An analysis by recently retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer that deconstructs the textualist philosophy of the current Supreme Court's supermajority and makes the case for a better way to interpret the Constitution.

Preface: My way. (Part I: Purpose vs. textualism): Purpose-based approaches -- The textualist approach. (Part II: Interpreting statutory law): The traditional use of text and purpose -- The text/purpose divide -- Static or dynamic? -- Consequences -- Legislative history -- Constitutional values -- Resolving the text/purpose tension -- Why judges should consider purposes: a summary. (Part III: Interpreting the Constitution): The Constitution -- The traditional approach to constitutional interpretation -- Constitutional textualism -- When the text runs out: the limits of constitutional textualism -- Legal stability: stare decisis. (Part IV: Why values, purposes, and workability provide a better way to interpret the Constitution): Workability: history and practical experience -- Workability: deciding where values conflict -- Workability: direct application of basic values. (Part V: Paradigm shifts on the court): Three paradigm shifts -- Are we undergoing the next paradigm shift? Conclusion -- Acknowledgments -- Author's note -- Notes -- Index.