The Supreme Court And FDR
Tuesdays, Oct. 25-Nov. 16, 2010; 10am-12noon
Blue Hill Public Library, Howard Room
Facilitator: David Snow
Since the birth of the federal government over 220 years ago in the grand compromise we revere as the Constitution, Presidents, Supreme Court Justices, and politicians have battled, often passionately, not only over the proper role of the Supreme Court but over what sort of government, economy and society the Constitution mandates and/or permits.
The election of a President promoting a progressive agenda has energized a powerful conservative and libertarian backlash against that agenda, often based on Constitutional objections. This means that this battle will continue and intensify in the future whether or not Elena Kagan is confirmed as a new Justice, as now seems likely, with the combatants united only in their professed reverence for the Constitution and the vision of the Founding Fathers it embodies.
This Colloquy is focused mainly on the recent history of this battle that began with President Roosevelt’s failed effort in the 1930’s to “pack” the Court, and will explore the law and the catch phrases like “judicial activism” “original intent” and “living Constitution” that the combatants employ to defend their positions and to attack their enemies.
The election of a President promoting a progressive agenda has energized a powerful conservative and libertarian backlash against that agenda, often based on Constitutional objections. This means that this battle will continue and intensify in the future whether or not Elena Kagan is confirmed as a new Justice, as now seems likely, with the combatants united only in their professed reverence for the Constitution and the vision of the Founding Fathers it embodies.
This Colloquy is focused mainly on the recent history of this battle that began with President Roosevelt’s failed effort in the 1930’s to “pack” the Court, and will explore the law and the catch phrases like “judicial activism” “original intent” and “living Constitution” that the combatants employ to defend their positions and to attack their enemies.
David Snow was a partner in a large international law firm before serving as a Federal Bankruptcy Judge. Most recently he taught a course at the University of Maine that focused on Constitutional Law.
Suggested Reading:
Barry Friedman: The Will Of The People
Farrar, Straus & Giroux; Hard Cover = 2009; Paperback = August, 2010
Jeff Shesol: Supreme Power - Franklin Roosevelt vs. The Supreme Court (2010)
W.W. Norten & Company, N.Y.; 643pp.; ISBN 978-0-393-06474-2