Originalism

Summary of Newsom v. Trump, 9th Circuit Stay

Summary of Newsom v. Trump from an Originalist Perspective From an originalist perspective, which emphasizes interpreting the Constitution based on its original meaning at the time of ratification, the Ninth Circuit's decision in Newsom v. Trump (filed June 19, 2025) aligns with the constitutional framework of federal authority over the militia as understood in 1787-1788, particularly through the lens of Congress’s enumerated powers and historical judicial interpretations like Martin v. Mott (1827). Below is a summary of the case through this perspective: Summary of the Case The State of California and Governor Gavin Newsom challenged President Donald J. Trump’s invocation of…

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An Originalist Analysis of United States v. Skrmetti

An Originalist Analysis of United States v. Skrmetti Balancing Constitutional Text and State Authority Introduction On June 18, 2025, the Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision in United States v. Skrmetti, upheld Tennessee’s Senate Bill 1 (SB1), which bans gender-affirming medical treatments, such as puberty blockers and hormones, for minors with gender dysphoria. The majority opinion, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, applied rational basis review, finding the law constitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment by classifying based on age and medical purpose, not sex or transgender status. Concurring opinions by Justices Thomas, Barrett, and Alito, and…

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Trump Wins on Tariffs

Update to My Originalist Critique Federal Circuit Grants Stay and Expedites En Banc Review of Trump Tariff Cases In my article "The Trump Tariffs Stay", I provide below an expanded analysis of my original points, incorporating today's Federal Circuit order granting a stay and expediting en banc review in V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump (2025-1812) and State of Oregon v. Trump (2025-1813). This expansion deepens my originalist critique, reflects the updated legal developments, and maintains my first-person perspective as the article’s author. 1. My Originalist Concern: Separation of Powers and Executive Authority In my article, I argued that the Trump tariff…

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The Conservative Canon

The Conservative Canon With Summaries and Influence on Civics and Policy The conservative canon presented here is a carefully curated collection of 32 seminal works that have profoundly shaped the intellectual and civic landscape of American conservatism. Spanning from the Enlightenment to the late 20th century, these texts-ranging from Edmund Burke’s Reflections on the Revolution in France to Irving Kristol’s Neoconservatism: The Autobiography of an Idea-offer a rich tapestry of philosophical, political, and cultural insights that articulate the principles of limited government, individual liberty, tradition, moral order, and free markets. Including foundational works like John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government The…

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