Errors of Commission

10/20/21 • 109 min

Remember “18 reasons for 18 years?” Well, so did the Biden Commission, and as they reject court packing, they flirt with the 18 year plan. A few voices are raising in the media and even some on the commission, so we review their arguments and analyze their possible merits. A big question - can it be implemented by statute, or is a constitutional amendment required? No surprise that Akhil has a clear opinion on this. If this happens, you heard it here first - or rather, you read it first back in 2002 when Akhil and his co-author came up with it.

Previous Episode

Speaking of the First Amendment - Joint Episode with FIRE

Amarica’s Constitution shares the stage this week with the fine podcast “So to Speak” from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE). Professor Amar is interviewed by FIRE, and the history of the First Amendment leads to - surprise! - any number of fascinating constitutional law issues. Akhil takes time out to take issue with Robert Bork, by the way. And who kicked the dog?

Next Episode

72 Term Papers

What began as an exploration of sources of authority - citations, rankings, reviews, sales - now continues with our inside look at book writing and publishing. For those who have considered eventually writing a book themselves - and who among us hasn’t? - we take a deeply honest and nuanced look at all aspects of the process, including many most of us take for granted. Professor Amar’s personal approach to book writing is discussed, and one short example of it tells the story of Story himself - Joseph Story, that is, and his ongoing role in Akhil’s ambitions.