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LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

originalism

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A quick definition of originalism:

Originalism is a way of understanding the law, especially the U.S. Constitution. It means that we should interpret the words in the Constitution the way people understood them when they were written a long time ago. We can figure out what the words meant by looking at what the people who wrote them said and did, and by looking at other old documents. Some people think this is the best way to understand the Constitution, while others think the Constitution can change and mean different things over time.

A more thorough explanation:

Originalism is a way of interpreting legal texts, like the U.S. Constitution, that says we should understand them the way people did when they were written. This means we should look at what the people who wrote the text meant, and what people at the time understood it to mean. We can figure this out by looking at things like debates, dictionaries, and other legal documents from that time.

For example, if we were trying to understand what the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution means, an originalist would look at what people at the time thought it meant. They might look at debates from when the amendment was written, or at other laws from that time that used similar language. They would try to figure out what the people who wrote the amendment meant when they said "the right to bear arms."

Originalism is different from another way of interpreting legal texts called "living constitutionalism." Living constitutionalism says that the Constitution can change over time, and that we should interpret it in light of modern values and ideas. Originalism says that we should stick to the original meaning of the text, even if it doesn't match up with modern values.

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Dkk
18:57
I want to meet an attorney that defends clients who run into flat earth problems. I want an attorney that knows and believes in flat earth theory.
19:05
i want a flat earther for president. i want a guy who posts on 4chan for president. i want someone who mogs for president.
Dkk
19:18
Exactly. My version of that awful poem.
Dkk
19:19
I can accept a president with maybe one or two of the poems traits hut good God, all of them??? No ty.
windyMagician
19:20
president who respects sex is crazy
windyMagician
19:20
we had bill clinton already
Dkk
19:21
Bill Clinton, first and last black president
windyMagician
19:23
I want to go running but my leg feels weird
windyMagician
19:23
it doesn't hurt its just tingly
Dkk
19:26
It needs more alcohol. You tingle when your nerves need watering.
19:27
try stretching it maybe to see what's up
windyMagician
19:27
stretches make me think it's just soreness
windyMagician
19:27
I'm sober lol
Dkk
19:38
Anyone else get the google notification that your LSD password has been compromised lol. LSD got hacked.
20:48
what.jpg @Dkk
CynicalOops
21:03
You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?
jackfrost11770
21:10
nope dk
CynicalOops
22:37
Calvinamala Harris
jackfrost11770
23:16
should i start using letterboxed again
Dkk
23:25
@jackfrost11770: if you want but like it aint for me
dk do u ever eat at bk
Dkk
23:48
@chickenburgahfart: I would do that in the Army if really desperate for food or if I had to work through lunch. One of the few fast food places I go to.
bk so slept on
Dkk
0:23
I will take In N Out everyday over it when I can though.
texaslawhopefully
1:22
In N Out is not only the best fast food place, but the prices too are fantastic
Dkk
1:27
Indeed, indeed.
BulbasaurNoLikeCardio
7:51
@texaslawhopefully: best prices and only fast food that doesn't make me sick
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