Originalism and the Aristotelian Tradition: Virtue’s Home in Originalism

44 Pages Posted: 20 Aug 2011 Last revised: 10 May 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: August 19, 2011

Abstract

A concept fundamental to philosophy – virtue – is, with a few notable exceptions, absent from scholarship on constitutional interpretation generally, and originalism in particular. Furthermore, common perceptions of both virtue ethics and originalism have prevented exploration of how incorporating virtue ethics’ insights may make originalism a better theory of constitutional interpretation. This Article fills that void by explaining the many ways in which concepts from virtue ethics are compatible with an originalist theory of constitutional interpretation. More importantly, I show that originalism is more normatively attractive and descriptively accurate when it takes on board virtue ethics’ insights.

Originalism must articulate virtue’s role in constitutional interpretation for a number of reasons. First, incorporating the concept of virtue into originalism will give it greater explanatory power. For example, adding the concept of virtue to the mix helps originalism embrace ideals such as judicial craftsmanship.

Second, incorporating the concept of virtue into originalism makes originalism more normatively attractive. Originalism has transformed over the past thirty years. Most importantly, originalism has come to acknowledge judicial discretion in constitutional adjudication. An originalism that incorporates the lessons of virtue ethics is able to preserve originalism as a viable theory of constitutional interpretation while, at the same time, continuing to acknowledge judicial discretion. An originalism that incorporates virtue ethics’ insights will give the Constitution’s original meaning its due. Simultaneously, it also gives other factors – such as the practical workability of legal doctrine – their due, all in their proper proportion.

Keywords: originalism, virtue, virtue ethics, judicial discretion, precedent

Suggested Citation

Strang, Lee J., Originalism and the Aristotelian Tradition: Virtue’s Home in Originalism (August 19, 2011). Fordham Law Review, Vol. 80, No. 5, p. 1997, 2012, University of Toledo Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2011-03, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1912681 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1912681

Lee J. Strang (Contact Author)

University of Toledo College of Law ( email )

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Toledo, OH 43606
United States
419-530-2877 (Phone)

Institute of American Constitutional Thought & Leadership ( email )

2810 W. Bancroft St.
Toledo, OH 43606
United States

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