Season 4, Episode 29 (Show 186): Resignation Realities and Bullets Dodged (Part 4)

July 17, 2024

In the wake of calls for President Biden to withdraw from the race, and the shooting of Donald Trump, we examine the law, history, and tradition surrounding Presidential succession and resignation.

CLE Credit Available for this episode from podcast.njsba.com.

President Biden is hearing calls from many quarters to step down as a candidate.  Donald Trump is shot. Questions of presidential succession and/or resignation abound.  While it may seem these are unique and strange situations that the American republic has never faced, in fact, resignation has been a key American issue for centuries.  Episodes well-known, and others rarely taught, are reviewed on our podcast this week, providing context and counsel for our listeners, and hopefully for the candidates themselves.  The path to Mount Rushmore may take a turn away from the Oval Office, it turns out. 

(LAWYERS AND JUDGES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION CREDIT by visiting podcast.njsba.com after listening.)

Show Notes:

How to get Continuing Legal Education Credit for listening!

Virtually all lawyers and judges admitted to practice anywhere in the USA can obtain CLE (Continuing Legal Education) credit after listening to this episode by visiting podcast.njsba.com.  You do not have to be a New Jersey lawyer or resident or admitted to the NJ Bar; essentially every state has reciprocity arrangements with New Jersey.  When you visit the site you fill out a form and provide the code Andy read during the episode, pay a small fee, and within two weeks you will receive the certificate from New Jersey.  It couldn’t be easier.  Thanks to the New Jersey Bar Association for making this possible!  Note, too, that other podcast episodes from our “back catalog” now qualify for this credit as well.

Click to go to the website for CLE credit

Following Washington's Lead - Akhil Reed Amar

In Professor Amar’s book, America’s Unwritten Constitution, Chapter 8, attached here, explains George Washington’s decisive impact on our constitution through not only his actions as President, but also – critically – his resignations.

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General George Washington Resigning His Commission - John Trumbull

George Washington lays down his sword following the Revolutionary War in an astounding act of virtue.