IV.: The Constitution Is Pro-slavery, According to the Exposition of Its Final Interpreter.

The Constitution declares itself to be “the supreme law of the land,” (Art. 6, sec. 2.) It cannot possibly be such unless there is a final interpreter of its meaning. Now, to expound what the law is is a judicial act. “The judicial power” extends to all cases arising under the Constitution, and laws, and treaties, (Const., Art. 3, sec. 2.) It therefore extends to the exposition of the meaning of the Constitution, when the case before the court properly calls for such exposition. This judicial power, and, consequently, this power to expound the meaning of the Constitution, is “vested in one Supreme Court,” (Const., Art. 3, sec. 1.) The decision of this court, being supreme, must be final.