'Hadley Arkes has given us a work of brilliance in regards to both argument and style. Few constitutional theorists can be placed in the same class as [ him]. This work demonstrates why [ he], among that guild, remains unsurpassed. Those working in constitutional theory cannot preserve their intellectual integrity while ignoring his arguments Arkes has within these pages given us a work of genius. This book belies an intellect of such range and depth that one is at once both awed and inspired. One's impression upon the completion of this work, as with all of Arkes's works, is that one has sat at the feet of one of the great intellects and teachers of our, or of any, time.' Paul R. DeHart, Texas State University, San Marcos 'The line between judicial interpretation and imposition is murky. Wherever it is drawn, reverence for our first principles - in both the political and judicial spheres - is imperative if we are to preserve the society the Framers sought to perpetuate. In that endeavor, Hadley Arkes remains a beacon in the dark night.' The New Criterion 'Hadley Arkes has given us a work of brilliance in regards to both argument and style. Few constitutional theorists can be placed in the same class as Arkes. This work demonstrates why Arkes, among that guild, remains unsurpassed. Those working in constitutional theory cannot preserve their intellectual integrity while ignoring his arguments.' Paul R. DeHart, Journal of Church and State ' a highly readable and highly recommended book that uses law to analyse the much larger issue of the way in which liberal societies are constructed and how, in order to maintain and honour that construction, we must not ignore the reality of the 'first principles' of natural law in favour of the illusory certainty of positivist constitutionalism.' Stephen Collins, The Kelvingrove Review
