Foreword - Creighton Law Review

• Publication year: 2022

33 Creighton L. Rev. 1. FOREWORD - CREIGHTON LAW REVIEW

Creighton Law Review

Vol. 33

A fundamental component of American constitutionalism has been the concept of the rule of law. This doctrine holds that the laws under which we live must be applied equally to each citizen and that no person may be subject to arbitrary decisions. In addition, liberty is protected and arbitrary government is overcome by the belief that government is only granted that power and authority outlined in the constitution that created it. As Alexander Hamilton states in Federalist Paper No. 78, "No legislative act, therefore, contrary to the Constitution can be valid." In essence, no person, and in fact no governmental entity, is above the law. Thus, a system is created in which law, not human emotion, is the standard against which individuals are measured.

"Equality Before the Law" is Nebraska's official state motto. It is a lofty goal, branded with the very...