"Chemerinsky . offers a concise, point-by-point refutation of the theory [of originalism]. He argues that it cannot deliver what it promises--and if it could, no one would want what it is selling."--David Cole, New York Review of Books Listed by Wall Street Journal in "12 Books to Read: The Best Reviews of September" "Lucid [and] convincing . [with] sensible arguments opposing what seems like the wave of the future."-- Kirkus Reviews "[A] timely and devastating refutation of originalism. Chemerinsky is eminently qualified to mount this critique. [It is] the definitive obituary of originalism.
"--Stephen Rohde, Los Angeles Review of Books "Chemerinsky has written a powerful, respectful but devastating critique of the political practice known as originalism. This rich and careful book provides essential context for understanding the confusions and self-deceptions of that project."--Aziz Z. Huq, Frank and Bernice J. Greenberg Professor of Law, University of Chicago " Worse Than Nothing addresses an exceptionally timely and significant issue. Chemerinsky provides a definitive account of the rise and pitfalls of originalism that is accessible to a broad audience of lawyers and nonlawyers alike."--Leah Litman, professor of law, University of Michigan Law School " Worse Than Nothing is a devastating, concise, and beautifully written critique of originalism. It is a must read for anyone interested in the current debates about originalism and constitutional interpretation.
"--Eric J. Segall, author of Originalism as Faith "Originalism mistakenly seeks to slavishly tie interpretation of our living Constitution to a single point in time. Nowhere is this mistake more forcefully and clearly explained than in this excellent new book by Erwin Chemerinsky."--Martin H. Redish, author of Judicial Independence and the American Constitution "Clear, concise and devastating. A must-read for anyone interested in the Constitution and its contemporary meaning."--David Cole, national legal director of the ACLU.