Michael Ramsey

Originalism and Accidental Outcomes

Should we follow the original meaning even when it resolves issues in ways its enactors did not foresee?

Michael Ramsey |The Volokh Conspiracy | 10.30.2020 8:02 AM

Crime

Applying the Citizenship Clause's Original Meaning to Modern Controversies

The original meaning gives birthright citizenship to the U.S.-born children of undocumented migrants, even though its drafters didn't realize it would.

Michael Ramsey |The Volokh Conspiracy | 10.29.2020 8:01 AM

Crime

The Original Meaning of "Subject to the Jurisdiction" of the United States

It meant under the authority of U.S. law, thus excluding foreign diplomats, foreign armies and (at the time) Native American tribes.

Michael Ramsey |The Volokh Conspiracy | 10.28.2020 8:01 AM

Crime

The Original Meaning of "Born … in the United States"

It encompassed all territory under U.S. permanent sovereignty.

Michael Ramsey |The Volokh Conspiracy | 10.27.2020 8:01 AM

Crime

Originalism and Birthright Citizenship

The original meaning of the citizenship clause answers some questions and raises some others.

Michael Ramsey |The Volokh Conspiracy | 10.26.2020 8:01 AM