Reasonably Speaking

The American Law Institute
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  • EDUCATION
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The law affects our lives and our society in many unique and profound ways. Reasonably Speaking, produced by The American Law Institute, features interviews with legal experts on some of the most important legal topics of our time. Each episode takes you through the law in action, beyond courtrooms and casebooks. Whether you are a legal scholar or a concerned citizen, this examination of the relationship between our laws and our society will leave you with a better understanding of how we got here and what we should consider as we forge ahead.

  1. The Rise of the Nationwide Injunction and What It Means for the Courts

    05/06/2025

    The Rise of the Nationwide Injunction and What It Means for the Courts

    In this episode of Reasonably Speaking, ALI President David Levi moderates a timely and incisive discussion on nationwide (or universal) injunctions—court orders that extend relief beyond the parties in a case, often halting federal policy nationwide. Featuring legal scholars William Baude and Samuel Bray, along with Judge Robin Rosenberg and former Judge Gregg Costa, the conversation explores the constitutional debates, practical consequences, and political implications of these powerful judicial tools. From forum shopping and the shadow docket to potential reforms like three-judge courts, this panel examines whether the nationwide injunction is a necessary check—or a threat to judicial legitimacy.

    1h 17m
  2. Judges Under Siege: Threats, Disinformation, and the Decline of Public Trust in the Judiciary

    08/08/2024

    Judges Under Siege: Threats, Disinformation, and the Decline of Public Trust in the Judiciary

    This episode addresses the alarming surge of attacks on judges and courts. These attacks range from threats and acts of physical violence to a corrosive rhetoric that undermines public confidence in the judiciary. While criticism of court decisions is a vital aspect of a healthy democracy, dismissing the courts as corrupt or illegitimate threatens the rule of law. ALI President David F. Levi moderates this discussion in which panelists share their perspectives on the increase in attacks on and unfair criticism of judges and propose solutions to protect judicial independence and uphold the integrity of our judicial system.

    1h 1m
  3. Empowering Everyday Choices: A Conversation on Philip Howard's "Everyday Freedom"

    07/01/2024

    Empowering Everyday Choices: A Conversation on Philip Howard's "Everyday Freedom"

    Is America’s governing framework hindering our ability to make simple choices in daily life? In this episode of Reasonably Speaking, ALI President David F. Levi sits down with author and lawyer Philip Howard to discuss his new book, Everyday Freedom: Designing the Framework for a Flourishing Society. They’re joined by Judge Edith Jones and Professor Nicholas Bagley for a lively conversation that explores Howard’s critique of complex legal structures and their impact on our sense of agency. They delve into the book’s central theme of "everyday freedom" and how simplifying legal frameworks can empower individuals and revitalize society.

    57 min
  4. Exploring ALI's History and Influence

    03/05/2024

    Exploring ALI's History and Influence

    On the occasion of ALI’s anniversary, we brought together three of our project Reporters to talk about ALI’s history and a few of our most influential projects. In this discussion, ALI Centennial History Book Editor Andrew Gold is joined by Deborah A. DeMott (Reporter for Restatement of the Law Third, Agency), John C.P. Goldberg (Associate Reporter for Restatement the Law Fourth, Property), and Erin E. Murphy (Associate Reporter for Model Penal Code: Sexual Assault and Related Offenses).

    1h 15m
  5. ALI Oral History Series: Roberta Cooper Ramo and Michael Traynor

    02/08/2024

    ALI Oral History Series: Roberta Cooper Ramo and Michael Traynor

    Mike served as ALI's eighth president from 2000 to 2008, and Roberta as ALI's ninth and first woman president from 2008 to 2017. Both are recipients of ALI's Distinguished Service Award. Beyond the ALI, Mike is senior counsel at Cobalt in Berkeley, California. He's a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, among others. He's the recipient of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit's John P. Frank Award. Mike is an honorary life trustee of Earthjustice as well as on the Environmental Law Institute's Leadership Council and the advisory boards of Sustainable Conservation and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Roberta is a shareholder at Modrall Sperling in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In addition to being ALI's first woman president, she was also the first woman president of the ABA from 1995 to 1996. Among other honors, she's an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a fellow of both the American College of Trust and Estate Council and the American Bar Foundation, and has served as a panel member for the American Arbitration Association. Roberta is board chair of Think New Mexico, and a member of the board of the Santa Fe Opera. In 2015, Roberta received the American Bar Association's highest award, the ABA medal. We are so pleased Mike and Roberta have joined us in person to record this dual oral history for the Institute.

    1h 6m
  6. Free Speech on Campus

    01/25/2024

    Free Speech on Campus

    The tension between protecting and promoting freedom of speech is no better exhibited than in the university setting. Historically, colleges have been a place where young minds have been encouraged to exercise true freedom of thought. But to what extent is that freedom protected? Additionally, how does that freedom extend to university faculty?   On this episode of Reasonably Speaking, ALI President David F. Levi is joined by constitutional law expert Geoffrey R. Stone, Edward H. Levi Distinguished Service Professor of Law at The University of Chicago Law School, to discuss speech on campus.

    57 min
  7. McKeown on the Environmental Legacy of William O. Douglas

    01/24/2023

    McKeown on the Environmental Legacy of William O. Douglas

    ALI President David F. Levi sits down with M. Margaret McKeown, senior judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, for a discussion on McKeown’s new book, Citizen Justice: The Environmental Legacy of William O. Douglas—Public Advocate and Conservation Champion. U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas was a giant in the legal world, particularly as the longest-serving justice from 1939 to 1975. His most enduring legacy, however, is perhaps his advocacy for the environment. In a way unthinkable today, Douglas ran a one-man lobby shop from his chambers at the U.S. Supreme Court, bringing him admiration from allies in conservation groups but raising ethical issues with his colleagues. He became a national figure through his books, articles, and speeches warning against environmental dangers. Douglas organized protest hikes to leverage his position as a national icon, he lobbied politicians and policymakers privately about everything from logging to highway construction and pollution, and he protested at the Supreme Court through his voluminous and passionate dissents.

    53 min
  8. The Public's Confidence in the Supreme Court

    09/07/2022

    The Public's Confidence in the Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court of the United States has historically received criticism from all sides of the political spectrum. However, recent Gallop polls suggest a significant loss in confidence by the American people in several institutions of government, including the Court. These ratings were from June 2022 before the last few controversial decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court were entered, including the abortion case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and the New York gun case New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen. This episode brings together U.S. federal judges in a conversation about judging, and the perception of the U.S. Supreme Court in particular, because of the loss of confidence by the American people in the Court. The conversation is moderated by ALI President David F. Levi, who served on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California from 1990 to 2007, including chief judge from 2003 to 2007. Joining him are Raymond J. Lohier Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, Jeffrey S. Sutton, chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and Diane P. Wood of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

    1h 36m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

The law affects our lives and our society in many unique and profound ways. Reasonably Speaking, produced by The American Law Institute, features interviews with legal experts on some of the most important legal topics of our time. Each episode takes you through the law in action, beyond courtrooms and casebooks. Whether you are a legal scholar or a concerned citizen, this examination of the relationship between our laws and our society will leave you with a better understanding of how we got here and what we should consider as we forge ahead.

Information

  • Creator
    The American Law Institute
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © COPYRIGHT 2024 | The American Law Institute
  • Show Website
    Reasonably Speaking