Reflections on the Evolution of the Constitution: Benno Schmidt, Eric Swanson, and Richard Morris

Benno Schmidt, president of Yale University (1986-1992) gives a keynote address, entitled “Reflections on the Evolution of the Constitution.” This event is part of a series celebrating the bicentennial anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Eric Swanson opens the event with a lively reading of an excerpt from the Constitution, and Richard Morris, a historian known for his expertise in colonial American legal history, provides opening statements. In Schmidt’s lecture, he discusses the original intent and ambiguous language used by the Framers of the Constitution. He emphasizes the necessity of applying historical perspective when interpreting the Constitution, and discusses the current pitfalls seen in the U.S. Supreme Court’s constitutional interpretations. Following Schmidt’s lecture, he and Morris discuss the Constitution and answer audience questions. This event was funded by a grant from Philip Morris Companies Inc.
Recorded February 19, 1987 at The 92nd Street Y, New York.
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