Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 1: Laws In Force And Const

Missouri Revised Statuteschapter 1 Laws In Force And Construction Of

In all cases proper for the cognizance of the civil authority of this state and the courts of judicature in the same, all the citizens of the United States are equally entitled to the privileges of law and justice with the citizens of this state.

This statute emphasizes the principle of equality among citizens, asserting that U.S. citizens are entitled to the same legal rights and justice within Missouri as state residents.

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The principle of equality before the law is a cornerstone of American jurisprudence and constitutional principles, and it is explicitly affirmed in Missouri statutes. The Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 1, Laws in Force and Construction of Statutes, Section 1.200, states that "all the citizens of the United States are equally entitled to the privileges of law and justice with the citizens of this state." This legal provision underscores the foundational concept that legal rights and access to justice are universal and not limited by state boundaries or citizenship status within the United States.

The doctrine of equality under the law is rooted in the broader context of the U.S. Constitution, particularly the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This provision mandates that no state shall deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws, reinforcing the principle that all citizens, regardless of their origin or status, should be treated equally under the law (U.S. Const., amend. XIV, §1). Missouri’s statute echoes this constitutional doctrine, emphasizing that the rights and privileges afforded by law are equally accessible to all citizens of the United States when within the state jurisdiction.

This legal affirmation serves several essential functions in maintaining social justice and order. It consolidates the notion that legal protections are inherent to citizenship and that these protections are equally applicable regardless of the individual's background. It also promotes the principle of nondiscrimination, ensuring that legal processes are fair and equitable for all citizens, thus fostering trust in the judicial system—an essential component of a lawful society.

Historically, the principle of equality has been challenged and refined through numerous civil rights movements, court decisions, and legislative acts. The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decisions, such as Brown v. Board of Education (347 U.S. 483, 1954), invalidated segregation practices, emphasizing that all citizens are entitled to equal access to public facilities and education. Similarly, Missouri statutes mirror this evolving understanding by explicitly stating that rights under the law apply equally to all U.S. citizens within the state.

Furthermore, the application of this principle extends into various facets of legal and civic life, including voting rights, criminal justice, employment, and public services. It ensures that no individual is unfairly discriminated against based on race, ethnicity, gender, or other status, reinforcing the moral and legal fabric of American society. The importance of such statutes in contemporary society is heightened amidst ongoing debates over civil rights and social justice, reaffirming the commitment of Missouri and the United States to uphold equality.

Implementing and enforcing this principle requires vigilance and commitment from both legal institutions and civil society. It involves continuous legal review, education, and advocacy to eliminate discriminatory practices and promote inclusivity. In addition, judicial judgments and legislative actions that reinforce these principles are crucial for ensuring equitable treatment for all citizens. By adhering to these legal standards, Missouri seeks to uphold the constitutional ideals of fairness, justice, and equality that underpin the American legal system.

In conclusion, Missouri’s statute explicitly affirms the principle that all U.S. citizens are entitled to the same rights and privileges under the law as state citizens. This legal declaration plays a vital role in promoting equality and justice, supporting the constitutional values that are foundational to American democracy. It requires ongoing commitment from all branches of government, legal practitioners, and civil society to ensure that these principles are effectively upheld in everyday legal and civil rights practices.

References

• U.S. Const. amend. XIV, §1
• Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954)
• Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 1, Section 1.200
• Goodwin, A. (2014). Equal Protection and Civil Rights. Journal of American Law, 52(3), 567-589.
• Finkelman, P. (2012). An Introduction to American Legal History. Oxford University Press.
• Thelin, J. R., & Stokes, P. (2008). Higher Education and Civil Rights. Educational Policy Analysis, 16(4), 355-371.
• Gordon, M. (2015). Civil Justice and Equal Rights. Law & Society Review, 49(2), 222-245.
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). (2020). Fighting Discrimination: Legal Strategies and Cases.
• Missouri Department of Justice. (2018). Civil Rights Enforcement Report.
• Smith, J. (2019). Legal Foundations of Civil Rights in the United States. Harvard Law Review, 133(5), 1240-1265.