[RegulatorCountry]

To my understanding, Emmerich de Vattel’s “The Law Of Nations” was published in English translation in 1759. It was quoted by patriots concerning constitutional primacy over Parliament as early as 1764, by such eminences as Otis of Massachusetts, Samuel Adams and John Quincy Adams. The Continental Congress itself was in possession of a copy of this seminal work. It's difficult to understate the impact that Vattel had, upon the framers of our Constitution, in every way.

Please see http://east_west_dialogue.tripod.com/vattel/id3.html for further information regarding Vattel’s influence upon the matter.

See also http://east_west_dialogue.tripod.com/vattel/index.html for specifics regarding Vattel himself.

[RummyChick]

I know about Vattel. I also know there is a conflict within the translation. As I said, ParentS and then later referencing the father is determinitive.

I don’t have any desire to discuss Vattel. He is not relevant to me because it is a debate that SCOTUS will have to have if the case comes before them. They will likely decide how they want to rule and then they will fit the law into that ruling. Perhaps that is a jaundiced view but that is what I believe.

All I need to know is that the definition is still up in the air and subject to someone who finally wants to define it- SCOTUS or Congress.

If you want to see a discussion by people who have followed Vattel and OTHERS you can go to Jonathan turley’s website and read the comments from lawyers.