Universal Rights and the Constitution
Innovative examination of the tensions between universal and more uniquely American definitions of cherished rights.

Are constitutional rights based exclusively in uniquely American considerations, or are they based at least in part on principles that transcend the boundaries of any particular country, such as the requirements of freedom or dignity? By viewing constitutional law through the prism of this fundamental question, Universal Rights and the Constitution exposes an overlooked difficulty with opinions rendered by the Supreme Court, namely, an inherent ambiguity about the kinds of arguments that count in constitutional interpretation, which weakens the foundations of our most cherished rights.

Rejecting current debates over constitutional interpretation as flawed, Stephen A. Simon offers an innovative framework designed to provide clearer foundations for rights interpretations while preserving a meaningful but limited role for universal arguments. He reveals the vital connections among contemporary debates over such matters as the right to privacy, the constitutionality of the death penalty, and the role of foreign law in constitutional interpretation.
1117247962
Universal Rights and the Constitution
Innovative examination of the tensions between universal and more uniquely American definitions of cherished rights.

Are constitutional rights based exclusively in uniquely American considerations, or are they based at least in part on principles that transcend the boundaries of any particular country, such as the requirements of freedom or dignity? By viewing constitutional law through the prism of this fundamental question, Universal Rights and the Constitution exposes an overlooked difficulty with opinions rendered by the Supreme Court, namely, an inherent ambiguity about the kinds of arguments that count in constitutional interpretation, which weakens the foundations of our most cherished rights.

Rejecting current debates over constitutional interpretation as flawed, Stephen A. Simon offers an innovative framework designed to provide clearer foundations for rights interpretations while preserving a meaningful but limited role for universal arguments. He reveals the vital connections among contemporary debates over such matters as the right to privacy, the constitutionality of the death penalty, and the role of foreign law in constitutional interpretation.
24.95 In Stock
Universal Rights and the Constitution

Universal Rights and the Constitution

by Stephen A. Simon
Universal Rights and the Constitution

Universal Rights and the Constitution

by Stephen A. Simon

eBook

$24.95 

Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
WANT A NOOK?  Explore Now

Related collections and offers


Overview

Innovative examination of the tensions between universal and more uniquely American definitions of cherished rights.

Are constitutional rights based exclusively in uniquely American considerations, or are they based at least in part on principles that transcend the boundaries of any particular country, such as the requirements of freedom or dignity? By viewing constitutional law through the prism of this fundamental question, Universal Rights and the Constitution exposes an overlooked difficulty with opinions rendered by the Supreme Court, namely, an inherent ambiguity about the kinds of arguments that count in constitutional interpretation, which weakens the foundations of our most cherished rights.

Rejecting current debates over constitutional interpretation as flawed, Stephen A. Simon offers an innovative framework designed to provide clearer foundations for rights interpretations while preserving a meaningful but limited role for universal arguments. He reveals the vital connections among contemporary debates over such matters as the right to privacy, the constitutionality of the death penalty, and the role of foreign law in constitutional interpretation.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781438451879
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Publication date: 03/11/2014
Series: SUNY series in American Constitutionalism
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 196
File size: 515 KB

About the Author

Stephen A. Simon is Associate Professor of Political Science and Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law at the University of Richmond.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

1. Introduction

2. Universal Arguments in American Constitutionalism

3. Universal Arguments in Constitutional Law

4. Universal Arguments in Constitutional Theory

5. A Role for Universal Arguments

6. Conclusion: Universal Rights Discourse

Note
References
Index
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews