Overinterpreting Law

51 Pages Posted: 22 Feb 2011

Date Written: February 22, 2011

Abstract

Overinterpretation has attracted considerable attention in other fields, such as literary studies, science, and rhetoric, but it is under-theorized in law. This Article attempts to initiate a theory of legal overinterpretation by examining the rhetorical nature of excess, the sociological dimensions of roles in team performances, and citation to legal and non-legal sources that have discussed overinterpretation. The Article concludes by positing illustrative categories of potential legal overinterpretation, and an examination of ways to minimize legal overinterpretation through a judicious, pragmatic balance between abstract considerations and concrete considerations in law.

Keywords: Interpretation, Overinterpretation, Theatricality of Law, Law and Excess, Norms of Legal Interpretation

Suggested Citation

Blomquist, Robert F., Overinterpreting Law (February 22, 2011). Valparaiso University Legal Studies Research Paper No. 11-01, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1766766 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1766766

Robert F. Blomquist (Contact Author)

Valparaiso University Law School ( email )

656 S. Greenwich St.
Valparaiso, IN 46383-6493
United States
219-465-7857 (Phone)
219-465-7872 (Fax)

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