February 20, 2019 Originalism: A Debate - Should the U.S. Constitution be interpreted according to its Original Public Meaning?
This event is invitation only but can be viewed live online.
Wednesday, Feb 20, 2019
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
The Heritage Foundation
Introduction by
The Hon. Edwin Meese III
Arguing the Affirmative
Arguing the Negative
Moderated by
Description
It was over three decades ago, when then-Attorney General Ed Meese initiated an important spirited national debate about the proper application of our most important governing document—the U.S. Constitution. Since then, Originalism has emerged as a serious theory of constitutional interpretation that has permeated the judiciary and the academy. Originalists believe that the Constitution and laws should be interpreted based on their actual text and original public meaning. Conversely, proponents of a “Living Constitution,” stress the need to adapt the Constitution “to cope with current problems and current needs.” These two theories will go head-to-head in a spirited debate with two well-known constitutional scholars, John Eastman and Michael Gerhardt.
LEGAL MEMO 32 min read
FIRST PRINCIPLES 24 min read
COMMENTARY 2 min read