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Conferences and Symposia

Conferences and Symposia

The American Constitution Society regularly sponsors conferences and symposia on issues of public import. The papers emanating from these events are sometimes released as ACS Issue Briefs, which are archived here.

In keeping with ACS' mission, these Issue Briefs do not constitute an endorsement any single policy prescription. Rather, their purpose is to encourage debate among those who share ACS' commitment to the fundamental principles of human dignity, individual rights and liberties, genuine equality and access to justice.

The Future of the First Amendment

The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy and the Willamette Center for Religion, Law and Democracy presented:

The Future of the First Amendment

On October 16, 2009, ACS and the Willamette Center for Religion, Law and Democracy co-hosted a symposium that explored various developments in First Amendment law and jurisprudence that have occurred over the past 10 years and what those changes bode for the future interpretation and application of the rights contained in the First Amendment. Nationally recognized scholars and experts explored topics that included government secrecy; access to government information; the regulation of private expression in government workplaces, schools and forums; the regulation of the Internet; the government’s use of religious discourse and displays; and the faith-based initiative.

Is America Ready for Popular Election of the President? A Debate on the National Popular Vote Movement

The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy and the Program on Law & Government at American University's Washington College of Law presented:

Is America Ready for Popular Election of the President? A Debate on the National Popular Vote Movement

On Tuesday, November 17, ACS and the Program of Law & Government at American University's Washington College of Law hosted a debate on the merits of the National Popular Vote Interstate compact. Five states have adopted the compact by which states will cast their Electoral College votes in presidential elections for the winner of the national popular vote. Is this the "next logical step" in the unfolding of political democracy in America, as advocates claim? Is it the undoing of a careful compromise by the Framers that has served America remarkably well, as opponents argue? Four leading experts from different perspectives will debate the issue and invite audience questions and discussion.

The debate featured:

ACS Releases Papers from "The Religion Clauses in the 21st Century" Symposium held at the West Virginia College of Law

ACS and the West Virginia Law Review are pleased to release these papers written for “The Religion Clauses in the 21st Century” symposium held at the West Virginia University College of Law.

ACS thanks the symposium organizers, its presenters and writers, the West Virginia University College of Law, and the dedicated editors and staff of the West Virginia Law Review.

Follow the link for a detailed description of the articles.

The "Imperial Presidency?" Citizens and the Growth of Executive Power

This event highlighted the growth of executive power, specifically the apparent shift in power to the executive branch and the unprecedented level of executive secrecy.

We proudly hosted, with the Morse Center for Law and Politics as well as several other supporting groups.

Marjorie Cohn is President of the National Lawyers Guild.

Shane Kadidal of the Center for Constitutional Rights is the lead attorney for Guantanamo detainees.

Jordan Paust is the author of a recent book on the Bush administration and its war on terror.

The event was well-attended by community members, law students, graduate students from across the campus, and faculty members. Ms. Cohn, Mr. Kadidal, and Mr. Paust were gracious enough to entertain the attendees after the event for a reception along with a book-signing.

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