Student Blogger - #13Amend Live Blog: Constitutional Arguments and Political Movements

Professor Rosenberg's commentary spurred a discussion among the panels and audience. Rosenberg stated that constitutional arguments simply did not mean that much because social movements are necessary to move the understanding of the courts. Professor Ontiveros responded that constitutional rhetoric about rights was important to build a coalition within the context of a social movement. Professor David Brion Davis contended from the audience that founding documents often serve rhetorical purposes within movements; the Declaration of Independence supported abolitionist arguments.