Philip K. Howard, a prominent lawyer and author focused on legal reform, joins the discussion about the overwhelming complexity of contemporary laws. He argues that excessive legal micromanagement stifles individual agency and practical wisdom. Highlighting the necessity of balancing strict rules with human judgment, he critiques how rigid regulations can lead to institutional failures. Howard also proposes innovative solutions for urban development, like a 'Department of Exceptions,' to promote flexibility and address housing shortages.

Expert Philip K. Howard discusses improving government functionality and accountability, the challenges facing government policies and bureaucracy, innovative environmental regulations, analysis of the American legal system, a constitutional claim on public employee union power, and the need for new leadership in government reform.

Roger Berkowitz interviews lawyer and activist Philip K. Howard about his books and his nonprofit organization, Common Good, which aims to simplify government. They discuss the challenges of bureaucracy during the COVID-19 pandemic, the loss of common sense in society, the dangers of anti-common sense government, the need for checks and balances to ensure fairness, and the importance of accountability and local control in government systems.