The Most Faithful Originalist?: Justice Thomas, Justice Scalia, and the Future of Originalism

11 Pages Posted: 6 Mar 2012

See all articles by Lee J. Strang

Lee J. Strang

University of Toledo College of Law; Institute of American Constitutional Thought & Leadership

Date Written: March 1, 2011

Abstract

This Symposium Essay argues that Justice Scalia, not Justice Thomas, is the more faithful originalist. First, it describes the received wisdom. Second, it compares Justice Thomas’s approach to Justice Scalia’s on three axes of contention within originalism and concludes that Justice Scalia’s is the more faithful to originalism. Lastly, it raises the possibility that, of the two, Justice Scalia has, as a practical matter, done more to move American legal practice toward originalism than Justice Thomas.

Keywords: originalism, Justice Thomas, Justice Scalia, natural law, precedent, Declaration of Independence

Suggested Citation

Strang, Lee J., The Most Faithful Originalist?: Justice Thomas, Justice Scalia, and the Future of Originalism (March 1, 2011). University of Detroit Mercy Law Review, Vol. 88, 2011, University of Toledo Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2012-05, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2016929

Lee J. Strang (Contact Author)

University of Toledo College of Law ( email )

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Institute of American Constitutional Thought & Leadership ( email )

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Toledo, OH 43606
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