What is the full faith and credit clause?

The full faith and credit clause is a provision found in Article IV, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution. It requires that each state must recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. This clause ensures that legal decisions and official documents, such as marriage licenses, court judgments, and property deeds, are honored across state lines, promoting consistency and cooperation among states.

The significance of this clause lies in its role in maintaining legal uniformity and upholding the rule of law throughout the nation, allowing individuals to have their rights and responsibilities recognized regardless of the state they are in. This strengthens the union and reduces conflicts between states by ensuring that a legal status recognized in one state is also acknowledged in another.