Full Faith and Credit is a legal principle in the United States that requires states to recognize and respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states. This means that a state must honor the legal decisions and documents (such as marriage licenses, court judgments, and contracts) made in another state. The purpose of Full Faith and Credit is to promote interstate harmony and prevent individuals from escaping legal obligations by moving to another state.
The Full Faith and Credit Clause is a provision in the United States Constitution that requires each state to recognize and respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.
The Full Faith and Credit Clause applies to a wide range of legal matters, including court judgments, marriage licenses, birth certificates, and property deeds.
Generally, no. The Full Faith and Credit Clause requires states to honor and enforce court judgments from other states, as long as the issuing court had proper jurisdiction and the judgment does not violate public policy.
No. Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, states are required to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states under the Full Faith and Credit Clause.
States have some discretion in recognizing concealed carry permits issued by other states. However, under the Full Faith and Credit Clause, states generally must give “full faith and credit” to the public acts of other states, including concealed carry permits.
No. The Full Faith and Credit Clause requires states to recognize and honor driver’s licenses issued by other states, allowing individuals to drive across state lines without obtaining a new license.
In some cases, yes. The Full Faith and Credit Clause does not require states to automatically enforce child custody orders from other states. However, states typically have laws and procedures in place to determine whether to recognize and enforce such orders.
No. Under the Full Faith and Credit Clause, states are generally required to recognize and give full faith and credit to adoptions performed in other states, regardless of the adoptive parents’ sexual orientation.
No. Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, states are required to recognize same-sex divorces granted in other states under the Full Faith and Credit Clause.
States generally have laws and procedures in place to determine the validity and enforceability of wills executed in other states. While the Full Faith and Credit Clause requires states to recognize and respect the public acts of other states, including wills, there may be certain requirements or conditions that need to be met for recognition.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 13th April, 2024.
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