BYU Law School’s Post

https://lnkd.in/gZ4qVYXQ "To make a few very basic points: Number one, holding a hearing on the concept of 'immunity,' you're calling a concept into existence, where it hadn't existed before. Number two -- as a US history point -- if you are a 'textualist,' or something like that, there is nothing like 'immunity' in the text of the Constitution. And number three -- most fundamentally -- what the history of comparative law teaches us is that there is a tradition in which you say that, 'the Constitution is just there for us to wait and find out who is going to break it, and then we're going to endorse that person and give them special rights.' And that tradition -- again this is the history of comparative law -- is precisely the Nazi tradition. And this is what worries me, is that on January sixth, 2021, and the weeks before that, we encountered an individual who tried to put himself above the law. And now we're flirting with the idea that, perhaps that might be alright." -- Timothy Snyder, Ph.D. Richard C. Levin Professor of History at Yale University; permanent fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna #constitution #immunity #textualism #ruleoflaw #history #totalitarianism

Explore the remarkable legacy of James Wilson: a Founding Father, signer of the Declaration of Independence, key architect of the Constitution, and one of the original justices of the United States Supreme Court. His contributions continue to shape American governance today. #JamesWilson #FoundingFather #Constitution #SanDimas2026 https://lnkd.in/ga-TQwmd

Explore the remarkable legacy of James Wilson: a Founding Father, signer of the Declaration of Independence, key architect of the Constitution, and one of the original justices of the United States Supreme Court. His contributions continue to shape American governance today. #JamesWilson #FoundingFather #Constitution #SanDimas2026 https://lnkd.in/ga-TQwmd

Explore the remarkable legacy of James Wilson: a Founding Father, signer of the Declaration of Independence, key architect of the Constitution, and one of the original justices of the United States Supreme Court. His contributions continue to shape American governance today. #JamesWilson #FoundingFather #Constitution #SanDimas2026 https://lnkd.in/gjSCrZe7

So delighted by the President’s judicial reform initiatives announced today. If we don’t subscribe anymore to the divine right of kings, we should not vest anyone with power for a lifetime. And the most effective way to increase the diversity and representativeness of our courts to better reflect the population and support judicial legitimacy is to limit tenure — I would make terms 12 (or even 10) years instead of 18, for this reason among many. It should be a job well done, not a sinecure. Here’s modeling on the impacts of term limits of 18 years on SCOTUS that shows how it would better reflect democratic norms: https://lnkd.in/eN9Q-yiV If you have questions about the strong case for term limits— this piece by colleagues at Brennan is a thorough treatment: https://lnkd.in/eyinqUan

Did you know? The Leadership Conference led the fight 60 years ago to pass the most sweeping civil rights legislation Congress has ever enacted. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended "legalized" discrimination across America. But there are a wealthy and powerful few who want to turn back the clock on this progress. They are taking our hard-won civil rights laws and protections to court so extremist judges and justices will roll back our rights and undermine democracy. Read our new brief about The Leadership Conference’s history with this landmark law and the work ahead to combat threats to our civil rights and democracy. https://lnkd.in/eq54uj_U

Today, we celebrate a document that embodies the very essence of our collective values, rights, and aspirations of the Constitution. It stands as a testament to the wisdom and foresight of our founding fathers who crafted a blueprint for a just and equitable society. Our Constitution is not just a set of laws; it's a living, breathing covenant that unites us all, irrespective of our differences. It guarantees our fundamental freedoms, safeguards our liberties, and provides a framework for governance that ensures justice for every citizen. As we commemorate Constitution Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding its principles. Let's honor the spirit of democracy, equality, and rule of law that form the bedrock of our nation. Let us strive to protect and defend this invaluable document, ensuring its principles remain resilient in the face of evolving challenges. May we continue to uphold the ideals of our Constitution, fostering a society where every individual's rights are respected, where justice prevails, and where the flame of liberty burns brightly for generations to come. “Constitution is not a mere lawyers’ document, it is a vehicle of Life, and its spirit is always the spirit of Age.” - B.R. AMBEDKAR Thank you. #constitution #lawyer #lawday #celebrations #proudmoment #proudindian #vandematram

Why Jury Trials are Important to a Democratic Society In the fabric of American democracy, the right to a jury trial stands as a fundamental safeguard enshrined in the Constitution. This right, highlighted in the Bill of Rights, was deemed essential by the founding fathers, reflecting the importance of being judged by an impartial group of peers. Jury trials serve as a critical check on prosecutorial power, ensuring that charges brought forth are scrutinized not just by the legal system but by ordinary citizens. This process helps maintain a balance, preventing the misuse of power and ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done. Moreover, juries bring diverse perspectives into the judicial process, enhancing the fairness and integrity of the system. Unlike judges who may be influenced by political pressures or public opinion, jurors are independent voices who contribute to the justice process through their civic duty. As we continue to uphold these principles, we reinforce the foundations of justice and democracy. Let's take a moment to appreciate the role and responsibility of jurors in our criminal justice system. Their service is not just a duty but a pillar that supports the very liberties we cherish. #JuryDuty #CivicEngagement #DemocraticSociety #JusticeSystem #BillOfRights

Reflecting on an inspiring event during the University of Alberta’s International Week! I had the privilege of attending "Bringing the Law to Life with Justice Martin" hosted by the University of Alberta Faculty of Arts in collaboration with Canadians For A Civil Society and the Centre for Constitutional Studies. Justice Sheilah Martin, an esteemed member of the Supreme Court of Canada, graced us with her insights on advancing human rights, justice, peace, and freedom for all. Here are some key takeaways that resonated deeply with me: 🤝 Heart is at the core of solving societal issues. 📜 Laws play a vital role in upholding human equality and rights. 🌍 Human rights are fundamentally about people and communities. 💡 Moving from legal documents to real-life practice is essential for progress. 👥 Communities coming together can drive social change. ⚖️ Equality rights, particularly Section 15, are crucial for equal justice in Canada. 🌱 Courage and conviction are needed to challenge existing norms and advocate for change. 🤔 Dialogue and understanding across differences are essential for inclusion. 🙌 The way forward is through continuous learning and collaboration. I also note that it was extremely powerful to hear about the work of inclusion through another lens, that being from the lens of the law. Perhaps not surprisingly, but worth celebrating, our conclusions are the same even though we approach creating a more inclusive world from two different places. This leads me to an important reminder: it's through our collective effort that we'll be able to drive meaningful change and reinforces the notion that we are stronger together. Let's keep these insights close as we work towards a more just and inclusive society. Remember, change starts with each and every one of us. Together, we can make a difference! #JusticeForAll #HumanRights #Inclusion #SocialJustice #ChangeAgents

In a newly published paper in Political Research Quarterly, the Center for Effective Lawmaking co-directors Craig Volden of the University of Virginia Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and Alan Wiseman of the Department of Political Science at Vanderbilt University, and Andrew Clarke of Lafayette College examine how joining a party faction can impact a lawmaker’s effectiveness in #Congress: https://lnkd.in/e-SYmujR...