Robert Post, Sterling Professor of Law at Yale Law School, reflects on his tenure as Dean and discusses his quest to write the definitive history of the Supreme Court under Chief Justice William Howard Taft. Topics include the evolution of law school clinics, teaching constitutional law in a polarized society, embracing failure, and reflecting on the institution's 200-year history.
AI governance on internet platforms requires political legitimacy and stakeholder input.
Yale Law School encourages individuality, curiosity, and pursuing meaningful questions in education.
Deep dives
The Role of AI in Internet Governance
The podcast episode discusses the role of AI in governing the internet, highlighting that human judgment cannot function at the scale of the internet. The fundamental legal and political question is how to politically legitimate the operation of AI in governing online platforms. The episode explores the need for AI to be trained with input from relevant stakeholders and the importance of measuring outcomes to ensure political legitimacy.
Preserving Individuality and Eccentricity at Yale Law School
The podcast explores what sets Yale Law School apart, emphasizing its commitment to preserving individuality and eccentricity among students and faculty. The unique educational system at Yale encourages students to stay true to who they are and educates them in ways that enhance their existing qualities. The episode provides an example of how the students' seminar papers at Yale delve into questions that matter, even if they can't be easily answered, setting Yale apart from other institutions.
Transformations in Clinical Education and Faculty Impact
The episode discusses the transformations in clinical education at Yale Law School and the expanded role of clinical professors as policy entrepreneurs. The clinics at Yale have evolved from focusing solely on lawyer-client relationships to engaging in law reform and policy-making. The growth of clinical education has been driven by faculty members seeking to use law to bring about meaningful changes and reforms in various subject matter areas. The establishment of policy centers at Yale Law School has further solidified its position as a leading institution in public policy education.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Baker Hall
The episode highlights the challenges faced in acquiring space for Yale Law School and the success of building Baker Hall, the first new building in a hundred years. The episode discusses the efforts to fundraise and renovate the building without adding to the operating costs of the school. Baker Hall now serves as a hub for various activities, including conferences, student living spaces, and studios. The accomplishment of constructing Baker Hall during the Great Recession is attributed to the commitment of multiple individuals, including the former Dean Robert Post.
For Yale Law School’s bicentennial in 2024, Sterling Professor of Law Robert Post ’77 reflects on his tenure as Dean from 2009 to 2017. He also discusses his 35-year quest to write the definitive history of the Supreme Court under Chief Justice William Howard Taft.