The American Constitutionalist

Join the American Constitutionalist Podcast team as Jeff Tokar, Cliff DeCamp, “Cousin” David Gibbs and Lonny Wilder look into the 7th and 8th Amendments. 

7th Amendment

The Seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution introduced in Congress in 1789 by James Madison  is part of the Bill of Rights.  This amendment codifies the right to a jury Trial  in certain civil cases and inhibits courts from overturning a jury's finding of facts. 

8th Amendment

The Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution adopted on December 15, 1791, along with the rest of the United States Bill of Rights prohibits th federal government from imposing excessive bail, excessive fines, or cruel and unusual punishments. This limitation applies equally to the price for obtaining pretrial release and the punishment for crime after conviction. 

Join the American Constitutionalist Podcast team as Jeff Tokar, Cliff DeCamp, “Cousin” David Gibbs and Lonny Wilder look into the 5th and 6th Amendments. 

5th Amendment: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.

6th Amendment: No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

The American Constitutionalist Episode 8 – July 6, 2020

Led by Jeff Tokar, the American Constitutionalist Podcast team, Cliff DeCamp, “Cousin” David Gibbs and Lonny Wilder carve into the 3rd and 4th Amendments.

3rd Amendment - No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

4th Amendment - The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

The American Constitutionalist Episode 7 – June 30, 2020

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution reads: "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Such language has created considerable debate regarding the Amendment's intended scope. Podcast Host Jeff Tokar and panelists Cliff DeCamp and “Cousin” David Gibbs are joined by well decorated Dallas Deputy Sheriff Detective Chad Prda to begin exploring the many facets of the often controversial 2nd Amendment.

The American Constitutionalist Episode 6 – June 22, 2020

The American Constitutionalist team continues discussion of the First Amendment. Podcast Host Jeff Tokar and panelists Cliff DeCamp, “Cousin” David Gibbs and Lonny Wilder continue their dissection of this amendment which protects against laws prohibiting the freedom of religion, speech, and the press, as well as the right to assemble and to petition the government. Also examined is the notion of “Prior restraint” which is the censorship of speech by the government before the speech is published, distributed, or otherwise heard or read. Prior restraint can take many forms. For example, the government or a government agency may refuse to grant a permit or license to a group that seeks to engage in free expression.

Freedom of Religion

This week’s American Constitutionalist Podcast explores the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. This often controversial clause prohibits government interference with religious belief and, within limits, religious practice. "Freedom of religion means freedom to hold an opinion or belief, but not to take action in violation of social duties or subversive to good order." TACpanelists Jeff Tokar, Cliff DeCamp, David Gibbs and Lonny Wilder take on the Free Exercise of Religion. Post a comment and let us know what you think.

The American Constitutionalist Episode 4 – June 10, 2020

The American Constitutionalist Podcast Host Jeff Tokar is joined by Cliff DeCamp, “Cousin” David Gibbs and Lonny Wilder as they continue their examination of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Episode 4 focuses on the First Amendment’s  Establishment Clause which prohibits the government from making any law “respecting an establishment of religion.” This clause not only forbids the government from establishing an official religion, but also prohibits government actions that unduly favor one religion over another. It also prohibits the government from unduly preferring religion over non-religion, or non-religion over religion.

The American Constitutionalist host Jeff Tokar takes a heart felt journey into the 1st Amendment of the Constitution against the backdrop of the societal issues in America today.

To understand the United States of America, start with the Constitution. Written over 200 years ago, when the nation was first being established out of the 13 British colonies, this document is a blueprint. Its seven sections (or Articles) detail the core components of how the framers wanted the government to run the country. The American Constitutionalist Podcast Episode 2 finds panelists Jeff Tokar, Cliff DeCamp, David Gibbs and Lonny Wilder taking a deeper dive into the construction of what was and continues to be the fundamental principles or established precedents that lead and govern our nation and her people.

The Constitution was founded on several basic principles that help to keep it relevant today. These are the principles of popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial review, and federalism. The inaugural American Constitutionalist Podcast begins the series designed to examine the many facets of the American Constitution. Jeff Tokar, Cliff DeCamp, David Gibbs and Lonny Wilder begin the Constitutional exploration to generate a deeper understanding of how the Framers approached the complex mission of building a unified guidepost for the freedoms we enjoy today.