Georgetown professor to speak here about ‘Constitutional Originalism’

The Center for Constitutional Law at the University of Akron School of Law is proud to host a lecture by Professor Lawrence Solum from Georgetown Law School to talk about the changing nature of constitutional originalism. The event, free and open to the public, takes place in Akron Law’s new Brennan Courtroom on Wednesday, April 4, at 4 p.m., with a reception to follow.

Solum’s lecture is titled “Surprising Originalism” and addresses the ways in which contemporary originalist constitutional theory diverges from widely held preconceptions. Many judges, lawyers, legal scholars and law students assume that they already know everything that is important about “originalism,” states Solum. “But they may be in for some surprises.” 

Solum poses that the nature of originalism itself has changed, that even law professors may not know that the doctrine of “original intent” was abandoned by almost all originalists more than 30 years ago. Another common assumption about originalism is that it inevitably leads to “conservative” results. Surprisingly, originalism frequently produces results that are progressive on topics where the dominant living-constitutionalist approach has produced outcomes frequently associated with conservatism.

Solum is an internationally recognized legal theorist who works in constitutional theory, procedure and the philosophy of law. Solum contributes to debates in constitutional theory and normative legal theory. He received his J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School and received his B.A. with highest departmental honors in philosophy from the University of California at Los Angeles. While at Harvard, he served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review. After graduation, he worked for the law firm of Cravath, Swaine, and Moore in New York, and then clerked for Judge William A. Norris of the United States Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit.

The Center for Constitutional Law at Akron was established by Congress in 1986 to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution. One of just four centers established nationally, its purpose is to conduct research and education on matters of constitutional law. It is directed by Professor Tracy Thomas. The center also offers law students a specialized certificate program and competitive fellowships.

More details about the event are available by contacting Thomas at thomast@uakron.edu.