An Originalism for Nonoriginalists

40 Pages Posted: 12 Apr 2000

Date Written: October 1999

Abstract

In this paper, I claim that, far from being defeated in the 80's, originalism is the prevailing method of constitutional interpretation (Part I), but it is an originalism based on an objective original meaning rather than on a subjective original intent (Part II). The imperative for this form of originalism lies, not in consent or popular sovereignty, but in a two step analysis (Part III): First, a commitment to "writtenness" akin to that of written contracts begets a commitment to originalism. Second, we are bound to respect the original meaning of a constitution if the written text, properly interpreted, provides for a law making process which can claim constitutional legitimacy. Legitimacy, by my account, is the ability of lawmaking processes to provide an assurance that constitutionally valid statutes are also binding in conscience. I then explain (Part IV) how this form of originalism, justified in this way, responds to the criticisms that had, until now, persuaded me that I was not an originalist.

Suggested Citation

Barnett, Randy E., An Originalism for Nonoriginalists (October 1999). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=215708 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.215708

Randy E. Barnett (Contact Author)

Georgetown University Law Center ( email )

600 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
United States
202-662-9936 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.randybarnett.com

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
1,102
Abstract Views
11,579
Rank
36,601
PlumX Metrics