A New Justice, New Issues and a New Term

What: On Constitution Day, as mandated by Congress, three members of Trinity’s faculty will participate in a panel discussion that asks the rhetorical question: “A Wise Supreme Court?” The trio will talk about the court’s 2009-10 term and some of the important cases the court will hear. This is a Common Hour event.
 
When:   Thursday, September 17 at 12:15 p.m.

Where: Wean Terrace Rooms, Mather Hall on the Trinity campus, 300 Summit Street.

Background: Mark Silk, a former journalist and the director of the Center for the Study of Religion in Public Life, will moderate the panel discussion. Each of the three faculty members will address a different topic.

Kevin McMahon, John R. Reitemeyer Associate Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department, will discuss the nomination of Justice Sonia Sotomayor and what her recent appointment will mean for the composition of the court. Sotomayor, the 111th justice and the first Hispanic to serve on the court, replaces David Souter and is the first justice to be appointed by a Democratic president in 15 years.

Adrienne Fulco, associate professor of the Legal and Policy Studies Program, will discuss cases dealing with the death penalty and the rights of criminal defendants.

Edward Cabot, adjunct professor of public policy and a former national chairman of Common Cause, will discuss the First Amendment and the campaign finance case that the court recently heard. The court’s decision could have the power to overturn many of the campaign finance laws now in existence.

Constitution Day is held on September 17 of every year. Pursuant to legislation passed by Congress, any educational institution that receives federal funding is required to hold an educational program pertaining to the U.S. Constitution on that day.

A light lunch will be provided, but it’s best if you RSVP. To reserve a spot and lunch, please email: common-hour@trincoll.edu.

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