Erwin Chemerinsky

In this engaging discussion, Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of UC Berkeley's law school and author of "No Democracy Lasts Forever," delves into the inherent flaws of the U.S. Constitution. He highlights how compromises made by the Founding Fathers have led to systemic threats to democracy, like the Electoral College and racial inequities. Chemerinsky also critiques the Supreme Court’s evolving role and its impact on voting rights, urging for urgent electoral reforms to combat polarization and distrust in the current political climate.

David Rabban, a distinguished teaching professor at The University of Texas, and Erwin Chemerinsky, dean at UC Berkeley Law, tackle critical issues surrounding academic freedom and government influence on universities. They discuss the implications of funding threats faced by prestigious institutions like Harvard and Columbia, analyzing the tensions between First Amendment rights and federal mandates. The conversation also delves into viewpoint diversity, discrimination laws, and the evolving landscape of higher education, highlighting the risks and future of federal funding.

Erwin Chemerinsky, a distinguished constitutional law scholar and dean at UC Berkeley School of Law, joins the discussion on the intersection of the First Amendment and presidential power. He dives into how Trump's lawsuits may intimidate the press, potentially chilling critical reporting. Chemerinsky contrasts U.S. speech protections with those in Europe and clarifies the blurred lines between speech and press rights. The conversation also touches on the New York Times's challenge to the Pentagon's restrictive press agreement, highlighting contemporary issues in media freedom.

Legal experts debate Trump's conviction in a mock trial, questioning presidential immunity and due process rights. They discuss the specificity of indictments, falsification of records, and the impact of Supreme Court rulings. The episode emphasizes civil discourse and challenging extreme polarization through thoughtful debate.

Join legal experts Stephanie Barclay, a Georgetown law professor specializing in free speech and religious exercise, and Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of UC Berkeley School of Law and renowned constitutional scholar. They dive into the contentious Colorado ban on conversion therapy and its implications for the First Amendment. Key discussions include whether this ban constitutes viewpoint discrimination, the balance of state power in regulating medical standards, and the complex intersection of free speech and professional conduct in therapy practices.