Between Originalism and Living Constitution – Jack M. Balkin Concept of Interpretation of the Constitution

Abstract

Summary In this paper, I analyse problem of interpretation of the Constitution in American doctrine. Starting point is the distinction between the concept of Originalism and Living Constitution. The author briefly presents the main assumptions of both concepts. On that background examines the concept by Jack M. Balkin. He described it as Living Originalism. Balkin in his theory combines the best of traditional Originalism and concept of Living Constitution. He combined Dworkin’s “moral reading” of the Constitution with traditional Originalism. For Balkin, Originalism is seen as a initial framework for governance (framework originalism). From Ronald Dworkin, he adopted a distinction between legal rules and legal principles, and the argument that principles express values. Balkin described his concept of Originalism as “method of text and principle”.