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The Future of Liberty

Randy Barnett on Liberty Under Law

Sep 20, 2024
Randy Barnett, a constitutional law professor passionate about originalism and individual rights, shares his journey from conservative roots to embracing libertarianism. He discusses the challenges of navigating a liberal campus, emphasizing the value of diverse opinions. The episode delves into the often-overlooked Ninth Amendment and its implications for personal rights. Barnett also highlights the tension between individual liberties and corporate power, showing how both can affect freedom. His insights offer a hopeful perspective on the future of liberty and the importance of resilience.
46:16

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Randy Barnett encourages students to engage with opposing views to enrich their legal education while maintaining their personal principles.
  • Barnett's journey from conservatism to libertarianism highlights the philosophical foundations that shape interpretations of law and individual liberty.

Deep dives

Experiences at Georgetown Law

Teaching at Georgetown University has been a surprisingly rewarding experience for Randy Barnett, who identifies as the lone right of center constitutional law professor among approximately 130 faculty members. Despite the campus’s political leanings, he emphasizes that he is well-treated by colleagues and finds a constructive environment for his teaching. Barnett reflects on his earlier experiences as a student, highlighting his initial resistance to what he perceived as indoctrination, which he now advises against. Instead, he encourages students to engage with opposing views to gain a deeper understanding of the law, urging them not to lose sight of their principles while learning from their professors.

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