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Rowan
Student
Edina, MN
1
Question
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How do you balance the original historical context of the Constitution with modern interpretation when working with precedent Also, what kinds of internships or experiences in undergrad best prepare you for constitutional law? ?
Hi! I'm a high school senior, and I am pursuing an education in History Law on the pre-law track. In my AP government class, we are reviewing 16 court cases and thinking about how these cases show the dynamics of the state and federal levels of government, as well as their effects on other cases. This got me thinking about how much historical context shapes constitutional interpretation, and how those interpretations evolve through precedent. I’ve become really interested in how lawyers engage with both the original meaning of the Constitution and its modern application, especially in cases connected to the Supreme Court of the United States. #Spring26
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DENNIS A BREEN
Lawyer
270
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS A’s Answer
Hi Rowan: Interesting question!
Thomas Jefferson said it best - if I might paraphrase - just as the clothes of your youth do not fit as you get old, so to do the principles of the Constitution need to grow with the times.
Con law is interesting. Free speech in 1776 did not include the internet or AI. Gun ownership was also a different concept. You need to look at preedent as a guide to the present. As a lawyer you form your argument and then use precedent to support that position. The interrelation between State and Federal law is an interesting intersection. States have their own soverign rights. As do the feds. Just as your neighbors forced ICE out of your area the two sometimes clash. The key is looking at these things objectively and keeping an open mind.
Rowan, a lawyer can use both State or Federal cases to support their position. The nexus to thier case dictates the weight that case carries. So, in the 16 cases you are reviewing, if 2 are from the same court they have more weight than those outside the area.
I do not know if this helps but good luck in your courses!
Thomas Jefferson said it best - if I might paraphrase - just as the clothes of your youth do not fit as you get old, so to do the principles of the Constitution need to grow with the times.
Con law is interesting. Free speech in 1776 did not include the internet or AI. Gun ownership was also a different concept. You need to look at preedent as a guide to the present. As a lawyer you form your argument and then use precedent to support that position. The interrelation between State and Federal law is an interesting intersection. States have their own soverign rights. As do the feds. Just as your neighbors forced ICE out of your area the two sometimes clash. The key is looking at these things objectively and keeping an open mind.
Rowan, a lawyer can use both State or Federal cases to support their position. The nexus to thier case dictates the weight that case carries. So, in the 16 cases you are reviewing, if 2 are from the same court they have more weight than those outside the area.
I do not know if this helps but good luck in your courses!