What happens if a local ordinance conflicts with a state law?

matters is valid and independent of any conflicting state legislation, but municipal regulation of matters of general or statewide interest is subordinate to state legislation on the same subjects and the ordinances are void if they “conflict” with this legislation.

Who decides if a law is unconstitutional?

The judicial branch interprets laws and determines if a law is unconstitutional. The judicial branch includes the U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal courts. There are nine justices on the Supreme Court.

Can a judge direct a sheriff to enforce a law?

Remember, the people are where the Founders placed all powers not delegate to the federal government. There is no lawful authority for judges or a court to direct the law enforcement activities of a county sheriff. He’s not a part of the judiciary.

What are the powers of a sheriff?

The office of sheriff is unique in that he is directly responsible to the people of his county, not the government or the courts. Sheriffs are elected, not appointed, and they have complete authority to reject the acts of any agency of the government if those acts violate the rights of the people.

Is the sheriff the highest governmental authority in a county?

Sheriff Mack says it proves that the sheriff is the highest governmental authority in his county. Within that jurisdiction – inside his county – the sheriff has more power than the governor of his state. Indeed, the sheriff has more power in his county than the President of the United States.

Do sheriffs use their power to violate civil liberties?

Similarly, sheriffs today sometimes use their power to excess, violating civil liberties. In Worth County, Georgia, in 2017, the sheriff subjected up 850 high school students at Worth County High School, nearly the entire student body, to invasive drug searches, including checking inside their underwear, according to court documents.