Prof. Akhil Reed Amar talks about the Constitution

Hopkins was honored to host a visit from Professor Akhil Reed Amar on Monday, December 5.  The Q&A session took place in the Calarco Library, where Professor Amar spoke to students about the Constitution, his latest book about U.S. History and the Constitution, and Moore v Harper, a case that was argued before the Supreme Court of the United States on Wednesday, December 7. Professor Amar and fellow constitutional law scholars co-authored an Amicus Brief in opposition to the doctrine.  The case concerns the Independent State Legislature Doctrine, which theorizes that state legislatures alone are empowered by the Constitution to regulate federal elections without oversight from state courts. The doctrine extends to questions such as how congressional districts are drawn and how presidential electors are chosen and certified.   

 

During the Q&A, Amar emphasized that he is a very loyal person, a patriot to the United States, and a believer in American exceptionalism. As a constitutional scholar, he is frequently called upon to weigh in on politics and law-making decisions in the media. Throughout his talk, he often brought out his own pocket edition of the U. S. Constitution. He shared that he believes in the importance of teaching the constitution to young people, so they can understand where this country came from, and where it is now in relation to it. 

Students asked Prof. Amar questions about other recent Supreme Court cases, including the overturning of Roe v. Wade. As a gift to the students and faculty in attendance, Prof. Amar brought and signed copies of his latest book, The Words that Made US, with the caveat that if they took a copy they must read at least the first chapter. 

Prof. Amar is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, where he teaches constitutional law in both Yale College and Yale Law School. He is a remarkable teacher, a former Hopkins parent and a great friend of Hopkins.