Constitutional Politics in the Age of Justice Story October 21, 2009

Host: The Heritage Foundation. The Center for Legal and Judicial Studies is honored to host Professor John C. Harrison as the second speaker of our aptly named Joseph Story Distinguished Lecture Series. The namesake of the series – the eminent jurist Joseph Story – became the youngest Associate Justice ever to serve on the United States Supreme Court when he was appointed by President Madison in 1812. Story made a significant mark on American law in his thirty-three years on the bench, but his greatest contribution to jurisprudence is his renowned Commentaries on the Constitution, in which he set forth a philosophy of judicial restraint. Story famously declared: “A constitution of government is addressed to the common sense of the people and never was designed for trials of logical skill or visionary speculation.” Professor Harrison, who has written prolifically on originalist interpretation, will offer his insights into the pertinent constitutional debates of Justice Story’s day.

Official Website: http://www.heritage.org/press/events/ev102109b.cfm