Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Law
The Quicksands Of Originalism: Interpreting Minnesota’S Constitutional Past, Douglas A. Hedin
The Quicksands Of Originalism: Interpreting Minnesota’S Constitutional Past, Douglas A. Hedin
William Mitchell Law Review
There are several varieties of the “originalist” school of constitutional thought, but all subscribe in one degree or another to the belief that a constitutional clause should be interpreted according to its original meaning or the original intent of its authors. That original understanding or intent can be discerned from the text of the clause, the history of its drafting and ratification and, sometimes, early practices and court decisions interpreting that clause. It rightly has been called a “grand theory” because it is simple and clear, explains so much, and it has the almost irresistible attraction of being anchored firmly …