Skip to content

I do accept that, with - with respect to those vague terms…

“I do accept that, with - with respect to those vague terms in the Constitution such as equal protection of the laws, due process of law, cruel and unusual punishments. I fully accept that those things have to apply to new phenomena that didn't exist at the time.” quote by Antonin Scalia
Download Open image
“I do accept that, with - with respect to those vague terms in the Constitution such as equal protection of the laws, due process of law, cruel and unusual punishments. I fully accept that those things have to apply to new phenomena that didn't exist at the time.”

Antonin Scalia

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He acknowledges that constitutional protections must be applied to new issues that were unforeseen when the Constitution was written.

In simple terms: Constitutional rights must adapt to modern problems.

Key Takeaway

Apply timeless principles to contemporary challenges.

Themes

law constitution interpretation

Mood

analytical serious

Type

legal judicial

When to use this quote

  • technology regulation
  • civil rights
  • criminal justice
  • environmental law
  • healthcare policy

Key Concepts

jurisprudence evolutionary law

Questions to Reflect On

  • How should courts balance original meaning with new contexts?
  • What limits exist on extending constitutional concepts?
A Different Perspective

Balancing original intent with modern realities can be contentious.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Antonin Scalia

Explore all 146 Antonin Scalia quotes

More Constitution quotes

Browse all 4,507 Constitution quotes