Words That Bind

This book examines conflicting theories of constitutional interpretation and judicial review, arguing that each of the dominant legal approaches rests on a distinct philosophical conception of democracy. It explores the important implications of utilitarianism and social contract theory.

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The words of the U.S. Constitution limit the possibilities of political action: they bind us in certain ways. How they bind us, however, depends upon how these words are interpreted and upon the distinctively American practice of judicial review.In Words That Bind, John Arthur examines conflicting theories of constitutional interpretation and judic