Leading Constitutional Scholars Explore America's Founding Principles at Hopkins

On October 6, 2026, Hopkins School welcomed three of the nation's leading constitutional scholars for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion on the Constitution, democracy, and the future of American civic life.

Held in the School’s Academic & Performing Arts Center, the event featured Steven G. Calabresi, Clayton J. & Henry R. Barber Professor of Law at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and Co-Founder of the Federalist Society, and Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University. The conversation was moderated by Harold Hongju Koh ’71 HGS, Sterling Professor of International Law at Yale Law School and former Legal Adviser to the U.S. Department of State.

Throughout the evening, Calabresi and Amar explored the Constitution's origins, its historical shortcomings, and its continuing relevance to contemporary American life.

Both scholars discussed their approaches to constitutional interpretation, including originalism and textualism, which emphasize interpreting the Constitution according to the original public meaning of its written words.

Although the two scholars sometimes reach different conclusions about constitutional questions, they found significant common ground in their belief that the document's principles must be understood within both their historical context and the realities of a changing society.

Calabresi emphasized that the Constitution's language remains constant even as its application evolves with new technologies and social circumstances.

"I think the meaning of the Constitution is fixed, but I think it also applies differently as circumstances change," he explained.

Amar expanded on the idea by describing the Constitution as an evolving, intergenerational document, shaped not only by the Founding Fathers but also by amendments and reforms adopted throughout American history.

"It's a single thing. It's not a jumble, and it needs to be understood coherently," Amar said.

The scholars also confronted some of the Constitution's most consequential historical compromises, particularly those surrounding slavery, and discussed how the Reconstruction Amendments, women's suffrage, and subsequent constitutional changes expanded rights and protections to more Americans.

In one lighthearted moment, all three scholars pulled pocket-sized copies of the Constitution from their jackets.

With Koh guiding the conversation, the discussion turned to the relationship among the three branches of government, the role of the Supreme Court, presidential authority, and the responsibilities of American citizens.

The scholars examined questions surrounding birthright citizenship, the balance of power between Congress and the presidency, judicial interpretation, and the ability of constitutional institutions to maintain their independence.

The conversation also addressed contemporary political challenges and differing assessments of the Supreme Court's role in safeguarding constitutional principles.

Despite disagreements over particular legal interpretations and political developments, the participants repeatedly returned to the importance of the rule of law, constitutional accountability, and an informed citizenry.

The evening concluded with questions from Hopkins students enrolled in the School's 21st Century Democracy course, who engaged directly with the visiting scholars on issues shaping American constitutional law.

Ashvin van B. ’26 asked about the Fourth Amendment and the meaning of privacy in the digital age. Katherine C. ’27 explored the origins of the Federalist Society and the motivations behind its approach to constitutional interpretation in the wake of the Warren Court era of the 1950s and 1960s. Andie H. ’26 invited the scholars to examine the history, meaning, and modern application of the Second Amendment.

The event also carried personal significance for the featured scholars, each of whom has a connection to Hopkins. Koh reflected on first encountering the Constitution as a Hopkins student; Calabresi spoke about his family's multigenerational ties to the School; and Amar, whose three children attended Hopkins, expressed his appreciation for the School's role in their education.

Earlier in the evening, Head of School Dr. Matt Glendinning welcomed members of the Hopkins community and reflected on the School's longstanding commitment to civic education.

"For 367 years, our school's mission has been to prepare hopeful youths for the public service of the country in future times," Glendinning said, noting that the School's emphasis on civics and civil discourse remains central to that mission.

In his opening remarks, Glendinning also highlighted a noteworthy historical connection: Jared Ingersoll, a member of the Hopkins Class of 1762, was among the original signers of the U.S. Constitution.

"I guess you could say that constitutional debate is in our school's DNA," he remarked.

The event was part of the 2026–2027 Hopkins Speaker Series, America at 250, which brings distinguished voices to campus to explore the nation's past, present, and future through a wide range of perspectives.