Calder v. Bull turns to be the vehicle to link the social contract theory of Jean Jacques Burlamaqui with the American Constitution. After analyzing the thought of Samuel Chase and the framers of the Declaration of Independence, we conclude that the pursuit of happiness ought to be seen as a principle of interpretation of a Constitution that is not an isolated document, but part of a larger compact that integrates not only negative liberties but also social rights.

Fecha envío: 18/12/2006
Fecha aceptación: 26/03/2007