Certified Legal Assistant Paralegal (CLA-CP) Practice Test 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Question: 1 / 400

When interpreting the Constitution, what do judges seek to determine according to originalism?

The societal changes since the Constitution was written

The underlying goal or value of the drafters

Judges who adhere to originalism focus on understanding the Constitution based on the original intent of the drafters and the context in which it was written. This approach emphasizes that to interpret constitutional provisions accurately, one must look back to the historical circumstances, the language used, and the intended purpose of those who created the document. The idea is that the Constitution's meaning should remain stable and anchored in its original meaning rather than adapting to contemporary values or societal changes.

By centering on the intent and values of the framers, originalists argue that this provides a consistent and predictable legal framework, limiting the influence of subjective interpretations that may arise from personal beliefs or modern societal trends. This understanding reinforces the relevance and authority of the text as it was originally conceived, allowing for a more historically grounded application of constitutional law.

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The opinions of modern legal scholars

The public consensus on current issues

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