CONSTITUTION OF AMERICA.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 300, 17 December 1923, Page 5

CONSTITUTION OF AMERICA.

A RADICAL ALTERATION. WASHINGTON, December 16. One of the most important legislative projects introduced into the Senate was to-day offered by Mr. W. E. Borah. He proposed to make the concurrence of at least seven of the nine members of the United States Court necessary in any decision holding an Act of Congress unconstitutional. This, if passed, will be one of the most radical revisions of tbe American system of government since the Constitution was ratified in the eighteenth century. The movement, which is sponsored by publicist* throughout the nation, recently gained great headway. Many important laws have been declared unconstitutional by a five to four vote, thus giving power into the hands of one justice. The Supreme Court by such a vote declared child labour laws and income taxes unconstitutional, and in the latter case the cumbersome process of amending the Constitution took many years. It is expected that a bitter fight will occur in Congress over Mr. Borah's measure. The Republican insurgents favour it.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.)