What happens when a law contradicts the U.S. Constitution?

When a law contradicts the U.S. Constitution, it becomes void. This principle is grounded in the supremacy clause of the Constitution, which establishes that the Constitution is the highest law of the land. Any law that conflicts with constitutional provisions cannot be enforced. This ensures that the fundamental rights and liberties protected by the Constitution are upheld and that no law can undermine these rights.

While there are processes for reviewing laws, such as those that may involve the Supreme Court, the immediate outcome of a law's contradiction with the Constitution is its nullification. This means that instead of being upheld or adapted, the conflicting law is rendered ineffective and has no legal standing.