In an initiative aimed at deepening the understanding of constitutional interpretation, federal judges have begun teaching courses on originalism at law schools across Texas. The course, “Originalism & the Origins of the Federal Constitution,” is designed to examine what the framers of the Constitution intended at the time of its writing and how those intentions can inform contemporary judicial decision-making.
Among those spearheading this interpretative method are US District Judges Brantley Starr and Mark Pittman. Both have been involved in the curriculum at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law, where they engage law students in discussions about the Constitution’s foundational principles and how they can be applied to modern legal contexts. The discussions also prompt students to critically reflect on their roles in upholding constitutional values, with questions like “What can you do to keep the republic?” encouraging a practical and ethical engagement with the Constitution beyond academic study.
Originalism as a legal theory has gained increasing attention and application in recent judicial decisions, prompting a need for more focused educational approaches in legal academia. The judges’ involvement underscores a trend where legal interpretations seek to stay tethered to historical contexts, which is becoming more pertinent in courts across the United States. Those interested in understanding more about this educational development can learn from the insights provided by the seminar conducted at Southern Methodist University.