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American Constitution Society
Special Events
Spring 2008
The Meaning of the Second Amendment
Wednesday, March 26th at 12:10pm in Room 107
The Supreme Court has just heard its first case interpreting the Second Amendment in seventy years. The meaning of the Amendment generates heated controversy and division, not only among average citizens, but among legal scholars and judges. Circuits split on whether an "individual rights" interpretation or a "militia interpretation" is more appropriate. The talk will discuss not only the proper interpretation of the Amendment, but also the potential scope of the SCOTUS decision. This lively lunch discussion will feature Joyce Lee Malcolm, Professor of Legal History at George Mason School of Law, and Kenneth Lasson, Professor of Law at University of Baltimore School of Law. The moderator was our own Professor Graber.
Fall 2007
Medellin v Texas: International Law, Executive Authority and the Death Penalty
Thursday, Oct. 18th at 5pm in Room 460
The talk will feature renowned anti-death penalty advocate Stephen Bright and our own Professor Van Alstine, moderated by Professor Danchin. Jose Ernesto Medellin, a Mexican citizen who has been sentenced to death in Texas for murder. By the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, of which the US is a party, Medellin should have been informed that he may contact Mexican diplomats over his case. The US insists this practice be adhered to by other countries, though it often does not follow the rules itself. Medellin was convicted never having been told of his rights.
Mexico filed suit on behalf of Medellin with the International Court of Justice (World Court), which ruled in its favor. The Bush Administration has responded by trying to get state courts to adhere to international law. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals rebuffed the President, saying he had no authority to tell them to apply a decision of the World Court. The case is currently on the US Supreme Court's docket.
This case thus raises issues of executive power, states rights, international law, and human rights with regard to the death penalty - a rare confluence.
Click here to listen to the event!
The Limits of Executive Privilege
Monday, Sept. 24 at 12:10pm in room 107
In the past several months, the Bush administration has declined to cooperate with Congressional inquiries into US attorney firings, the friendly-fire death of former NFL player and soldier Pat Tillman, and the administration's warrantless wiretapping program. Executive privilege is the most common reason given by the White House for this noncompliance. Our discussion will focus on the limits of executive privilege and whether President Bush has gone beyond them. Our panelists will be Professors Jana Singer and Mark Graber.
Click here to watch a video of the event!
Spring 2007
Global Warming : The Changing Climate in Washington DC.
Thursday, March 1st at 5:15pm in room 107
A lively discussion of international, national, and state/local happenings dealing with the global warming phenomenon. Moderated by Professor Robert Percival, the panel will include international energy law specialist Robert Means, former EPA consultant and NRDC congressional lobbyist Tim Greeff, and Amy Royden-Bloom of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies.
Click here to watch a video of the event!
Fall 2006
Update on Your Rights: The Effect of the Recently Passed Military Commissions Act.
Friday, October 13th in Room 107.
This panel examined the constitutionality of the Military Commissions Act, which legitimizes the trial of detainees by military tribunals and prohibits their use of habeas corpus to challenge their detentions. Panel speakers included Professor Michael Greenberger, Professor Peter Danchin, and Professor Robert Percival. Co-sponsored with the ACLU.
Click here to watch video of the event!
