Is Law? Constitutional Crisis and Existential Anxiety

Abstract:     
In the recurring discussions of constitutional crises, one may find three forms of existential anxiety. The first, and most fleeting, is an anxiety about the continued existence of the nation. A second form of anxiety-to my mind, the most interesting form-is an anxiety about the possibility of the rule of law itself. Third, and most solipsistically, references to crisis in constitutional law scholarship could be the product of a kind of professional anxiety in the legal academy. We may be asking ourselves, “Constitutional theory: what is it good for?” and worrying that the answer is, “Absolutely nothing.” And yet, I argue, existential anxiety is not always to be regretted, cured, or mocked. Indeed, it may serve as a valuable reminder of the difficulty-and necessity-of giving law to oneself.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 31

Keywords: Constitutional law, Constitutional crisis, National security, Self-defense, Rule of law, Legal theory, Constitutional theory

JEL Classification: K10, K30, K39, K19

Accepted Paper Series