Constitutionalism and the Theory of Constitutional Interpretation
Presented by Kenneth Einar Himma, J.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, Seattle Pacific University
Friday, December 17, 2004 (afternoon)
Washington State Convention & Trade Center
Seattle, Washington
3.0 General CLE Credits
Cost: $100 (*special December discount available)
- About the Program
- Program Chair
- Program Schedule
- Discounts and Refunds
- Accommodations for Disabilities
Some of the most divisive issues in political discourse concern the Constitution; officials and citizens disagree passionately, for example, over whether the Constitution contains a fundamental right to abortion. Given that people disagree vehemently over constitutional questions, who should decide these issues? And how? And what exactly is the Constitution anyway? Professor Kenneth Einar Himma discusses the justification for a system of constitutionalism like ours, as well as the various theories of constitutional interpretation. In particular, he will discuss the originalist, textualist, constitutional evolutionist, hypothetical intent, and Dworkinian approaches to constitutional interpretation. He will conclude with a discussion of an increasingly influential view among constitutional theorists: popular constitutionalism the thesis that citizen views about the content of the Constitution should play some role in determining constitutional law.
Professor Ken Einar Himma taught for three years in the Philosophy Department, Information School, and the Law School at the University of Washington. He recently joined the faculty at Seattle Pacific University as an Associate Professor of Philosophy.
His specialties are legal philosophy, philosophy of religion, applied ethics, information ethics, computer ethics, and other philosophical issues arising in connection with information and information technologies. He has taught a number of courses in philosophy, law, library and information sciences, and information management.
People who attended Professor Himma's December 2003 "Philosophy of Law" program said:
"The speaker is awesome!"
"Easily the most stimulating and thought-provoking seminar I've attended in years."
"Very enjoyable and different than the usual fare. Dr. Himma is very funny - in a way a lot of academics are not - bravo!"
Program Schedule
1:00 p.m. Registration
1:30 p.m. Constitutionalism, the Countermajoritarian Difficulty, and Originalism
2:30 p.m. Break
2:45 p.m. Textualism, Hypothetical Intent, and Dworkin's Moral Reading
3:45 p.m. Break
4:00 p.m. Evolutionism and Popular Constitutionalism
5:00 p.m. Adjourn
- 3.0 General CLE Credits.
For more information regarding CLE credits in other states, contact UW CLE at 206-543-0059.
Refunds are available up to five days prior to the program. In lieu of a refund, we encourage participants to send a substitute. Please notify the UW CLE of any requests for refunds or substitutions. All cancellations are subject to a $30 handling charge.
- To request accommodations for the disabled, please contactthe office of the Disability Services Office at least ten daysin advance at:(206) 543-6450 (voice); (206) 543-6452(TDD); (206) 685-7264 (FAX), or dso@u.washington.edu(E-Mail).
