Originalism and Determining Meaning

Originalism and Determining Meaning

 

Originalism is a theory of Constitutional interpretation that places primacy on the meaning of the text of the Constitution - yet the question of determining how much can be understood from the Constitution is debated among Originalists. Some Originalists think that the text only provides a narrow or ambiguous meaning, leaving room for significant construction of meaning to fill in the gaps. Other Originalists argue that the text itself supplies more explicit meaning, leaving less room or need for construction. This unit in the No. 86 project explores different views in this debate about the "construction zone." 

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6 of 11: Should We Focus on Individual Words or Overall Context in the Constitution? [No. 86]

Professor Michael McConnell discusses how the historical context of phrases in the Constitution helps to determine their meaning. Individual words can be difficult to interpret in isolation so they need to be examined in conjunction with the full ph ... Professor Michael McConnell discusses how the historical context of phrases in the Constitution helps to determine their meaning. Individual words can be difficult to interpret in isolation so they need to be examined in conjunction with the full phrase that they comprise. The phrases themselves provide the most information when they are examined alongside historical documents that elucidate the original meaning as understood by the authors of the Constitution or its Amendments.

Michael William McConnell is a constitutional law scholar who served as a United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit from 2002 until 2009. Since 2009, McConnell has served as Director of the Stanford Constitutional Law Center at Stanford Law School.

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As always, the Federalist Society takes no position on particular legal or public policy issues; all expressions of opinion are those of the speaker.

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