Season 6, Episode 14 (Show 275): Popes and Presidents

April 22, 2026

There’s a tempest between Rome and Washington – or so the President says.  We examine the constitutional paths opened by such matters.  And – more Sarah Isgur, continuing from last week.

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

The President has picked a fight with the Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo X.  Putting aside some of the distasteful elements of language and hubris, we ask where this fits in with notions of church and state in a democracy.  What is the constitutional doctrine – is it “separation?” Where does it come from, historically and legally?  A general theory of such things can help us make sense – well, maybe not of everything that is said these days, but perhaps of the numerous cases that are percolating to and arriving at the Supreme Court.  And in a special treat, we continue our conversation with Sarah Isgur on her new book, “Last Branch Standing,” and look more deeply at the patterns of judicial behavior that have emerged from several of the justices, among other things.

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