The democratic constitution : experimentalism and interpretation / Brian E. Butler.
2017
KF4541 .B985 2017 (Mapit)
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Title
The democratic constitution : experimentalism and interpretation / Brian E. Butler.
Imprint
Chicago : The University of Chicago Press, 2017.
Copyright
©2017.
Description
251 pages ; 24 cm
Formatted Contents Note
The democratic challenge to constitutional law
Democratic aims and experimentalist procedure
Information-rich jurisprudence
Epstein, Holmes, and regulatory takings jurisprudence
Lochnering
Citizens united
Brown and Obergefell : two positive precedents?
From social contract theory to sociable contract theory.
Democratic aims and experimentalist procedure
Information-rich jurisprudence
Epstein, Holmes, and regulatory takings jurisprudence
Lochnering
Citizens united
Brown and Obergefell : two positive precedents?
From social contract theory to sociable contract theory.
Summary
"The Supreme Court is seen today as the ultimate arbiter of the Constitution. Once the Court has spoken, it is the duty of the citizens and their elected officials to abide by its decisions. But the conception of the Supreme Court as the final interpreter of constitutional law took hold only relatively recently. Drawing on the pragmatic ideals characterized by Charles Sanders Peirce, John Dewey, Charles Sabel, and Richard Posner. Brian E. Butler shows how this conception is inherently problematic for a healthy democracy. Butler offers an alternative democratic conception of constitutional law, "democratic experimentalism," and applies it in a thorough reconstruction of Supreme Court cases across the centuries, such as Brown v. Board of Education, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council, and Lochner v. New York. In contrast to the traditional tools and conceptions of legal analysis that see the law as a formally unique and separate type of practice, democratic experimentalism combines democratic aims and experimental practice. Butler also suggests other directions jurisprudential roles could take: for example, adjudication could be performed by primary stakeholders with better information. Ultimately, Butler argues persuasively for a move away from the current absolute centrality of courts toward a system of justice that emphasizes local rule and democratic choice."--Publisher's website.
Bibliography, etc. Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Location
STA
Call Number
KF4541 .B985 2017
Language
English
ISBN
9780226474502 (hardcover ; alkaline paper)
022647450X (hardcover ; alkaline paper)
9780226474649 (electronic book)
022647450X (hardcover ; alkaline paper)
9780226474649 (electronic book)
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