Season 2, Episode 10 (Show 62): The Music of the Law

March 9, 2022

Our discussion of Professor Amar’s role models in the law takes us to another giant of the 20th century, Charles Black – lawyer, professor, thespian, poet, courageous advocate, and brilliant writer.  Somehow we get from there back to the nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson as well.

Continuing our exploration of inspirational models in the law that deeply influenced Professor Amar’s career, today we learn of a predecessor of last week’s model – the newly passed Walter Dellinger – as we hear of the life of Charles Black.  A son of the deep South, Black made an enormous mark as he was a vital part of the team that won Brown vs. Board of Education, and in the aftermath, we see his genius as he defends the decision, and separately reflects on how he came to his principled positions.  We see this as he picks up pen and paper and leaves these notes for the ages.  You will now hear these writings and Akhil’s reaction to them, and ultimately they will lead us back to considering the emerging picture of Ketanji Brown Jackson, nominee to the Supreme Court, in these lights.