Constitution Quote by Antonin Scalia
“It is difficult to maintain the illusion that we are interpreting a Constitution, rather than inventing one.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Constitutional Interpretation, 1995
Maintaining the belief that we are interpreting the Constitution, rather than creating it, is challenging because interpretation is inherently creative.
In simple terms: It’s hard to claim pure interpretation when we shape law.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the creative role in legal analysis.
Themes
law
interpretation
judicial philosophy
constitution
creativity
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- court decisions
- legislative drafting
- academic debate
Key Concepts
originalism
judicial activism
legal theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do personal values affect your reading of the Constitution?
- Can true objectivity ever exist in law?
A Different Perspective
The view may downplay the influence of personal bias.
![“[quoting someone else] the American constitution is a document designed by geniuses to be eventually interpreted by idiots” quote by Joseph J. Ellis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e9f/joseph-j-ellis-13690_american-constitutio_quoting-someone-else-the-american-consti_481734.jpg)
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
