If it means something other than the clear meaning of its words, according to our political class, then all of our founding documents, the basic law of our land, are worthless pieces of paper, and the American Republic is dead."
Legal scholars (of which I am certainly not one) often agonize over the meaning of a particular word. let alone a particular law. While I think I know what "defend life and liberty" means, wouldn't it depend upon the definition of life...and defend? Is it conscious life as we understand it, or would the mere existence of unconscious protoplasm qualify? Would defend include violating God knows how many court orders, or perhaps armed conflict between competing Law Enforcement entities?
Please don't misunderstand me; were it up to me, I would have appointed a Guardian Ad Litem to act on Terri's behalf a long time ago, and to insure that all requisite medical tests were made to determine her true physical condition, and to ensure that those currently representing her had no hidden agendas.
Sadly as it stands, these tests will only be made during an autopsy after the fact, when it will be too little too late.