
What Roman Mars Can Learn About Con Law
Professor Elizabeth Joh teaches Intro to Constitutional Law and most of the time this is a pretty straight forward job. But when Trump came into office, everything changed. During the four years of the Trump presidency, Professor Joh would check Twitter five minutes before each class to find out what the 45th President had said and how it jibes with 200 years of the judicial branch interpreting and ruling on the Constitution. Acclaimed podcaster Roman Mars (99% Invisible) was so anxious about all the norms and laws being tested in the Trump era that he asked his neighbor, Elizabeth, to explain what was going on in the world from a Constitutional law perspective. Even after Trump left office, there is still so much for Roman to learn. What Roman Mars Can Learn About Con Law is a weekly, fun, casual Con Law 101 class that uses the tumultuous activities of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to teach us all about the US Constitution.
All music for the show comes from Doomtree, an independent hip-hop collective and record label based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Latest episodes

12 snips
Nov 4, 2024 • 34min
Election Lawsuits
Legal challenges are looming in the wake of Election Day, echoing past controversies like the butterfly ballot debacle. The podcast delves into the evolution of election lawsuits, spotlighting the historical Bush v. Gore case and its lasting implications. 'Zombie lawsuits' draw attention for their strategic delays, particularly in Pennsylvania's voting disputes. New reforms aim to tighten electoral processes post-January 6th, and there's speculation about Supreme Court involvement affecting public trust in elections. Buckle up for a wild ride through electoral history!

Oct 29, 2024 • 32min
Enemy Aliens
The podcast delves into the harrowing experiences of Japanese Peruvians during WWII, highlighting unjust internment and the devastating impact of racial prejudice. It examines the Alien Enemies Act's historical roots and its dangers in modern politics, particularly amid rising nativism. The struggle for justice and compensation for affected individuals is poignantly discussed, emphasizing the importance of civil liberties. The chilling effects of executive power throughout history raise critical concerns about the potential misuse of authority and the ongoing fight for human rights.

Oct 8, 2024 • 33min
Faithless Electors and Wrong Winners
Dive into the convoluted world of the Electoral College, where voters opt for electors instead of candidates. Explore the historical impact of faithless electors and recent legal battles, revealing cracks in the system's democratic integrity. Discover reform proposals that aim to create a fairer electoral process, alongside critiques of the current framework's outdated nature. Finally, unearth the risks faithless electors pose to democracy, highlighting the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in U.S. elections.

Sep 24, 2024 • 32min
Deepfakes and Lying Liars
Deepfakes pose a dangerous challenge to democracy, especially during election seasons. The conversation dives into the legal battles over regulating this technology while balancing First Amendment rights. A startling exploration reveals how misinformation can escalate community tensions, particularly through harmful narratives. Legal implications in California are scrutinized, addressing the ethical responsibilities of public figures in maintaining election integrity. The episode raises critical questions about our societal values in an age where the lines between reality and deception are increasingly blurred.

Sep 10, 2024 • 31min
Whose Speech, Whose Campus
As campuses come alive with protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict, a fierce debate arises about whose free speech takes precedence. The historical backdrop of college protests is explored, connecting past and present tensions. Title VI's implications for safeguarding students against discrimination surface amid legal challenges. The struggle for institutional neutrality highlights the complexity of political statements on campus. Overall, the podcast navigates the delicate balancing act between individual rights and compliance with federal guidelines.

Aug 27, 2024 • 32min
Fishy Deep State
Dive into the quirky connection between Donald Trump's anti-Deep State rhetoric and the plight of the Atlantic herring. Unpack the shifting narratives around regulation, particularly the rollicking ride of the Chevron doctrine. Discover the implications of Schedule F on federal jobs and how Trump’s return might reshape bureaucracy. Explore the clash between government dysfunction and the need for competence in public health and environmental safety. Finally, navigate the complicated landscape of legal interpretations and corporate influences in federal regulation.

Aug 14, 2024 • 3min
Preview: Not Built For This
A new miniseries dives into the real challenges posed by climate change. It emphasizes how our current systems are ill-equipped to handle the seismic shifts ahead. Personal stories, like a flood in Vermont, highlight the urgent need for improved infrastructure. The conversation pushes for innovative adaptation strategies and underscores the importance of rethinking how we navigate these impending changes.

Aug 14, 2024 • 34min
Cruel and Unusual
Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, shares insights on his recent executive order regarding homeless encampments. He connects this to a historical Supreme Court case involving Lawrence Robinson, revealing how past legal battles inform today's policies. The discussion delves into urban planning challenges and the inequities faced by homeless individuals, emphasizing the need for humane and thoughtful solutions. Newsom highlights the importance of community involvement in crafting approaches that uphold dignity and justice for vulnerable populations.

Jul 30, 2024 • 27min
Farfetched Arguments
Kamala Harris, Vice President and presidential candidate, discusses the hurdles she faces on the campaign trail, including bizarre lawsuits questioning her citizenship. Former President Donald Trump delves into his legal battles, particularly the dismissal of classified documents charges and the implications of recent judicial decisions. The conversation also highlights the independence of special counsels in politically charged cases, raising urgent questions about fairness and bias in the legal system during this tumultuous political landscape.

9 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 38min
Law-Free Zone
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor discusses the concept of presidential immunity and the law-free zone around the President. They explore the implications for criminal cases against former President Trump and the boundaries of presidential powers. The podcast delves into the lack of legal precedent for criminal liability cases against former presidents, the analysis of presidential immunity in federal criminal cases, and the implications of classifying a president's actions as official or unofficial in the context of Trump's legal battles. Justice Sotomayor's dissenting opinion and concerns about the balance between presidential immunity and accountability are also highlighted.