Scalia v. Scalia : opportunistic textualism in constitutional interpretation /

Langford, Catherine L., 1974-

Scalia v. Scalia : opportunistic textualism in constitutional interpretation / Scalia versus Scalia Catherine L. Langford. - Tuscaloosa : The University of Alabama Press, (c)2017. - 1 online resource (xi, 162 pages) - Rhetoric, law, and the humanities .

Includes bibliographies and index.

Scalia volume Scalia:Opportunistic Textualism in Constitutional Interpretation examines Scalia's discussions of textualism in his speeches, extrajudicial writings, and judicial opinions. Throughout his writings, Scalia argues textualism is the only acceptable form of constitutional interpretation. Yet Scalia does not clearly define his textualism, nor does he always rely upon textualism to the exclusion of other interpretive means. Scalia is seen as the standard bearer for textualism. But when textualism fails to support his ideological aims (as in cases that pertain to states' rights or separation of powers), Scalia reverts to other forms of argumentation. Langford analyzes Scalia's opinions in a clear area of law, the cruel and unusual punishment clause; a contested area of law, the free exercise and establishment cases; and a silent area of law, abortion. Through her analysis, Langford shows that Scalia uses rhetorical strategies beyond those of a textualist approach, concluding that Scalia is an opportunistic textualist and that textualism is as rhetorical as any other form of judicial interpretation.



9780817391607


Constitutional law--Philosophy.--United States
Constitutional law--Interpretation and construction.--United States


Electronic Books.

KF8745 / .S335 2017