CONSTITUTION OF U.S.A.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18584, 17 December 1923, Page 9

CONSTITUTION OF U.S.A.

SUPREME COURT'S POWER.

RADICAL REVISION PROPOSED.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 9.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Deo 15.

One of the most important legislative projects introduced into the Senate was to-day offered by Mr. W. E. Borah. He proposes 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 the American system of government since the Constitution was ratified in the eighteenth cenutry. The movement, which is sponsored by publicists 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. . *"