WorldAugust 3, 2026
originalism
uh-RIJ-ih-nuh-li-zum
Definition
A theory of judicial interpretation that holds that the U.S. Constitution should be understood based on the original public meaning or intent at the time it was written.
Etymology
The word is a derivative of 'original', originating from the Latin 'originalis' (meaning 'first' or 'earliest'), combined with the suffix '-ism', which denotes a doctrine or system of thought.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the judicial philosophy employed by the U.S. Supreme Court majority, which the author argues is being used as a tool to impose current agendas rather than maintain historical fidelity.
A Blistering Critique of the Roberts Court, From Hawaii’s Supreme Court
Read the full article ↗The Bulwark