Constitution Quote by Felix Frankfurter
“The ultimate touchstone of constitutionality is the Constitution itself and not what we have said about it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Supreme Court Lecture, 1952
The Constitution is the ultimate authority on its own meaning, not judicial interpretation or commentary.
In simple terms: The Constitution itself decides its constitutionality.
Look to the text, not opinions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- court decisions
- legislative drafting
- academic debate
- constitutional amendment
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we ensure interpretations stay true to the text?
- What role should precedent play?
Interpretations can be biased by personal or political views.