How Should the Constitution Be Interpreted? Originalism v. Interpretivism - Intercollegiate Studies Institute

How Should the Constitution Be Interpreted? Originalism v. Interpretivism

Once upon a time, it seemed like only judges, academics, and a select group of attorneys concerned themselves with constitutional theory.

But no more. Not when the Supreme Court plays such a pivotal role in American life.

Now the question of how to interpret the Constitution takes on outsized importance.

But just what are the leading constitutional theories? You hear a lot about “originalism” these days, but what exactly is it? Who are its leading exponents? And what do its critics say?

You’ll get answers to these and many other questions in this enlightening debate. Dr. Joseph Devaney argues in favor of originalism, while Dr. Howard Schweber makes the case for interpretivism.

This debate, which ISI hosted in conjunction with Campbell University, was recorded October 14, 2020.

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