What is the primary source of law in Arizona?

The primary source of law in Arizona is the Arizona Constitution. The state constitution serves as the foundational legal document that outlines the basic structure of government, the powers of different branches, and the rights of individuals within the state. It has the highest authority over state laws and serves as the basis for all legal interpretations and applications within Arizona.

While the Arizona Revised Statutes, which compile state statutes and legislative enactments, are significant, they derive their authority from the Arizona Constitution. Therefore, the constitution takes precedence in cases of conflict. Federal law is also important, especially where it preempts state law, but it does not serve as the primary source of law specific to Arizona. Case law, which includes judicial interpretations of statutes and constitutional provisions, plays a crucial role in clarifying and applying the law but is secondary to the state's constitution. Thus, the Arizona Constitution is correctly identified as the primary source of law in the state.