Town Hall

Hamilton’s vision of federalism, national authority, and judicial review

November 16, 2017

America’s leading federal judges and scholars discuss the constitutional vision of the rap star of the moment, Alexander Hamilton, exploring his views on the scope of presidential, congressional, and judicial power in America.

This program features three back-to-back conversations and was presented in partnership with the Federal Judicial Center.

Panel 1: Hamilton’s Vision

Scholars use Hamilton’s ideas about a strong central government as an entry-point to a discussion about competing ideas about federalism and the relationship between the federal government and the states at the nation’s founding.

  • Daniel Hulsebosch, Charles Seligson Professor of Law, New York University Law School
  • Michael W. McConnell, Richard and Frances Mallery Professor of Law and Director of the Constitutional Law Center, Stanford Law School
  • Moderated by Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO, National Constitution Center

Panel 2: The Evolution of Judicial Review

Scholars discuss the evolution of judicial review as an institution.

  • Mary Sarah Bilder, Founders Professor of Law, Boston College Law School
  • Michael J. Gerhardt, Samuel Ashe Distinguished Professor in Constitutional Law, University of North Carolina School of Law
  • Moderated by Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO, National Constitution Center

Panel 3:  Federal Judges, Statutory Construction, and Federalism

Judges discuss the role of federal judges in statutory construction, as well as the appropriate degree of deference to other branches and to the states.

  • Robert A. Katzmann, Chief Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
  • Jeffrey S. Sutton, Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
  • Moderated by Judge Jeremy D. Fogel, Director, Federal Judicial Center

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