What is the primary source of law in Mississippi?

The primary source of law in Mississippi is the Mississippi Constitution. The state constitution serves as the foundational legal document that establishes the framework for the state’s government, outlines the rights of its citizens, and provides the authority for state statutes and regulations.

In the hierarchy of laws, the constitution takes precedence over all other sources, including statutes and judicial decisions. This means that any state law or court ruling must be in accordance with the provisions laid out in the constitution; otherwise, they can be challenged and deemed unconstitutional.

While statutes are important as they are enacted by the state legislature and provide specific legal codes for various issues, they still derive their authority from the constitution. Likewise, rulings by the Mississippi Supreme Court interpret both the constitution and statutes but are subject to the ultimate authority of the constitution itself. Federal law also plays a role but functions as a separate source that is paramount only when it is applicable, such as in areas where federal jurisdiction is established. Thus, understanding the Mississippi Constitution as the primary legal source is crucial for grasping the state's legal framework.