Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 8 hours ago
Dan Farber, Sho Sato Professor of Law at UC Berkeley School of Law
Sharon Jacobs, Professor at UC Berkeley School of Law
John Yoo, Emanuel Heller Professor of Law at UC Berkeley School of Law
Professor Farber will discuss how some recent Supreme Court decisions have expanded the potential for abuse of presidential powers, while others might provide checks on presidential actions.
Professor Jacobs will discuss the tools that modern presidents have used to limit the effectiveness of administrative agencies.
Professor Yoo will argue that the use of criminal prosecution to block Trump from the ballot failed and instead backfired by expanding the constitutional power of the presidency.
Americans have long taken for granted a baseline level of democracy and the rule of law. We have often fallen short of fully realizing those ideals, but for most of the past century there were few worries that the country might fall into authoritarian rule. Today, many worry that we have entered an era of democratic backsliding. The 2024 election heightens those fears for many, but the problems facing our democracy are more deeply rooted. This speaker series will address those fears and consider possible responses.
Dan Farber, Sho Sato Professor of Law at UC Berkeley School of Law
Sharon Jacobs, Professor at UC Berkeley School of Law
John Yoo, Emanuel Heller Professor of Law at UC Berkeley School of Law
Professor Farber will discuss how some recent Supreme Court decisions have expanded the potential for abuse of presidential powers, while others might provide checks on presidential actions.
Professor Jacobs will discuss the tools that modern presidents have used to limit the effectiveness of administrative agencies.
Professor Yoo will argue that the use of criminal prosecution to block Trump from the ballot failed and instead backfired by expanding the constitutional power of the presidency.
Americans have long taken for granted a baseline level of democracy and the rule of law. We have often fallen short of fully realizing those ideals, but for most of the past century there were few worries that the country might fall into authoritarian rule. Today, many worry that we have entered an era of democratic backsliding. The 2024 election heightens those fears for many, but the problems facing our democracy are more deeply rooted. This speaker series will address those fears and consider possible responses.
