A twist of principles: presumption and burden of proof in the Virginia ratification debates on the federal constitution

• Lois J. Einhorn ^[1]
  1. [1] University Center
• Localización: Southern communication journal, ISSN 1041-794X, Vol. 55, nº 2, 1989, págs. 144-161
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • This essay examines how the timing of Virginia's Ratification Convention twisted the principles of presumption and burden of proof in favor of the Federalists. Applying Whately's rhetorical constructs to these actual debates helps us better understand the rhetorical strategies and voting behavior in this crucial convention, underscores the need to modify the meaning of presumption and burden of proof, and demonstrates the usefulness of these concepts for rhetorical analysis.

    “The plot thickens fast. A few short weeks will determine the political fate of America for the present generation, and probably no small influence on the happiness of society through a long succession of ages to come.”