On May 7, 2021, the Federalist Society's Ohio lawyers chapters hosted the 2021 Ohio Chapters Conference in Columbus, OH. The third and final panel covered "Departmentalism: What is the Executive Role in Interpreting Laws?".

Thomas Jefferson ordered U.S. Attorneys not to enforce the Alien & Sedition Act, not based upon a judicial finding that it was unconstitutional (indeed, the courts were split on the question), but based upon his independent determination that it was unconstitutional. What role do state executives and Attorneys General play in interpreting laws? How far do the duties to defend laws and the duties to enforce laws extend?

Featuring:

Hon. Dave Yost, Ohio Attorney General
Prof. Jonathan Adler, Johan Verheij Memorial Professor of Law, Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Edward Whelan, President, Ethics and Public Policy Center
Moderator: Judge Chad Readler, United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

Closing Remarks

Justice R. Patrick DeWine, Ohio Supreme Court
Introduction: Robert Alt, President & CEO, The Buckeye Institute

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As always, the Federalist Society takes no position on particular legal or public policy issues; all expressions of opinion are those of the speakers.