Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

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Ep. 99 – The American Economy 101 Jan 06, 2022

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Have you ever thought about the role our government plays in our economy? Think about this: Does our constitution protect economic liberty? Do you have the right to buy and sell at the price and terms you set? Can you borrow and lend? Do we have a right to transact anonymously, especially in the era of crypto? All of these questions play a role in whether or not our country sustains long term economic growth. Join our special guest John Cochrane, otherwise known as "The Grumpy Economist", and our panel as we examine the relationship between our government and our economy.

Ep. 98 – The American Court System: How DOES It Work? — Wrap-up Episode: Overview of the American Court System Dec 16, 2021

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We were all taught in school, or through Constituting America's programs, that the US Constitution is the supreme law of the land. But how is that supreme law to be interpreted? For example, what view do we take when the Constitution says the president must be a "natural born citizen?" What's the difference between originalism and living constitutionalism? Join our panel and constitutional expert Ed Whelan, Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, for this conversation as we wrap up our dive into the American Court System.

Ep. 97 – The American Court System: How DOES It Work? — Military Courts Dec 10, 2021

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We have local courts. We have state and federal courts. Did you know we have another type of court most of us will never experience? The military has its own court system and it follow the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The UCMJ, since codified by congress, actually predates our country! Some of the elements of the UCMJ are similar to civilian courts, like laws against murdering and stealing, but it also differs with laws pertaining to a solider being absent without leave (AWOL). Join our panel and Captain Charles Stimson, Commanding Officer of the Preliminary Hearing Unit, for this discussion on military courts.

Ep. 96 – The American Court System: How DOES It Work? — Local Courts: Municipal, County, Traffic, Drug Dec 03, 2021

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We have a myriad of local state and federal courts handling our judicial process. Texas has 950 municipal courts, 800 justice courts, 528 county level courts, 483 state district courts, 14 court of appeals, one Texas Supreme Court and finally one Court of Criminal Appeals! And that is just in Texas! What does this all mean? What are the differences in jurisdictions between these courts? Join our panel and Judge Kimberly Fitzpatrick to find out!

Ep. 95 – The American Court System: How DOES It Work? — The State Court System Nov 18, 2021

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When you think of the US court system, you probably first think of the US Supreme Court. Did you know that while federal courts like the Supreme Court generate the most headlines, most judicial activity is found in state courts? In 2018, 83.8 million cases were filed in state court while just 359,000 cases were filed in federal court. We have over 30,000 state court judges across the country and just 870 federal judges. Why do we have state courts and how are they structured? Join our panel and guest, Associate Judge Kenton Skarin with Illinois' 18th Judicial Circuit for these answers and more!

The American Court System: How DOES It Work? — Federal Courts: Appeals Courts and District Courts Nov 12, 2021

Show notes

Imagine this. It's the early years of our country. After a lengthy legal career and senate confirmation, you become a Supreme Court Justice. One of your duties? Get on your horse and travel hundreds or thousands of miles around your "circuit" to hear appeals case. Believe it or not, that was once the responsibility of our Supreme Court justices! What exactly are Federal District Courts, Circuit Courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit? What are their jurisdictions? How do they differ from state courts? For these answers and more, join our panel and special guest, Senior Fellow with the National Center for Public Policy Research Horace Cooper, as we examine our federal court system.

The American Court System: How DOES It Work? -The Appointment and Election of Judges Nov 04, 2021

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Have you ever thought about how judges get their positions? Some are elected, some are appointed and others go through lengthy, and often contentious, senate hearings broadcast on C-SPAN. Why is that? The Founders wanted federal judges to be insulated from political influences so they are given lifetime appointments and generous pensions for their service. State judges rule on issues closer to the people so it makes sense some are elected by the very people their rulings will affect. Join our panel and our guest, Carrie Severino with the Judicial Crisis Network, for this look into how our judges are chosen.

The American Court System-How Does It Work? A History of the Supreme Court Oct 31, 2021

Show notes

Think about this. Our Constitution dates back over two centuries with only a few changes. No other country can say the same. In creating our government, the Founders knew the Supreme Court would not be the most powerful of the branches. Hamilton explained the President has the sword, Congress has the purse and all the Supreme Court has is judgement. The Court's power comes from judgement and the reasonability of their action, not through coercion and force. These are interesting points to consider. Join our panel and Professor John Yoo, former Deputy Assistant Attorney General, for this insightful discussion into the practices and history of "the highest court in the land."

Can States Control Their Own Borders? Oct 19, 2021

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Did you know 17 US states have an international border? The intersection of empathy and rule of law has been front and center in the news over the last few months as the debate over our immigration laws was reignited. While we feel both sympathy from those traveling thousands of miles against dangerous odds to get here, we also have to respect our rule of law. The U.S. Constitution delegates border enforcement issues to the executive branch of the national government, but what are states to do if those federal laws are not being adequately enforced? Join our panel, moderated by Constituting America founder and co-chair Actress Janine Turner, with students, and our expert guest: former Justice Department Senior Advisor to the US Attorney General Gene Hamilton for this insightful discussion.

The Gabby Petito Tragedy. Obtaining the Laundrie Warrant Sooner? The Role of the 4th & 5th Amendments Straight Oct 16, 2021

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It's the case that has grasped a nation. A young social media personality goes missing, is eventually found deceased and her fiancé is a suspect. With so many unanswered questions, we have reexamined interactions with law enforcement in the days preceding her disappearance. Could they have done more? Could the fiancé have been detained? The Bill of Rights sets the framework for law enforcement through the 4th and 5th amendments. Join our panel and former federal prosector Charles Stimson as we examine the legal circumstances in this case and criminal procedure.

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