Lewis’ Chapter Appears in New Edited Volume

Fred Lewis’ chapter in a new book examines the language of the Constitution.

The newly published book, “Diversity and Tolerance in Socio-legal Contexts,” includes a chapter by Political Science Prof. Frederick Lewis.

In his chapter, called “Tolerance, Pluralism and Fighting Faiths: Seeking the Sources of U.S. Constitutional Meaning,” Lewis argues that while the formal U.S. Constitution contains words and phrases associated with the legal and political arrangements that sustain civil tolerance, the meaning of the words, though formally conveyed by the Supreme Court, has come from cultural practice.

Lewis holds that the meaning has arisen from social understandings that have evolved over time, as patterns of inter-group relations in America have changed.

In addition to this publication, Lewis will present “Thoughts on Common Law Constitutionalism and the Foundations of Judicial Review” at a panel during the annual meeting of the New England Political Science Association in May.

“Diversity and Tolerance in Socio-legal Contexts” is published by Ashgate Publishing.

- Sheila_Eppolito