Kermit Roosevelt III

Kermit Roosevelt III, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania and great-great-grandson of Theodore Roosevelt, shares insights on the rise and fall of honor in society. He discusses the psychological impacts of group dynamics and how fear fosters division, linking historical events to contemporary issues. Roosevelt also reflects on the importance of integrity in governance, the erosion of academic honesty, and the complexities of personal virtue against a backdrop of historical inequalities. His perspectives are both thought-provoking and relevant.

Kermit Roosevelt III, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania and great-great-grandson of Theodore Roosevelt, discusses the decline of cultural literacy and shared values in society. He highlights how many people know Marcus Aurelius from the film Gladiator, reflecting on the fragmentation of cultural references. The conversation dives into the challenges of leadership, political dysfunction, and the importance of historical context in constitutional law. Roosevelt also shares insights on fostering creativity and the complexities of judicial appointments that impact civil rights.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Kermit Roosevelt III, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Law and a former clerk for Justice Souter, delves into the enigmatic life of the late Supreme Court Justice David Souter. They explore Souter's unexpected judicial philosophy that contradicted conservative expectations and shaped major cases like Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. The conversation also examines the political implications of his nomination and the lasting legacy he left on the Court, as well as the broader impacts of his decisions in a polarized landscape.

David Souter is one of the most private, low-profile justices ever to have served on the Supreme Court. He rarely gives interviews or speeches. Yet his tenure was anything but low profile. Deemed a “home run” nominee by Republicans, Souter defied partisan expectations on the bench and ultimately ceded his seat to a Democratic president. In this episode, the story of how “No More Souters” became a rallying cry for Republicans and inspired a backlash that would change the Court forever. Voices in the episode include: • Ashley Lopez — NPR political correspondent • Anna Sale — host of WNYC Studios' Death, Sex & Money podcast • Tinsley Yarbrough — author and former political science professor at East Carolina University • Heather Gerken — Dean of Yale Law School and former Justice Souter clerk • Kermit Roosevelt III — professor at University of Pennsylvania School of Law and former Justice Souter clerk • Judge Peter Rubin — Associate Justice on Massachusetts Appeals Court and former Justice Souter clerk • Governor John H. Sununu — former governor of New Hampshire and President George H.W. Bush’s Chief of Staff Learn more: • 1992: Planned Parenthood v. Casey • 1992: Lee v. Weisman • 2000: Bush v. Gore • 2009: Citizens United v. FEC   Shadow dockets, term limits, amicus briefs — what puzzles you about the Supreme Court? What stories are you curious about? We want to answer your questions in our next season. Click here to leave us a voice memo. Supreme Court archival audio comes from Oyez®, a free law project by Justia and the Legal Information Institute of Cornell Law School. Support for More Perfect is provided in part by The Smart Family Fund. Follow us on Instagram, Threads and Facebook @moreperfectpodcast, and Twitter @moreperfect.

Former US President Donald Trump faces multiple criminal and civil cases. Trump's legal problems, their potential impact on swing voters, and contrasting views within the Republican party are discussed. The podcast explores potential options for Trump if elected and convicted, including appointing a corrupt Attorney General or attempting to pardon himself. The implications of the 14th Amendment on Trump's eligibility to run for president and potential Supreme Court involvement are also explored.