What does the Full Faith & Credit Clause require regarding recognition of other states’ judicial decisions?

What does the Full Faith & Credit Clause require regarding recognition of other states’ judicial decisions?

• A. states must adopt federal judgments automatically
• B. states may refuse to recognize foreign court judgments
• C. states recognizing other states' judicial decisions
• D. states must always apply their own laws

Answer: (C)

The point being tested is that the Full Faith and Credit Clause requires states to honor and give effect to judicial decisions rendered in other states. When a judgment is valid, final, and properly entered in one state, other states must recognize it and enforce its terms rather than re-litigating the matter, subject to usual limits like due process and finality. This recognition ensures that interstate judgments are respected and enforceable across the Union. It is not about adopting federal judgments, it does not authorize refusing to recognize foreign judgments, and it does not require each state to ignore its own laws in favor of the other state’s judgment.

The point being tested is that the Full Faith and Credit Clause requires states to honor and give effect to judicial decisions rendered in other states. When a judgment is valid, final, and properly entered in one state, other states must recognize it and enforce its terms rather than re-litigating the matter, subject to usual limits like due process and finality. This recognition ensures that interstate judgments are respected and enforceable across the Union. It is not about adopting federal judgments, it does not authorize refusing to recognize foreign judgments, and it does not require each state to ignore its own laws in favor of the other state’s judgment.