Season 3, Episode 31 (Show 135): Amara Culpa, Amara Bene

July 26, 2023

Professor Amar looks at his own words, both on this podcast and elsewhere; his mistakes and his wisdom each teach us something.

What’s in a name?  This week, our podcast title means (sort of) “Amar was wrong – Amar was right.”  Two weeks ago we said “bigots” and many made much of that.  So we take the feedback seriously and revisit it – you can judge the result.  Meanwhile, news from Long Island brings the 4th amendment to the fore again, and in a somewhat different way.  Different – how?  Listen and find out how to create a better jurisprudence without amending the Constitution, and the real differences in the lives of the people this would make.  Finally, Akhil has a new article in the popular press, and we introduce that for later elaboration.

Show Notes:

What the Same-Sex Marriage Opinion Should Have Said (and Almost Did)

Professor Amar writes on Obergefell v. Hodges in Slate’s July 10, 2015 issue, emphasizing the birth equality argument that is so central to his understanding of the 14th Amendment, and which renders this landmark case a straightforward one, in his opinion.

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Professor Kermit Roosevelt on “The Nation That Never Was”

Professor Kermit Roosevelt lectures on his recent book, The Nation That Never Was, giving his take on the Founders – especially Thomas Jefferson – and where he locates the America he believes we should celebrate.

Click to view webpage with video

Declaring Independence From Thomas Jefferson

Professor Amar writes in the National Review on his reconsideration of Thomas Jefferson, his role in the authorship of the Declaration of Independence, and who we should be celebrating on the Fourth of July.

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