The Classical Liberal Constitution

“Over the past three decades, Richard A. Epstein has repeatedly argued—with analytical rigor and astonishing erudition—that governments govern best when they limit their actions to protecting liberty and property… Mr. Epstein believes that constitutional law lost its way when it began to embrace a Progressive vision, according to which rights are created by a supposedly benevolent state… [He] vividly shows us how constitutional law would look if we gave priority to individual rights—something that we have not done for almost a century.”—John McGinnis, Wall Street Journal

“Epstein has now produced a full-scale and full-throated defense of his unusual vision of the Constitution. This book is his magnum opus… Much of his book consists of comprehensive and exceptionally detailed accounts of how constitutional provisions ought to be understood… All of Epstein’s particular discussions are instructive, and most of them are provocative… Epstein has written a passionate, learned, and committed book.”—Cass R. Sunstein, New Republic

“[An] important and learned book.”—Gary L. McDowell, Times Literary Supplement