Walter Berns

Walter Berns (1919-2015) was an American constitutional law scholar and political philosopher who wrote extensively on democracy, the death penalty, and constitutional interpretation. His work focused on the philosophical foundations of American constitutionalism and the relationship between law, morality, and liberal democracy. As a professor at Cornell University, Georgetown University, and the University of Toronto, Berns influenced several generations of legal scholars and political theorists. His most notable works include "For Capital Punishment" (1979) and "Making Patriots" (2001), which explored themes of civic virtue and democratic citizenship. Berns served on the National Council on the Humanities and received the National Humanities Medal in 2005. His writings in publications like The Public Interest and Commentary helped shape conservative intellectual discourse in the latter half of the 20th century. His scholarly work emphasized the importance of civic education and moral character in maintaining democratic institutions. Berns argued that modern democracy required citizens to develop certain virtues and attachments to their political community, a theme that ran throughout his academic career.

Reader reviews consistently note Berns' systematic analysis of constitutional principles and political philosophy. On Amazon and Goodreads, his books receive mostly 4-5 star ratings, particularly for "Making Patriots" and "Democracy and the Constitution." Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of complex constitutional concepts - Historical context and references to Founding Fathers' writings - Logical arguments for traditional civic values - Connections between democracy and moral character Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Repetitive points in some chapters - Conservative bias in analysis - Limited engagement with opposing viewpoints Average ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (across all works) Amazon: 4.2/5 ("Making Patriots") Amazon: 4.0/5 ("Democracy and the Constitution") One reader noted: "Berns presents compelling arguments about citizenship, but his prose can be challenging for non-academic readers." Another commented: "His analysis of the death penalty in 'For Capital Punishment' is thorough but fails to address key counter-arguments."

Democracy and the Constitution (1984) An analysis of how the U.S. Constitution structures democratic governance while protecting individual rights.

In Defense of Liberal Democracy (1984) Examines the philosophical foundations of liberal democracy and addresses its critics from both left and right.

For Capital Punishment: Crime and the Morality of the Death Penalty (1979) Presents arguments supporting capital punishment based on moral, legal, and constitutional grounds.

The First Amendment and the Future of American Democracy (1976) Explores the historical development and contemporary interpretations of First Amendment freedoms.

Freedom, Virtue and the First Amendment (1957) Analyzes the relationship between individual liberty and civic virtue in American constitutional law.

Making Patriots (2001) Discusses the challenges of fostering patriotism and civic responsibility in modern democratic societies.

After the People Vote: A Guide to the Electoral College (1983) Explains the function and history of the Electoral College in American presidential elections.

Taking the Constitution Seriously (1987) Examines original intent and contemporary interpretation in constitutional law.

Harvey Mansfield writes about constitutional democracy, executive power, and the relationship between virtue and liberal society. His analysis of the American founding and modern political philosophy aligns with Berns' focus on constitutional interpretation and civic values.

James Q. Wilson examines moral judgment, crime, and character in American society from a conservative perspective. His work on public policy and moral philosophy addresses many of the same themes as Berns regarding law, morality, and social order.

Harry V. Jaffa focuses on Lincoln, the American founding, and natural rights theory in constitutional government. His interpretation of the Constitution and natural law parallels Berns' emphasis on the moral foundations of American democracy.

Irving Kristol writes about the cultural conditions necessary for democratic capitalism and the relationship between religion and public life. His analysis of American political culture addresses similar concerns to Berns about civic virtue and democratic institutions.

Edward Banfield studies urban politics, moral character, and the social conditions that affect democratic governance. His work on civic culture and political behavior connects to Berns' interest in how moral and cultural factors shape democratic society.