, offensive, repulsive, or morally objectionable, arousing strong feelings of disgust or aversion, like something that makes you feel sick or is utterly abhorrent, such as cruelty or betrayal. It's a powerful word for something deeply unpleasant that goes against one's morals or sensibilities.
Can a person be refulgent?
Yes, a person can be described as refulgent, meaning they shine brightly, are radiant, or are dazzling, either literally (like bright eyes) or figuratively (like a brilliant smile, personality, or intellect). While it's a literary word, it's used to describe someone giving off a powerful, impressive, or inner light, suggesting splendor or brilliance, much like a gleaming jewel or a bright sun.
Who holds a law to be unconstitutional?
State lawsuits challenging federal law
A state may challenge the constitutionality of a federal statute by filing a lawsuit in court seeking to declare the federal law unconstitutional. Such a lawsuit is decided by the courts, with the Supreme Court having final jurisdiction.
Does the Constitution supersede all laws?
The core message of the Supremacy Clause is simple: the Constitution and federal laws (of the types listed in the first part of the Clause) take priority over any conflicting rules of state law.
What does article 7 of the US Constitution say?
Article VII of the U.S. Constitution is about the ratification process, stating that nine of the thirteen states' conventions needed to approve it for the Constitution to become the law of the land, establishing a pathway for the new government to take effect without requiring unanimous consent from all states, which had previously stalled the Articles of Confederation.
What happens if a law does not follow the constitution?
If the Supreme Court decides that the law does not follow the Constitution, then the law is no longer valid. These decisions affect everyone in the United States. The Supreme Court's decisions are final and all other laws must follow them.
What's a word that means "not allowed by law"?
illegal. prohibited by law or by official or accepted rules. adjective. excluded from use or mention. synonyms: forbidden, out, proscribed, taboo, tabu, verboten.
What is repugnant in law?
In law, "repugnant" means contradictory, inconsistent, or in direct conflict with something else, such as another clause in a contract, a statute conflicting with the Constitution, or a jury verdict that convicts and acquits on the same core issue, rendering the inconsistent part void or nullified. It signifies an irreconcilable clash, not just something generally unpleasant, though in ethics, it can also describe something morally repulsive to a lawyer.
What's another word for morally wrong?
Synonyms for "morally wrong" include immoral, unethical, wicked, sinful, evil, corrupt, reprehensible, unprincipled, and dishonest, all describing actions or behaviors that violate accepted standards of right and wrong, with words like immoral and unethical highlighting the deliberate defiance of principles.
What does morally reprehensible mean?
Morally reprehensible describes actions, behaviors, or ideas that are so wrong, unethical, or unacceptable they deserve strong criticism and moral condemnation, violating fundamental principles of dignity, decency, and justice within a society. It signifies something beyond just bad; it's considered deeply blameworthy, shameful, and unjustifiable, often prompting intense disapproval from a significant portion of people.
What is the opposite of repugnant?
Antonyms. STRONGEST. agreeable delightful good likeable nice pleasant pleasing.
What is a cocky person called?
Synonyms for cocky are conceited, egotistical, and the phrase "full of himself/herself."
What does morally repugnant mean?
offensive to the mind. “morally repugnant customs” synonyms: abhorrent, detestable, obscene, repulsive. offensive. unpleasant or disgusting especially to the senses.
What is the root word for repugnant?
The word repugnance comes from Latin root words, re, meaning back, and pugnare, to fight.
What does a sloopy person mean?
Besides "out of order" or "not clean," sloppy can also mean "careless" or "overemotional." So you might do a sloppy job on an important paper for school. Or you might go to a sad movie and cry while you watch it, even though you know it's sloppy and sentimental.
What is the meaning of moral turpitude?
: an act or behavior that gravely violates the sentiment or accepted standard of the community. 2. : a quality of dishonesty or other immorality that is determined by a court to be present in the commission of a criminal offense.