Why might a law be challenged as unconstitutional?

A law may be challenged as unconstitutional primarily when it violates fundamental rights or principles. This is rooted in the concept that a constitution serves as the supreme law of the land, protecting individual rights and freedoms and establishing the foundation upon which laws must be built. For example, if a law infringes on the rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, such as freedom of speech or the right to due process, it can be deemed unconstitutional. Courts have the responsibility to review such laws and ensure they align with the fundamental principles outlined in the constitution.

While a law being unpopular can lead to public outcry or calls for reform, it is not sufficient grounds for a constitutional challenge. Similarly, conflicting with existing laws may raise legal issues but does not automatically imply a violation of constitutional principles. Additionally, even if a law is based on outdated information, this alone does not touch on constitutional violations unless it can be shown that such outdated information leads to an infringement on fundamental rights. Therefore, the crux of a successful constitutional challenge lies in demonstrating how the law undermines essential rights or principles established in the governing constitution.