What is the relationship between the US Constitution and international law?

The United States Constitution is the fundamental law of the United States. It outlines the structure and powers of the federal government, and is the basis for the legal system of the country. While the Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, it does not encompass international law. International law is a set of legal principles and protocols that are accepted by countries, and it is distinct from the laws established by each individual country. These laws cover issues such as trade, human rights, and the environment, just to name a few. The United States Constitution does not directly impact international law, but US law can be influenced by international law in that US courts can refer to international sources, such as precedents set by international tribunals, and cited as authority in US judicial opinions. In some cases, US courts have also deferred to international law when deciding a case involving a US citizen or company. At the same time, international bodies, such as the United Nations, have also recognized the US Constitution as part of international law. For example, the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights references the US Constitution multiple times as part of its human rights instruments. Ultimately, the relationship between the US Constitution and international law is complex. While the US Constitution does not directly control international law, US judicial decisions can be influenced by international law, and international bodies can recognize the Constitution as part of international law.

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