Originalism and the Good Constitution

“This book is a fascinating and innovative defense of originalism. Unlike some other originalists, who defend the theory because they claim it is the only feasible way to interpret legal texts, McGinnis and Rappaport argue that originalism is superior to living constitutionalism because it produces better consequences, in the form of legal rules that benefit more people over time… A great strength of the book is that McGinnis and Rappaport do not shy away from difficult issues that some other originalists downplay or ignore… This is the best book on originalism in a long time, and anyone interested in the subject should read it.”—Ilya Somin, The Volokh Conspiracy

“Originalism and the Good Constitution is an impressive work, rich with interesting and intelligent arguments. In developing their normative argument for originalism, McGinnis and Rappaport stake out and defend various positions on contested points of originalist methodology. Their book will surely play a prominent role in the ongoing debate over originalism.”—Ed Whelan, National Review online

“Originalism and the Good Constitution offers the most elaborate and coherent explanation and defense of originalism now available.”—A.D. Sarat, Choice

“Originalism and the Good Constitution is a major contribution to constitutional theory that has no obvious substitute or counterpart. This book will be much noticed and much discussed as part of the growing debate over constitutionalism.”—Gary Lawson, Boston University School of Law