758.01 Originalism: An Overview of Theory and Practice
Originalism has become a major force in constitutional interpretation throughout the federal and state judiciaries. The theory’s merits and the merits of the outcome it yields are the subject of intense debate in the legal community and across the country.
This two-hour weekly seminar is designed to help acquaint you with the history of Originalism, developments in Originalism over time, criticisms of the theory, current controversies among originalists, and how lawyers and judges engage in originalist analysis.
Students will be evaluated on papers responding to the course readings and on class participation.
Enrollment Pre-/Co- Requisite Information
One prior course on American constitutional law.
Spring 2026
| Course Number | Course Credits | Evaluation Method | Instructor | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 758.01 |
2
|
Reflective Writing
Class participation
|
Robert Numbers | ||
| Canvas site: https://canvas.duke.edu/courses/74786 | |||||
| Course | |
| Degree Requirements |
JD elective
IntlLLM-SJD-EXC elective
|
| Course Areas of Practice |
Constitutional Law and Civil Rights
Law, Democracy, and Society
|