Federalist Society Event Audio

Is the Election of Judges Good Public Policy? 4-28-08

info@fed-soc.org — 7 May 2008 23:00:52 GMT

The Nashville Lawyers Chapter hosted this event on April 28, 2008. Panelists included Justice Harold F. See, Jr., of the Alabama Supreme Court, former Attorney General of Tennessee Paul G. Summers, and Mr. Woody Woodruff of Waller, Lansden, Dortch & Davis as the moderator.

Reporters' Shield 4-29-08

info@fed-soc.org — 30 Apr 2008 22:09:09 GMT

A number of high profile court orders in the recent past have demanded reporters divulge confidential sources or face contempt charges. In response, both the House and the Senate have considered versions of a federal "reporters’ shield" law to supplement the common law privilege often extended to reporters to keep sources confidential. This topic provokes a number of questions about the role of the press and whether it should be treated more leniently, the issue of who is "press," the proper balance of governmental confidentiality and the "public right to know," and the ability of law enforcement and national security experts to pursue leakers of confidential or classified information. -- Is a federal reporters’ shield law a good idea? How broadly should it reach? Should it protect professional journalists only or extend to ad hoc writers and bloggers, and if so, where and how is a line to be drawn? Are there other ways to balance reporters' and sources' interests with law enforcement? Is there a better mechanism than contempt to employ? -- Panelists include Prof. Lillian BeVier of the University of Virginia School of Law, Mr. Andrew C. Hruska of King & Spalding, Mr. Erik S. Jaffe of the Law Offices of Erik S. Jaffe, Prof. Lee Levine of Levine Sullivan Koch & Schulz, L.L.P. and Georgetown University Law Center, and Hon. Rachel Brand, Former Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Legal Policy at the U.S Department of Justice as the moderator.

Judge Janice Rogers Brown Address 3-8-08

info@fed-soc.org — 24 Apr 2008 16:11:43 GMT

Judge Janice Rogers Brown of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia delivered the Keynote Address at the 2008 Annual Student Symposium Banquet on March 8, 2007. Eugene B. Meyer, President of the Federalist Society, introduced Judge Brown.

2008 Bator Award Presentation 3-8-08

info@fed-soc.org — 24 Apr 2008 16:05:30 GMT

The 2008 Paul M. Bator Award was awarded to Prof. Saikrishna Prakash of the University of San Diego School of Law on March 8, 2008, at the 2008 Annual Student Symposium held at the University of Michigan Law School. Professor Prakash was introduced by University of Chicago Law School Student Chapter member, Miss Carina Cilluffo.

Tradition and the People's Constitution 3-8-08

info@fed-soc.org — 24 Apr 2008 16:03:03 GMT

The Federalist Society's Student Division presented this panel at the 2008 Annual Student Symposium on March 8, 2008. The panelists included Prof. William Eskridge of Yale Law School, Prof. Thomas Merrill of Columbia Law School, Prof. Reva Siegel of Yale Law School, Prof. Keith Whittington of Princeton University, and Prof. Joan Larsen of the University of Michigan Law School as the moderator.

An Originalist Judge and the Media 3-8-08

info@fed-soc.org — 24 Apr 2008 15:59:10 GMT

The Federalist Society's Student Division presented this speech and commentary at the 2008 Annual Student Symposium on March 8, 2008. The speech was delivered by Justice Stephen Markman of the Michigan Supreme Court followed by commentary from Prof. Richard Primus of the University of Michigan Law School and Mr. Pete Williams of NBC News. Judge Sean Cox of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan was the moderator.

The People's Common Law: Is Law & Economics Anti-Democratic? 3-8-08

info@fed-soc.org — 24 Apr 2008 15:56:38 GMT

The Federalist Society's Student Division presented this panel at the 2008 Annual Student Symposium on March 8, 2008. The panelists included Prof. Robert Ellickson of Yale Law School, Prof. Brian Simpson of the University of Michigan Law School, Prof. Henry Smith of Yale Law School, and Prof. Adam Pritchard of the University of Michigan Law School as the moderator.

Kelo, Grutter, and Popular Responses to Unpopular Decisions 3-8-08

info@fed-soc.org — 24 Apr 2008 15:54:09 GMT

The Federalist Society's Student Division presented this panel at the 2008 Annual Student Symposium on March 8, 2008. The panelists included Prof. Sherman Clark of the University of Michigan Law School, Mr. Ward Connerly, Founder and Chairman of the American Civil Rights Institute, Prof. Marci Hamilton of the Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University, and Justice Robert Young of the Michigan Supreme Court as the moderator.

The Merits of Electing Our Judges 3-7-08

info@fed-soc.org — 24 Apr 2008 15:50:01 GMT

The Federalist Society's Student Division presented this debate at the 2008 Annual Student Symposium on March 7, 2008. The speakers included retired Chief Justice Tom Phillips of the Texas Supreme Court and now of Baker Botts LLP, Chief Justice Clifford Taylor of the Michigan Supreme Court, and Mr. Leonard A. Leo, Executive Vice President of the Federalist Society, as the moderator.

Judicial Interference With Community Values 3-7-08

info@fed-soc.org — 24 Apr 2008 15:38:09 GMT

The Federalist Society's Student Division presented this panel at the 2008 Annual Student Symposium on March 7, 2008. Opening remarks were delivered by University of Michigan Law School Student Chapter President Craig Chosiad and Dean Evan Caminker of the University of Michigan Law School. Panelists included Prof. Richard Garnett of the University of Notre Dame Law School, Prof. Roderick Hills Jr. of the New York University School of Law, Prof. Douglas Laycock of the University of Michigan Law School, Prof. Amy Wax of the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and Justice Maura Corrigan of the Michigan Supreme Court as the moderator.

The False Claims Act 4-18-08

info@fed-soc.org — 22 Apr 2008 19:49:12 GMT

Congress is considering several amendments to the False Claims Act which would broaden whistleblower protection and qui tam provisions. Supporters argue that these amendments will lead to better government and a closer monitoring of federal expenditures. Others maintain that the amendments, which make federal employees relators under qui tam, are inadvisable at best and potentially detrimental to business and other concerns. Panelists include Mr. Jonathan Diesenhaus of Hogan & Hartson LLP, Mr. Andrew Grosso of Andrew Grosso & Associates, Ms. Marcia Madsen of Mayer Brown LLP, Ms. Shelley Slade of Vogel, Slade & Goldstein, LLP, and Mr. R. Christopher Cook of Jones Day as the moderator.

Dictating Norms: Who Decides What's Right for the World? 4-14-08

info@fed-soc.org — 15 Apr 2008 20:26:32 GMT

The proliferation of international policymaking organizations has intensified and institutionalized the influence of global governance. Suprastate and non-state actors, such as the United Nations, NGOs, and international financial institutions, have risen in prominence and power, bringing with them internationalist agendas that are challenging states' abilities to steer their own domestic policies and priorities. As the lines between state sovereignty and global governance become increasingly blurred, who should decide what's right for the world? What are the processes by which international agendas are declared universal, and are they democratic? What happens when national governments disagree with world agendas and how are disputes arbitrated? As globalization progresses, should national governments expect to cede some aspect of sovereignty? Please join us to discuss these and other important questions as the Federalist Society and AEI inaugurate a joint project, Global Governance Watch (GGW). A web-based resource that addresses issues of transparency and accountability at the United Nations, in NGOs, and related international organizations, and the threats that such organizations pose to national sovereignty, the GGW project focuses on four strategic areas: 1) national security -- exploring the ways in which international organizations have become increasingly involved in national defense policy, 2) development -- monitoring the efficacy of international organizations that conduct development work, 3) global regulation -- assessing the impact of international efforts to regulate such areas as health policy, intellectual property rights, and corporate social responsibility, and 4) human security -- assessing human rights actors and related global efforts to promote a secure world free from "want" and "fear." Introduction by Danielle Pletka of AEI and Leonard Leo of The Federalist Society. Keynoted Address by John R. Bolton of AEI. Presentation of Global Governance Watch by David Peyton of AEI and Alyssa Luttjohann of The Federalist Society. Panelists include Ronald A. Cass of the Center for the Rule of Law, Grover Joseph Rees III of the Department of State, Claudia Rosett of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and James P. Kelly III of The Federalist Society as the moderator.

A Review of Supreme Court Labor and Employment Cases 4-4-08

info@fed-soc.org — 9 Apr 2008 16:52:00 GMT

The current Supreme Court Term promises to be one of the most important in years for labor and employment lawyers, with the Court taking up cases on the scope of admissible evidence in discrimination cases, the parties' burden in age discrimination class actions, unions' ability to agree to arbitration as the exclusive means for resolving discrimination complaints, states' ability to restrict employers' use of state contract funds in opposing union organizing, and several other important issues. On April 4 at the National Press Club, the Federalist Society hosted a panel of nationally-recognized experts who discussed the leading cases before the Court this Term and what they could mean for the direction of labor and employment law. Speakers include Hon. Eric S. Dreiband of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Mr. Willis J. Goldsmith of Jones Day, Prof. Michael H. Gottesman of Georgetown University Law Center, Mr. Joseph M. Sellers of Cohen, Milstein, Hausfeld & Toll, P.L.L.C., and Hon. Eugene Scalia, former Solicitor of the United States Department of Labor as the moderator.

Debating the Role of the Chief Justice in Judicial Selection 3-11-08

info@fed-soc.org — 20 Mar 2008 16:48:14 GMT

The Federalist Society's St. Louis Lawyers Chapter presented this debate on March 11, 2008. Speakers include Mr. Bill Placke of Better Courts for Missouri, Mr. Woody Cozad of the Cozad Company, Mr. Tom Walsh of Sonnenschein Nash & Rosenthal LLP, Mr. Randy Scherr of R.J. Scherr and Associates, and Judge Samuel J. Hais formerly of the Missouri 21st Judicial Circut as the moderator.

The Courts and the Legislature vs. the People: Who is in Charge? 2-23-08

info@fed-soc.org — 12 Mar 2008 19:53:21 GMT

The Federalist Society presented this panel during the Second Annual Western Conference at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, on February 23, 2008. Panelists included Judge Alex Kozinski of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Judge Stephen Reinhardt of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, political strategist and pollster Mr. Arnold Steinberg, Prof. Eugene Volokh of the University of California at Los Angeles, former California Governor Pete Wilson, and Hon. Gail Heriot of the United States Commission on Civil Rights as the moderator.

Contemporary Themes in Direct Democracy 2-23-08

info@fed-soc.org — 12 Mar 2008 19:41:05 GMT

The Federalist Society presented this panel during the Second Annual Western Conference at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, on February 23, 2008. Panelists included Prof. Elizabeth Garrett of the University of Southern California, Prof. Daniel Lowenstein of the University of California at Los Angeles, Prof. John Matsusaka of the University of Southern California, and Judge Carlos Bea of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit as the moderator.

Ward Connerly Address 2-23-08

info@fed-soc.org — 12 Mar 2008 19:28:00 GMT

Ward Connerly, founder of the American Civil Rights Institute, delivered this address at The Federalist Society's Second Annual Western Conference at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, on February 23, 2008. Introduction by Mr. Manuel Klausner of the Law Offices of Manuel S. Klausner.

What Would the Framers Have Thought of Direct Democracy? 2-23-08

info@fed-soc.org — 12 Mar 2008 19:26:53 GMT

The Federalist Society presented this panel during the Second Annual Western Conference at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, on February 23, 2008. Panelists included Prof. Maimon Schwarzschild of the University of San Diego, Prof. Marci Hamilton of the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University, and Dean Kenneth Starr of Pepperdine University as the moderator.

Federal Preemption and the Supreme Court

info@fed-soc.org — 25 Feb 2008 18:01:35 GMT

The federal preemption of state tort law is an issue in several cases on the Supreme Court's docket, including February 25 oral arguments in Warner-Lambert v. Kent. On the same day, petitioners' briefs are due in Wyeth v. Levine, in which the federal government and pharmaceutical manufacturers argue that Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of prescription drug labeling preempts state "failure-to-warn" litigation, and in Altria v. Good, in which tobacco manufacturers argue that Federal Trade Commission labeling requirements preempt the multibillion-dollar consumer fraud litigation over light cigarettes. Earlier in the term, in Riegel v. Medtronic, the Court heard arguments about whether federal regulations preempt product liability claims over preapproved medical devices. How will the Supreme Court resolve these complicated questions? What is the appropriate relationship between federal regulation and state tort law? What are the pros and cons of preemption, and what impact will these cases have on product liability litigation and product safety? This event was co-hosted by The Federalist Society and the American Enterprise Institute. Panelists include Dr. Michael S. Greve of the American Enterprise Institute, Prof. Catherine Sharkey of New York University School of Law, Hon. Daniel Troy of Sidley Austin, Mr. Brian Wolfman of Public Citizen Litigation Group, and Mr. Theodore H. Frank of the American Enterprise Institute as the moderator.

The Akaka Bill 2-12-08

info@fed-soc.org — 12 Feb 2008 23:22:37 GMT

The proposed Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act (known as the "Akaka Bill") would set in motion a process under which ethnic Hawaiians living throughout the country could form themselves into an Indian tribe. In doing so, they would become by far the largest such tribe in our nation's history-with as many as 400,000 members. Supporters argue that the Akaka Bill is a matter of simple justice-that it partially restores ethnic Hawaiians to the sovereignty they held prior to the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893. Opponents assert that the bill is less about Queen Liliuokalani and more about safeguarding various special benefits-from special schools to special business loans-currently enjoyed by ethnic Hawaiians, some of which are now under challenge in the courts on equal protection grounds. If passed, would the Akaka Bill be constitutional? Is it good policy? What sort of precedent would it set for other groups that may wish to form Indian tribes in the future? These and many other questions will be discussed by our panel of experts. Panelists include: Rep. Steve King, of Iowa, Mr. Joe Matal, Counsel to Senator Kyl, Senate Judiciary Committee, and Mr. Dean Reuter, Director of the Practice Groups for The Federalist Society as the moderator.

A New Role for an Aging Star: Universal Service in the Age of Competition and Technological Change 2-5-08

info@fed-soc.org — 7 Jan 2008 17:39:07 GMT

The United States spends $7 billion a year to subsidize telephone companies. This program, known as Universal Service, is designed to guarantee affordable telephone service to rural and low-income Americans, to reduce Internet connection costs for schools and libraries, and to enhance connectivity for rural health care providers. Consumers each month pay a roughly 10% fee on their phone bills to support this program. What is the future of Universal Service, given the end of monopoly telephone service, the spread of low-cost high-speed Internet connections, and the explosion in alternatives for voice service including wireless and VoIP? Is this program simply an antiquated relic from a monopoly era? In this era of innovation and competition, should the system be reformed to empower consumers, rather than subsidize companies? Can the size of the fund be reduced? Can these funds be more productively deployed? Should the fund continue to subsidize multiple carriers within the same area? Should wireless companies be subsidized at the same level as wireline companies? And, should the fund be used to subsidize broadband services? The Federalist Society presented this program on the future of Universal Service. FCC Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate delivered a keynote address. As the Chairman of the FCC’s Joint Board on Universal Service, Commissioner Tate is at the epicenter of these policy debates. After her address, a roundtable discussion convened that brought together leaders from Capitol Hill and various industry sectors to explore solutions to the vexing problem of reshaping Universal Service for the Digital Age. Panelists inlcuded Mr. Jon Banks, Senior Vice President for Law and Public Policy at the United States Telecom Association; Hon. Kyle E. McSlarrow, President & CEO of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association; Mr. Paul J. Nagle, Repulican Chief Counsel, U.S. Senate Committe on Commerce, Science and Transportation; Ms. Courtney Reinhard, Minority Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce; Mr. Lawrence Sarjeant, Vice President Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for Qwest Communications International; Mr. Scott Wallsten, Vice President for Research and Senior Fellow at iGrowthGlobal as the moderator.

Judicial Confirmations 1-31-08

info@fed-soc.org — 31 Jan 2008 20:25:37 GMT

Senator Arlen Specter and a panel of experts examine the state of the judicial nomination and confirmation process. How does the pace of confirmations measure up to previous, similarly-situated administrations and Congresses? Has the administration been sufficiently attentive to the issue of nominations? Has the Senate been remiss in its duty to hold hearings and votes? What can be expected for the balance of the President's term; is the Senate entitled to effectively foreclose action on pending nominees at some point in anticipation of a Presidential election? Panelists include Prof. Michael J. Gerhardt of the University of North Carolina School of Law, Mr. Simon Heller of the Alliance for Justice, Mr. Michael B. Wallace of Wise Carter Child & Caraway, Mr. Edward Whelan of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, and Mr. David G. Savage of The Los Angeles Times as the moderator. Opening address by United States Senator Arlen Specter with an introduction by Mr. Eugene B. Meyer, President of the Federalist Society.

Is The Mississippi Bar Doing Enough to Combat Corruption and to Protect the Honor and Integrity of the Profession? 1-17-08

info@fed-soc.org — 22 Jan 2008 22:48:17 GMT

The Mississippi Lawyers Chapter presented this panel discussion on January 17, 2008, at The University Club in Jackson, Mississippi. Panelists included Robert R. Bailess of Wheeless, Shappley, Bailess & Rector and President of the Mississippi Bar, Mark A. Chinn of Chinn & Associates, Merrida (Buddy) Coxwell of Coxwell & Associates and Past President of MTLA, W. Wayne Drinkwater, Jr. of Bradley, Arant, Rose & White, Adam B. Kilgore, General Counsel of The Mississippi Bar, J. Scott Newton of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, Carlton W. Reeves of Pigott, Reeves & Johnson and President of The Magnolia Bar Association, and Brad Prewitt of Prewitt Group, P.A. as the moderator.

The Duke Lacrosse Case & the Academy 1-4-08

info@fed-soc.org — 21 Jan 2008 20:23:08 GMT

This address by Professor KC Johnson of Brooklyn College took place on January 4, 2008, at the Federalist Society's 10th Annual Faculty Conference in New York City.

American Law Schools: Envy of the World or General Motors Before the Fall? 1-4-08

info@fed-soc.org — 21 Jan 2008 20:23:07 GMT

This panel discussion took place on January 4, 2008, at the Federalist Society's 10th Annual Faculty Conference in New York City. Panelists included Prof. Paul Campos of the University of Colorado School of Law, Dean John Garvey of Boston College & President-Elect, Association of American Law Schools, Prof. Maimon Schwarzschild of University of San Diego School of Law, Prof. George Shepherd of Emory University College of Law, Dean Rodney Smolla of Washington & Lee School of Law, and Judge Frank Easterbrook of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit as the moderator.

Is the DC Gun Ban Unconstitutional? 1-4-08

info@fed-soc.org — 22 Jan 2008 21:53:59 GMT

This debate took place on January 4, 2008, at the Federalist Society's 10th Annual Faculty Conference in New York City. Panelists included Prof. Nelson Lund of George Mason University School of Law, New York City Council Member Hon. David Yassky, and Prof. Randy Barnett of Georgetown University Law Center as the moderator.

Post Kelo Reform 1-4-08

info@fed-soc.org — 18 Jan 2008 17:58:12 GMT

This panel discussion took place on January 4, 2008, at the Federalist Society's 10th Annual Faculty Conference in New York City. Panelists included Prof. David Dana of Northwestern University School of Law, Prof. Steve Eagle of George Mason University School of Law, Prof. James Ely of Vanderbilt University Law School, Mr. Daniel B. Kelly of Yale Law School, and Prof. Ilya Somin of George Mason University School of Law as the moderator.

Executive Discretion & the Rule of Law 1-3-08

info@fed-soc.org — 18 Jan 2008 17:55:51 GMT

This panel discussion took place on January 3, 2008, at the Federalist Society's 10th Annual Faculty Conference in New York City. Panelists included Prof. Harvey Mansfield of Harvard University, Prof. Neomi Rao of George Mason University School of Law, Prof. Ilya Somin of George Mason University School of Law, and Prof. John McGinnis of Northwestern University School of Law as the moderator.

Corporate Social Responsibility or UN Corporate Governance? 12-11-07

info@fed-soc.org — 11 Dec 2007 22:24:46 GMT

Recently, UN officials have begun using a human rights agenda to govern the activities of corporations throughout the world. The latest UN effort involves the promotion of an ambiguous “right to health” and its related access to medicines. The UN effort to globally govern pharmaceutical companies is being led by Paul Hunt, the UN Special Rapporteur on the “right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.” On September 19, 2007, Mr. Hunt published draft Human Rights Guidelines for Pharmaceutical Companies in relation to Access to Medicines. The Draft Guidelines set forth a human rights regimen designed to pressure pharmaceutical companies to embrace a “right to health” the scope of which has never been established in international law. Panelists include Mr. John Gardner, Former General Counsel for USAID and Mr. James P. Kelly III, Chairman of the Social and Human Sciences Committee for the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO.

American Exceptionalism, the War on Terror and the Rule of Law in the Islamic World 11-17-07

info@fed-soc.org — 28 Nov 2007 22:59:43 GMT

Since at least the time of the American Revolution, America has been a revolutionary force for democracy and liberty in world affairs. Some have called us a dangerous and revolutionary nation. American ideas about democracy and liberty have played a role over the last 200 years in the French Revolution, the Latin American wars of independence from Spain and Portugal, reform efforts in Britain, the revolutions of 1848, Woodrow Wilson's war to make the world safe for democracy, the Second World War struggle against the Nazis and fascists, and the cold war struggle against communist totalitarianism. Is it fair to say that Americans have spread our system of government to Western and Eastern Europe, to Latin America, to Japan, and to much of the rest of the world? If so, what role, if any, should America play in spreading democracy and liberty to the Islamic World? Do we have a special responsibility in Iraq or elsewhere to spread our ideas about freedom, self-government, and the rule of law? What are the limits on America's foreign policy responsibilities? Should we be an exemplar of liberty and democracy only, or should we actively seek to spread our way of life around the world? Can or should a country that believes in liberty and democracy ever engage in imperialism? Panelists include Prof. Neal K. Katyal of the Georgetown University Law Center, Prof. Michael S. Paulsen of the University of Saint Thomas School of Law, Mr. David B. Rivkin Jr. of Baker & Hostetler, Prof. Nadine Strossen of New York Law School, and Prof. Steven G. Calabresi of Northwestern University School of Law and Chairman, The Federalist Society Board of Directors.

The Conservative and Libertarian Legal Movement: A 25 Year Retrospective 11-17-07

info@fed-soc.org — 28 Nov 2007 22:43:52 GMT

The Federalist Society's Annual Convention Luncheon was held on November 17, 2007. The topic of the luncheon panel was "The Conservative and Libertarian Legal Movement: A 25 Year Retrospective." Panelists included Mr. Manuel S. Klausner of the Reason Foundation, Hon. Edwin Meese III of the Heritage Foundation, and Mr. Alfred Regnery of The American Spectator as the moderator. Introduction and opening remarks by Mr. Eugene B. Meyer, President of the Federalist Society, and Hon. E. Spencer Abraham, Co-Founder of the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy.

Intellectual Property: Intellectual Property: American Exceptionalism or International Harmonization? 11-17-07

info@fed-soc.org — 28 Nov 2007 22:39:54 GMT

The Federalist Society's Intellectual Property Practice Group presented this panel discussion at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention on November 17, 2007. Panelists included Prof. Shubha Ghosh of Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, Prof. F. Scott Kieff of Washington University in St. Louis, Prof. Adam Mossoff of Michigan State University College of Law, Prof. Steven M. Tepp of the U.S. Copyright Office, and Judge Brett Kavanaugh of the U. S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Borrowing in America: Home Mortgages, Foreclosures and Predatory Lending 11-17-07

info@fed-soc.org — 28 Nov 2007 18:51:37 GMT

The Federalist Society's Financial Services & E-Commerce Practice Group presented this panel discussion at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention on November 17, 2007. Panelists included Ms. Anne Canfield of the Consumer Mortgage Coalition, Mr. Alex J. Pollock of The American Enterprise Institute, Mr. Allen Fishbein of the Consumer Federation of America, Mrs. Montrice Yakimov of the Office of Thrift Supervision, and Judge Edith H. Jones of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Amending State & Federal Constitutions to Prohibit Sex Discrimination 11-17-07

info@fed-soc.org — 28 Nov 2007 18:50:27 GMT

The Federalist Society's Civil Rights Practice Group presented this panel discussion at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention on November 17, 2007. The panelists included Prof. Martha F. Davis of Northeastern University School of Law, Prof. Gail Heriot of the University of San Diego School of Law, Mrs. Phyllis M. Schlafly of the Eagle Forum, and Judge Jerry E. Smith of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

The Constitution & American Exceptionalism: Citation of Foreign Law 11-17-07

info@fed-soc.org — 28 Nov 2007 17:23:39 GMT

What relationship is there between the ideology and reality of American exceptionalism and our ideas about the Constitution? Is the U.S. Constitution a symbol of the United States' status as a Shining City on a Hill – a kind of Ark of the Covenant of the New Israel that is America? How different is the U.S. Constitution from the Constitutions of other Western democracies and are those differences a good thing? How different is Supreme Court constitutional case law from the comparable case law of other major Western democracies? Why is the U.S. so much more enthusiastic about freedom of speech and of the press than are other Western democracies? What explains America's unique fascination with the separation of church and state, the exclusionary rule, the death penalty, jury trials, and property rights? Why is the abortion issue so much more controversial in the U.S. than it is in other Western democracies? Are we unique in the power we give to our Supreme Court to decide controversial issues of domestic policy? Do these differences suggest that the U.S Supreme Court ought not to rely on foreign law in interpreting the U.S. Constitution, since the United States is such a different country from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, and Japan? Panelists included Prof. Akhil Reed Amar of Yale Law School, Judge Frank H. Easterbrook of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Prof. Vicki C. Jackson of the Georgetown University Law Center, Prof. Nicholas Quinn Rosenkranz of the Georgetown University Law Center, and Judge Janice Rogers Brown of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit as moderator.

7th Annual Barbara K. Olson Memorial Lecture 11-16-07

info@fed-soc.org — 28 Nov 2007 17:20:56 GMT

On September 11, 2001, at the age of 45 and at the height of her professional and personal life, Barbara Olson was murdered in the terrorist attacks against the United States as a passenger on the hijacked American Airlines flight that was flown into the Pentagon. The Federalist Society established this annual lecture in Barbara's memory because of her enormous contributions as an active member, supporter, and volunteer leader. Solicitor General Theodore B. Olson delivered the first lecture in November 2001. The lecture series continued in following years with other notable individuals. In 2007, Chief Justice of the United States John G. Roberts, Jr. delivered the lecture.

Is America Different from Other Major Western Democracies? 11-16-07

info@fed-soc.org — 28 Nov 2007 15:57:21 GMT

How different is America in reality from the rest of the developed Western world? Are Americans exceptionally libertarian, religious, patriotic, optimistic, individualistic, and moralistic as compared to British, Canadian, French, German, or Japanese citizens? What does comparative polling data show? Are we exceptional in our views about the role and size of government or of labor unions? What is the role religion plays in American life and how does it differ from the role religion plays in the public life of other major Western democracies? Are we, in fact as well as in ideology, all that different from the rest of the developed Western world? Are these differences ideological or do they stem from the availability of wide open spaces of land in the New World and the recent immigrant background of many Americans? Are second and third generation Americans different from those in the first generation and how? Why does America spend so much more on national defense and foreign policy than do other nations? Why is the birthrate so much higher in the U.S. than in other developed nations? Do we still do a better job of assimilating our immigrants than Western Europeans do in assimilating theirs? Does our relative geographical isolation from the rest of the world still give us a unique outlook and perspective? Panelists include Prof. Randy E. Barnett of the Georgetown University Law Center, Prof. James Lindgren of Northwestern University School of Law, Mr. Bruce Stokes of National Journal, Prof. Graham K. Wilson of Boston University, and Hon. Ronald A. Cass of Cass & Associates, PC and Dean Emeritus, Boston University School of Law as the moderator.

Rudy Giuliani Address 11-16-07

info@fed-soc.org — 28 Nov 2007 15:39:17 GMT

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani delivered this address at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention on Friday, November 16. Introduction by Hon. Theodore B. Olson of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.

The Regulatory State and American Technology 11-16-07

info@fed-soc.org — 27 Nov 2007 23:34:48 GMT

The Federalist Society's Telecommunications Practice Group presented this panel discussion at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention on November 16, 2007. The panelists included Amb. David A. Gross of the U.S. Department of State, Mr. Roy E. Hoffinger of Qualcomm, Inc., Hon. James C. Miller III formerly of the U.S. Office of Management & Budget, Hon. Robert M. McDowell of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, and Hon. Stephen F. Williams of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit as the moderator.

Immigration, Amnesty, and the Rule of Law 11-16-07

info@fed-soc.org — 27 Nov 2007 23:30:31 GMT

The Federalist Society's Administrative Law Practice Group presented this debate at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention on November 16, 2007. Panelists included Dean T. Alexander Aleinikoff of the Georgetown University Law Center, Prof. John Baker of Louisiana State University, Prof. Kris W. Kobach of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Prof. Gerald L. Newman of Harvard Law School, and Judge Carlos T. Bea of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit as the moderator.

Restricting Parental Rights 11-16-07

info@fed-soc.org — 27 Nov 2007 21:48:32 GMT

The Federalist Society's Free Speech & Election Law Practice Group presented this debate at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention on November 16, 2007. The panelists included Prof. James G. Dwyer of the College of William & Mary School of Law, Dr. Jay Alan Sekulow of the American Center for Law & Justice, Prof. Eugene Volokh of the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, and Judge Michael W. McConnell of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

Property Rights in the United States 11-16-07

info@fed-soc.org — 27 Nov 2007 21:16:50 GMT

The Federalist Society's Environmental Law & Property Rights Practice Group presented this debate at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention on November 16, 2007. The panelists included Judge Alex Kozinski of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Judge Stephen Reinhardt of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and Mr. James S. Burling of the Pacific Legal Foundation as the moderator.

Mitch McConnell Address 11-16-07

info@fed-soc.org — 27 Nov 2007 21:15:31 GMT

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky delivered this address at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention on Friday, November 16. Introduction by Mr. Leonard A. Leo, Executive Vice President of the Federalist Society.

Is Overlawyering Overtaking Democracy? 11-16-07

info@fed-soc.org — 27 Nov 2007 21:14:14 GMT

The Federalist Society's Litigation and Professional Responsibility Practice Groups presented this panel discussion at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention on November 16, 2007. The panelists included Prof. Theodore Eisenberg of Cornell Law School, Mr. Walter K. Olson of the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, Mr. Victor E. Schwartz of Shook, Hardy & Bacon, Prof. David C. Vladeck of the Georgetown University Law Center, and Dean David M. Schizer of the Columbia University School of Law as the moderator.

The Labor Movement, NGOs, International Labor Standards and American Values 11-16-07

info@fed-soc.org — 27 Nov 2007 21:12:26 GMT

The Federalist Society's Labor & Employment Law Practice Group presented this panel discussion at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention on November 16, 2007. The panelists included Prof. Samuel Estreicher of New York University School of Law, Mr. Adam B. Greene of the U.S. Council for International Business, Ms. Deborah Greenfield of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, and Judge David B. Sentelle of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

25th Anniversary Gala 11-15-07

info@fed-soc.org — 27 Nov 2007 21:09:59 GMT

The Federalist Society's 25th Anniversary Gala was held on Thursday, November 15, 2007. The Master of Ceremonies was the Honorable Theodore B. Olson of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. Additional speakers for the gala were Hon. E. Spencer Abraham, Former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Co-Founder, Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy, Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. of U.S. Supreme Court, Prof. Steven G. Calabresi of Northwestern University School of Law and Chairman of the Federalist Society Board of Directors, Mr. Leonard A. Leo, Executive Vice President of the Federalist Society, Hon. David M. McIntosh of Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP and Vice Chairman of the Federalist Society Board of Directors, Hon. Edwin Meese III of the Heritage Foundation, Mr. Eugene B. Meyer, President of the Federalist Society, Hon. Lee Liberman Otis, Senior Vice President and Faculty Director of the Federalist Society, Justice Antonin Scalia of the U.S. Supreme Court, and Justice Clarence Thomas of the U.S. Supreme Court.

President George W. Bush Address 11-15-07

info@fed-soc.org — 26 Nov 2007 23:33:59 GMT

United States President George W. Bush delivered this address during the 25th Anniversary Gala on Thursday, November 15, as part of the 2007 National Lawyers Convention.

Religion, Early America, and the Fourteenth Amendment 11-15-07

info@fed-soc.org — 26 Nov 2007 23:32:32 GMT

The Federalist Society's Federalism & Separation of Powers Practice Group presented this panel discussion at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention on November 15, 2007. The panelists included Dean John C. Eastman of Chapman University School of Law, Prof. Philip A. Hamburger of Columbia University School of Law, Prof. Marci A. Hamilton of Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, and Hon. William H. Pryor Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit as the moderator.

Is the U.S. Legal Regime Undermining American Competitiveness? 11-15-07

info@fed-soc.org — 26 Nov 2007 23:30:11 GMT

The Federalist Society's Corporations Practice Group presented this panel discussion at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention on November 15, 2007. The panelists included Hon. David D. Aufhauser of UBS Global, Prof. Richard A. Epstein of the University of Chicago Law School, Prof. Douglas W. Kmiec of Pepperdine University School of Law, Hon. George J. Terwilliger III of White & Case LLP, and former Deputy U.S. Attorney General, and Mr. François-Henri Briard of Delaporte, Briard & Trichet and President of the the Federalist Society's Paris Chapter as the moderator.

The Role of Religion in the Public Square 11-15-07

info@fed-soc.org — 26 Nov 2007 23:28:32 GMT

The Federalist Society's Religious Liberties Practice Group presented this panel discussion at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention on November 15, 2006. The panelists included Prof. Robert Audi of the University of Notre Dame, Prof. R. Kent Greenawalt of Columbia University School of Law, Judge Michael W. McConnell of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, Dr. James W. Skillen of the Center for Public Justice, and Judge Diane S. Sykes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit as the moderator.

The Independence of Federal Prosecutors 11-15-07

info@fed-soc.org — 26 Nov 2007 23:26:55 GMT

The Federalist Society's Criminal Law Practice Group presented this panel discussion at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention on November 15, 2006. The panelists included Hon. Bob Barr of Liberty Stategies LLC, Hon. Jamie Gorelick of Wilmer Hale, Mr. Andrew C. McCarthy of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, Prof. John C. Yoo of UC Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law, and Hon. Merrick B. Garland of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit as the moderator.

Clarence Thomas Address 11-15-07

info@fed-soc.org — 26 Nov 2007 23:23:53 GMT

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas delivered this address at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention on Thursday, November 15. Introductions by Hon. Lee Liberman Otis, Faculty Division Director and Senior Vice President of the Federalist Society, and Hon. C. Boyden Gray, U.S. Ambassador to the European Union.

Beacon of Freedom: Does America Have a Special Mission? 11-15-07

info@fed-soc.org — 26 Nov 2007 23:19:05 GMT

This panel examines the question whether there is an American ideology of exceptionalism that is deeply rooted in 400 years of our history. Have Americans from John Winthrop to the Founding Fathers to Abraham Lincoln to Ronald Reagan believed that we are a shining city on a hill -- a beacon of liberty and democracy for the rest of the world? How has the idea of American exceptionalism changed and evolved from John Winthrop’s Biblical vision of the country as an exemplar of Protestantism to the Framers’ vision of us as an exemplar of liberty and democracy? Do we still believe in the creed affirmed by the Statue of Liberty that America is the light of the world and the natural home of all who are oppressed? Many historians have claimed that the belief that Americans are special people with a special mission in a special place is a recurrent theme in our history. In the words of President Reagan’s Farewell Address, we are "still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for all the pilgrims from all the lost places are hurtling through darkness toward home." Is the United States a country organized around an ideology of belief in freedom, democracy, social equality, and individualism and, if so, is that a good thing? Has America in fact been a revolutionary force for liberty and democracy in the world or has the shining city on the hill become, as critics on both the left and the right claim, just another fallen Sodom and Gomorrah? Panelists include Mr. Michael Barone of U.S. News and World Report, Prof. Richard A. Epstein of the University of Chicago Law School, Prof. Charles Fried of Harvard Law School, Prof. Gordon S. Wood of Brown University, and Judge James Harvie Wilkinson III of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit as the moderator.

Opening Remarks and C. Boyden Gray Address 11-15-07

info@fed-soc.org — 26 Nov 2007 23:15:27 GMT

Opening remarks at the 2007 Annual National Lawyers Convention by Federalist Society Executive Vice President Leonard A. Leo followed by an address by Ambassador to the European Union, C. Boyden Gray.

Balancing Individual Rights and National Security 10-9-07

info@fed-soc.org — 30 Oct 2007 19:56:46 GMT

The Boston Lawyers Chapter presented this debate on National Security & Civil Rights on October 9, 2007 in Boston, Massachusetts. The featured speakers were former Congressman from Georgia Bob Barr, currently of Liberty Strategies, LLC; Professor John Yoo of Boalt Hall School of Law at UC Berkeley; and Professor Gerard Clark of Suffolk University Law School as the moderator.