Privileges and Immunities Clause

Privileges and Immunities Clause is a part of the United States Constitution that prevents a state from treating citizens of other states in a discriminatory manner. It is found in Article IV, Section 2, Clause 1, and it states, "The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States."

History

The Privileges and Immunities Clause has its roots in the Articles of Confederation, the predecessor to the Constitution. The clause was intended to unify the separate states and ensure a level of national cohesion.

Interpretation

The interpretation of the Privileges and Immunities Clause has been a subject of debate among legal scholars and the United States Supreme Court. Some argue that the clause provides a broad range of protections, while others believe its scope is more limited.

Impact

The Privileges and Immunities Clause has had a significant impact on United States law. It has been used to challenge discriminatory laws and practices, and it has played a role in shaping the concept of citizenship in the United States.

Related Cases

Several landmark Supreme Court cases have dealt with the Privileges and Immunities Clause, including Corfield v. Coryell, Paul v. Virginia, and Saenz v. Roe. These cases have helped to define the scope and meaning of the clause.

See Also

• Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution
• Equal Protection Clause
• United States Bill of Rights

References

• The Federalist Papers
• United States Constitution