The 2025 Edwin Meese III Originalism Lecture: “Originalism, the Administrative State, and the Clash of Political Theories” by Joel Alicea
One of the greatest honors of my career has been receiving the inaugural 2022 Edwin Meese III Originalism Award. My lecture was titled Originalism and Stare Decisis in the Lower Courts. The winners in 2023 and 2024, respectively, were Professors Kurt Lash and John Yoo. I am pleased that the 2025 winner was Professor Joel Alicea at Catholic University. Joel was recently appointed as the St. Robert Bellarmine Professor of Law. He is also the Director of the Center for the Constitution and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition.
Joel’s lecture was titled Originalism, the Administrative State, and the Clash of Political Theories. It is well worth a watch and a listen.
This segment of his conclusion is especially thought-provoking:
Originalism’s politico-theoretical premises, then, are hostile to the premises undergirding the administrative state and living constitutionalism. The concentration of lawmaking power into the hands of the federal legislature, the delegation of that lawmaking power from Congress to administrative agencies, and the insulation of administrative power
Article from Reason.com
The Reason Magazine website is a go-to destination for libertarians seeking cogent analysis, investigative reporting, and thought-provoking commentary. Championing the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and free markets, the site offers a diverse range of articles, videos, and podcasts that challenge conventional wisdom and advocate for libertarian solutions. Whether you’re interested in politics, culture, or technology, Reason provides a unique lens that prioritizes liberty and rational discourse. It’s an essential resource for those who value critical thinking and nuanced debate in the pursuit of a freer society.
