Author Archives: Matthew Pinsker

Dred Scott Case

Posted on October 18, 2010 by Matthew Pinsker

In Lincoln’s Constitution (Chicago, 2003), Daniel Farber identifies the Supreme Court decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) as the turning point in Lincoln’s constitutional attitudes.  “Before Dred Scott,” Farber writes, “Lincoln does not seem to have questioned the role … Continue reading →

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Rotundo on Birthright Citizenship

Posted on October 13, 2010 by Matthew Pinsker

Law professor Ronald Rotunda offers an especially clear argument in favor of birthright citizenship in his Chicago Tribune op-ed from September 16, 2010 (“Birthright Citizenship Benefits the Country”).  In this short piece, Rotunda argues that allowing practically anyone born in … Continue reading →

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James Wilson: Father of the American Presidency

Posted on September 15, 2010 by Matthew Pinsker

In Plain, Honest Men (2009), Richard Beeman claims that “Only one member of the Convention envisioned an American government, and a president, much like those we have today” (129).  That man, according to Beeman, was James Wilson.  Though he remains … Continue reading →

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