Final answer:
In a string cite, constitutions are cited before cases due to their hierarchical status as the supreme law, followed by other legal authorities in descending order. The Constitution of the United States is regarded as the foundational legal document and is followed by federal treaties, federal laws, state constitutions, state laws, and local ordinances in the legal citation hierarchy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Order of Authority in Legal Citations
When organizing legal authorities in a string cite, the order typically reflects the hierarchy of the law. Given the structure and authority outlined in American legal principles, constitutions should be cited first due to their status as the foundational documents enumerating the governing principles of a society. According to legal citation guidelines, the hierarchy generally follows this order: Constitution → Federal Treaties → Federal Laws → State Constitutions → State Laws → Local Ordinances. Therefore, when between constitutions and cases, constitutions come before cases in a string cite.
The Constitution of the United States is regarded as the "supreme law of the land," a concept that underscores its preeminent position in this legal hierarchy. A constitution does not only provide a written outline of government structure and articulate the rights of individuals but also serves as a guide for national identity and federal unity, as well as a boundary setter for the role of government. The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, upholds constitutional principles by interpreting the Constitution and assessing the constitutionality of cases brought before it.