Amarica's Constitution

Akhil Reed Amar
  • 4.6 (331)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Amarica's Constitution

Professor Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University and one of the nation’s leading authorities on the Constitution, offers weekly in-depth discussions on the most urgent and fascinating constitutional issues of our day. He is joined by host Andy Lipka and guests drawn from other top experts including Bob Woodward, Lawrence Lessig, Neal Katyal, Michael Gerhardt, and many more.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Recess Games - Special Guests Josh Chafetz and Thomas Schmidt

    Could Republicans in the House conspire with a 2025 President Trump to manufacture a forced Senate recess in an effort to bypass the advise and consent appointments process?  The much-anticipated article in The Atlantic has been published, to widespread approval.  We proudly present all three co-authors of this article in a wide-ranging, nuanced, fascinating discussion, as Professors Josh Chafetz, Tom Schmidt, and of course Akhil Amar reunite to take us from Restoration England to the chambers of the Supreme Court where Professor Schmidt clerked for Justice Breyer, the author of the principal case on recess appointments, NLRB v. Noel Canning, in 2014.  We hear how that case has lessons, and yet is distinguished, from the scenario here, and what might happen if the contemplated maneuvers, deemed grossly unconstitutional by our experts, try it anyway.  CLE credit is available from podcast.njsba.com.

    1h 21m

  2. DEC 4

    The Obsequious Instruments of His Pleasure

    The presidential transition is always a bit fraught, as we have discussed in past episodes, but this one seems to be boundary-pushing, even for Trump.  He intends to fire the FBI director, whom he appointed, (can he do that? - we explain) and replace him with a singularly problematic bomb thrower.  He had pardoned a family criminal, and now appoints him to be ambassador to France. He prizes loyalty to him above all, it seems, but is there a place for competence? And we have more on the withdrawal of Gaetz and his strange resignations. Speaking of resignations, a judge in Ohio has thrown yet another resigning twist our way. This episode was recorded prior to the Hunter Biden pardon, which will be discussed in a later episode. CLE credit is available from podcast.njsba.com.

    1h 34m

  3. NOV 27

    Does Section Three Live?

    Colorado’s Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump was ineligible for the Presidency under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, following a trial, a verdict, and appeals.  The January 6th commission had numerous findings of fact that seemed damning to the former President.  The Special Counsel brought charges against him related to the fateful day.  But the Supreme Court unanimously ruled against Colorado; the Justice Department is dropping their case; the January 6th commission has disbanded. Meanwhile there has been no ruling that Trump did not in fact violate Section 3.  Does it exist?  And if it does, what are the implications for Congress’ certification of the vote in early January 2025?  We return to this subject even as the nation seems to be leaving it behind.  Also - an early look at some of the background to the recess appointment article authored by Prof. Amar and others which will appear soon, and a celebration of a great man and a great historian.  CLE credit is available from podcast.njsba.com.

    1h 7m

  4. NOV 20

    The Gaetz of Hell

    President-elect Trump has begun to announce his plans for his cabinet and other top appointments for January.  Unconventional is a kind word for some of them.  And suddenly, in a House where Republicans have a razor-thin majority, there is a resignation - months before it would be required.  Why?  There are conspiracy theorists for health care positions; admirers of Putin for intelligence posts; newscasters who have never managed anything for one of the largest organizations in the world.  The Constitution has something to say about some of these, and we dive in.  Suffice to say, the water is murky.  CLE credit is available for lawyers and judges from podcast.njsba.com.

    1h 7m

  5. NOV 13

    Preview of Peril - Special Live Podcast

    The election is behind us, and foreboding fills the air.  We are live at the Yale Club of New York City for a live recording, addressing some of the many constitutional matters that are or soon may be front of mind as the seemingly inevitable challenges to norms, rules, and laws await.  Matters as wide-ranging as the implications of undivided government; the significance of state constitutional amendments on abortion; Justice Sotomayor’s future; recess appointments - and much more are on our plate this week.  CLE credit is available for lawyers and judges at podcast.njsba.com.

    1h 31m

  6. NOV 5

    All This Fuss About the Presidential Election - Special Guests Gordon Wood, Steven Smith, Paul Grimstad

    We are here early this week - for Election Day! And we bring you a panel that looks at elections, and Presidents, from American history, putting this year’s choice in perspective.  Gordon Wood, the greatest historian of the early Republic; Steven Smith, an expert on political institutions, on The Federalist, on Lincoln; Paul Grimstad, authority on great American thinkers and writers like Emerson and Thoreau; and of course, Professor Amar, weigh in on all sorts of questions and aspects of this year’s crucial choice.  And we have an audience for this live-to-tape podcast - an EverScholar audience - who asks questions on the mind of many.  Here are perspectives you won’t gain anywhere else. CLE credit is available for lawyers and judges from podcast.njsba.com.

    1h 33m

  7. OCT 30

    The Sound of Silence - Special Guest Ruth Marcus

    It's 200 episodes for Amarica's Constitution, and we mark the occasion by bringing you a key expert for an in-depth exploration of a breaking development.  Ruth Marcus, long-time Washington Post columnist, editor, Pulitzer Prize nominee, and insider, joins us to explore the inexplicable:  the last-minute decision by the Post and its owner, billionaire Jeff Bezos, to withhold what would have been an endorsement for Vice President Harris for election to the Presidency.  What goes on in an editorial board?  What is the role of the owner?  What are the alternatives for editors, columnists, and reporters? Was Bezos intimidated by Trump?  What does all this mean for the nation?  We have the perfect means to explore this shocker: a frank and unhurried inquiry with our friend, Ruth Marcus.  What a way to mark our bicentennial.  CLE credit is available from podcast.njsba.com.

    1h 21m

  8. OCT 23

    Constitution Things

    We are approaching our 200th episode and completing our 4th year of “Amarica’s Constitution,” and it seems appropriate to take stock.  By coincidence, the Yale Law School is celebrating its own anniversary, and these things come together as Akhil is part of a big event and presents a “big idea” that sounds like a strange saying: “the Constitution is a thing.”  We explain, elaborate, and celebrate a little bit.  We look back, and we look ahead to some real excitement over the next few months (besides the election, that is).  CLE credit is available for lawyers and judges from podcast.njsba.com.

    1h 7m
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4.6
out of 5
331 Ratings

About

Professor Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University and one of the nation’s leading authorities on the Constitution, offers weekly in-depth discussions on the most urgent and fascinating constitutional issues of our day. He is joined by host Andy Lipka and guests drawn from other top experts including Bob Woodward, Lawrence Lessig, Neal Katyal, Michael Gerhardt, and many more.

Information

  • Creator
    Akhil Reed Amar
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    206
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Amarica's Constitution

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