When a law that was recently passed that contradicts a previous law which law does the Constitution sa is valid?

Answer 1

This is not entirely a constitutional question. There may be many reasons for apparent conflict in legislation. Sometimes one supersedes the other, sometimes both can be valid law. By constitution, specific legislative powers are granted to federal or provincial/state governments. If a state government passes a law in an area that is exclusively federal jurisdiction, the state law will not be valid. Likewise if the federal government passes a law in an area that is in exclusive jurisdiction of the state. Further, constitutionally appointed authority can be delegated. Even though the federal government has the authority, it can let the state decide, the state can let the county decide, the county can let each municipality decide... and so on. This can result in the law in your community being different from the law in the ward across the street. Laws change. If the new law you speak of amends or replaces of the old law then the new law is... well... the new law, and it is valid. Another possible answer to your question is founded in interpretation of law. It may be that one law appears to conflict with or contradict another when in reality they are meant to apply in different circumstances. Breaking into a house is a crime, doing so when you have a warrant is not. This is not entirely a constitutional question. There may be many reasons for apparent conflict in legislation. Sometimes one supersedes the other, sometimes both can be valid law. By constitution, specific legislative powers are granted to federal or provincial/state governments. If a state government passes a law in an area that is exclusively federal jurisdiction, the state law will not be valid. Likewise if the federal government passes a law in an area that is in exclusive jurisdiction of the state. Further, constitutionally appointed authority can be delegated. Even though the federal government has the authority, it can let the state decide, the state can let the county decide, the county can let each municipality decide... and so on. This can result in the law in your community being different from the law in the ward across the street. Laws change. If the new law you speak of amends or replaces of the old law then the new law is... well... the new law, and it is valid. Another possible answer to your question is founded in interpretation of law. It may be that one law appears to conflict with or contradict another when in reality they are meant to apply in different circumstances. Breaking into a house is a crime, doing so when you have a warrant is not.