Amarica's Constitution Unpardonable
Dec 18, 2024
The discussion tackles the constitutional complexities surrounding presidential pardons, especially in light of recent actions by Biden and potential moves by Trump. Key themes include the ethical dilemmas of self-pardoning and the notion of accountability in the justice system. The hosts also delve into historical examples, exploring how pardons have been used to foster unity or create controversy. Executive privilege and congressional oversight emerge as crucial elements in understanding the pardoning process and its implications in today's political landscape.
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Pre-Google Quote Challenge
- Akhil Amar recalls Justice Breyer asking him to identify the source of a quote, pre-Google.
- Amar impressed Breyer by correctly attributing the quote and demonstrating knowledge of French.
Breyer's Kindness as a Boss
- Akhil Amar recounts his experience as Justice Breyer's clerk, admitting he wasn't always the best.
- He highlighted Breyer's kindness, recalling Breyer's refusal to criticize a less-than-perfect clerk.
Role of a SCOTUS Clerk
- Supreme Court clerks play a crucial role in ensuring justices don't make unintentional errors.
- Their role involves respectfully pushing back and questioning the justice's reasoning.
