In the aftermath of a scathing ruling by the Federal District Court and its issuance of an order blocking President Trump’s executive order which attempted to abridge birthright citizenship, one might think the matter closed. But appeals await, no doubt. Last podcast we offered Professor Amar’s arguments in support of his interpretation - and the interpretation of most legal experts - of the matter, but obviously there were arguments made in opposition. We address these arguments, starting with those made in Trump’s brief in the case, and going beyond them as well. In doing so, we revisit a familiar name: Justice Joseph Story, who Trump’s lawyers attempt to enlist in support of their position, with arguments that perhaps don’t tell the whole story.

The Trump Administration takes office, and the Constitution is immediately in the crosshairs. An executive order targeting birthright citizenship and the Fourteenth Amendment is issued on the first day, with an even more extreme version of its renouncement than had previously been contemplated. The pushback begins in a Washington courtroom, and a Federal District Judge shoots it down with a nationwide injunction. But surely the legal battle continues; we are here to arm you with Professor Amar’s arguments, articulated over many years and well in advance of this crisis. Text, history, structure, precedent, and more are placed in the service of the Constitution and one of its most fundamental and consequential sentences. You should be in a position to argue this case before the Supreme Court after listening to this episode. CLE credit is available for lawyers and judges from podcast.njsba.com

The last days of the Biden administration have come and gone, and with them, some controversy in the form of a presidential statement on ERA ratification, and some more controversial pardons. Then came the inauguration of President Trump, and an inaugural speech some found dark and atypical, if unsurprising. The many events that followed will be fodder for future podcasts, but here we look at Presidents attempting to insert themselves in various ways that seem outside the norm, including a role in constitutional amendments. And the norm-buster Trump sounded several themes in the inaugural that we highlight. The speech and what followed were an avalanche of controversy, and perhaps that’s the idea, but we make a start. CLE credit is available for lawyers and judges from podcast.njsba.com.