Description

"Many . . . unwritten rights are somehow inherent in the American scheme of democracy. So where do these freedoms come from? . . . One of the nation`s most venerated thinkers about such matters offers a provocative and refreshing way to answer that question."--Neil A. Lewis, New York Times Book Review

"An appealing interpretation of the founding papers."--Michael G. Radigan, New York Law Journal

"A remarkably interesting book. It offers a way of looking at the Constitution that I had not thought about before."--Sanford Levinson, School of Law, University of Texas at Austin

One of the most respected scholars of constitutional law here argues for a national commitment to human rights based on his interpretation of three critical documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Ninth Amendment to the Constitution, and the "citizenship" and "privileges and immunities" clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment. The book presents a powerful case for reviewing and renewing the basis of our most important human rights.