A Debt Against the Living: An Introduction to Originalism

I recently heard a news report on originalism and it spurred my interest in the subject. I did a quick search on Amazon and I stumbled across this book. I have to say it was extremely informative and a great introduction to originalism. While I am a bit of nerd, this is great. I felt like I was only getting half the story on the news article and I learned so much more once I read this book and I learned that I was getting half the story! I am bit of a legal and history buff and the author infused these themes perfectly (and are essential when understanding originalism).I hope to see more from the author soon!

A wonderful, clear and concise discussion about how we should think seriously about our constitution. Every serious citizen should read this book and reflect on the importance of the foundation of our country, and indeed our identity as Americans.

This book is an excellent introduction to what originalism is and what it is not. It also has a great chapter on other theoretical approaches taken in law that people of all political persuasions should grasp with.

For a non-lawyer, this is an easy-to-read introduction to one of the most important theories in American law. If you want to understand the debate over recent court nominees, this is the book to read.

This book brings complicated concepts to a wide audience. For lawyers, law students, and non lawyers alike. Do yourself a favor by reading this book. It will help you understand the topic better and improve your ability to articulate an important topic.

Great concise read on Originalism. It combines history, philosophy, and law Into a great book! Highly recommended for anyone who wants a survey of Originalism and Constitutional Interpretation.

I regret buying this book.. While the book presents a very grand and serious topic, the author's legal reasoning and writing skills are immature - to say the best.Chapter 4 is particularly awful. There are quotes after quotes which do not support the central theme of the respective paragraphs and the summary. For instances when the author devotes the whole section discussing the concept "Popular Sovereignty" (p73 to 76), almost 80% of the content are quotes from the Framers. Worse, the sayings are neither coherently nor logically put, making the ideas messy and confusing for readers to digest. The author only presents his own view in the end via one small paragraph, which suddenly jumps to the binding effect to the future electorates ("bind the future ... to their will"). Yet none of the quotes can suggest or imply this view at all!This book is nothing more than a Wiki-type reading report submitted by a Year 1 college boy.

A superb short treatment of the judicial philosophy of originalism. Highly recommend.