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Textualism is an approach to the interpretation of statutes and the [[U.S. Constitution]] that focuses on the text itself and its plain meaning rather than inquiring into the purpose of those who wrote the text.  Under this view the legislative history of a statute is insignificant and should not be allowed to trump the text itself.

'''Textualism''' is an approach to the interpretation of statutes and the [[U.S. Constitution]] that focuses on the text itself and its plain meaning rather than inquiring into the purpose of those who wrote the text.  Under this view the legislative history of a statute is insignificant and should not be allowed to trump the text itself.

In the words of the leading proponent of textualism, Justice [[Antonin Scalia]], statutory text always trumps "unenacted legislative intent."<ref>''INS v. Cardoza-Fonseca'', 480 U.S. 421, 453 (1987) (Scalia, J., concurring)</ref>

In the words of the leading proponent of textualism, Justice [[Antonin Scalia]], statutory text always trumps "unenacted legislative intent."<ref>''INS v. Cardoza-Fonseca'', 480 U.S. 421, 453 (1987) (Scalia, J., concurring)</ref>