What principle upholds the respect of other states' laws within the United States?

The principle that upholds the respect for other states' laws within the United States is rooted in the Full Faith and Credit Clause. This clause, found in Article IV, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, mandates that states must recognize and uphold the legal proceedings, public acts, and records of other states. This means that a legal decision made in one state, such as a marriage or a court judgment, must be respected and enforced in another state.

For example, if a couple is married in one state, another state cannot declare that marriage invalid simply based on its own laws. This promotes legal consistency and cooperation among states, ensuring a more unified legal framework across the country. The Full Faith and Credit Clause is essential for maintaining order and respect between different jurisdictions, allowing individuals to move and interact across state lines without fear of legal uncertainties regarding the legitimacy of their rights or statuses.