Live at the National Constitution Center

The Evolution of Judicial Independence in America — Part 2

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The National Constitution Center and the Federal Judicial Center present a three-part discussion exploring the evolution of judicial independence in America and its critical role in our democracy from the Founding to present day.

This episode explores judicial independence and the federal courts in the 20th century and the major milestones that shaped the judiciary, including the crucial role of Chief Justice Taft and key Supreme Court rulings. Moderated by Jeffrey Rosen, this panel features a conversation with scholars Neal Devins and Allison Orr Larsen of William & Mary Law School, Marin Levy of Duke University School of Law. 

This program is presented in partnership with the Federal Judicial Center.


Additional Resources

  • Booth v. United States (1934)
  • Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Fireside Chat No. 9: "On Court-Packing"
  • Edwin Meese, Speech before the American Bar Association (1985)
  • Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure
  • Report of the Proceedings of the Federal Judicial Conference of the United States (1964)
  • Amy Gardner and Matt DeLong, "Newt Gingrich's assault on 'activist judges' draws criticism, even from right," The Washington Post
  • Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)
  • United States v. Nixon (1974)
  • Bush v. Gore (2000)
  • Michael Boyd, "Constitutional cases resulting from the 9/11 attacks," Constitution Daily blog
  • Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States, Draft Final Report
  • Neal Devins and Allison Orr Larsen, "Circuit Personalities," Virginia Law Review


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    Live at the National Constitution CenterBy National Constitution Center