Since the election in 2016, I often tell students, “I am not a fan of President Trump, however, I truly appreciate how he has drawn attention to law in ways nobody could have predicted.” I don’t believe any president or any person for that matter has ever triggered entire populations (even beyond American borders) to ask, “Is that legal?” Or “What does the law actually say?” Or “Can a court really use his Tweets as evidence?” Or “He’s the President, of course he can do that.”
“Right?”
Legal experts banter on the news stations on a regular basis (nightly) those very questions and I, as a legal studies educator, love it. I am thrilled that people around the world are driven to learn how American law works, to ask questions, to dig deeper. People are motivated, I like to think, to learn about law. My favorite bit is the attention that Donald Trump has brought to our beloved United States Constitution. Impeachment, pardons, firings, hires, sanctuary cities, frustrations with the Department of Justice and with the 9th Circuit courts, among so many other matters, really do shine a light on the U.S. Constitution.
But I also know how challenging that endeavor of “learning law” can be.
As such, I want to direct your attention to a great podcast that tries to help all of us learn a little more about law, and the Constitution specifically. Please check out, “What Trump Can Teach Us About Con Law” hosted by law professor Elizabeth Joh and co-founder of Radiotopia Roman Mars. While Mars brings a bit of the resistance to the program (some snarky moments aimed at Trump), Joh does not. Acting in her professorial role, she approaches the legal questions smartly, objectively, and with a solid handle of the Constitution and related Supreme Court cases. It’s a wonderful, informative presentation that tackles big questions in 15 minute sessions (or less), in language that is quite tolerable for the non-legal populace.
You’re welcome.
Carolyn B.
Legal Studies Weblog 