What concept is established by the phrase "full faith and credit" in the Constitution?

The phrase "full faith and credit" found in the Constitution establishes the principle that states must recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. This requirement ensures that legal decisions and documents, such as marriage licenses, court judgments, and property deeds, are honored and respected across state lines. This promotes legal consistency and reliability, allowing individuals and entities to operate with the understanding that their rights and obligations recognized in one state will be upheld in another.

This principle plays a critical role in facilitating interstate relations and minimizes conflicts that could arise from differing state laws, thus promoting a cohesive legal framework throughout the country. The inclusion of "full faith and credit" in the Constitution reflects the Framers' intent to create a united nation where citizens can travel, engage in commerce, and rely on the legal decisions made in their home states while in other states.