2024 Midwestern Chapters Conference

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Speakers

Brenna Bird

• In-Person Event

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Description

All levels of the judiciary have faced increased attacks on their independence in recent years. Even trial court judges have faced increased scrutiny, particularly those in single-judge districts and those who have granted nationwide injunctions. “Reform” proposals such as adding justices, term limits, ethics codes, abolishing blue slips, and limiting the Court’s jurisdiction have been proposed by critics to limit the power of the courts. However, these proposals are nothing new: in decades past, when the ideological balance of the Court was different, similar proposals were floated by those who sought to limit the role and influence of the courts. What’s changed? What is the role of the organized bar, if any, in defending judicial independence? How, if at all, has the increased politicization of the judicial confirmation process affected judicial independence? What does all of this mean for trust in the judiciary? And what do members of the judiciary think about these developments, especially given the uptick in security concerns and threats to judges and court personnel and the increasingly personal attacks on judges—rather than their decisions—in the media. And are there changes that should be considered that are both constitutional and would receive bipartisan support? Should conservatives be more aggressive in defending attacks against the judiciary? Panelists from both in and outside the judiciary will discuss these and other questions in considering judicial independence and the people’s trust in the judiciary.

Featuring:

• Hon. Rebecca Bradley, Justice, Wisconsin Supreme Court
• Hon. Stephen R. Clark, Chief Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
• Hon. Gary Feinerman, Former Judge, United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois
• Ed Whelan, Distinguished Senior Fellow and Antonin Scalia Chair in Constitutional Studies, Ethics and Public Policy Center
• Moderator: Hon. Robert Young Jr., Former Chief Justice, Michigan Supreme Court

Speakers

Rebecca Bradley

Stephen R. Clark

Gary Feinerman

Edward Whelan

Robert P. Young

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Description

When the Federalist Society began, it was broadly assumed both in the legal culture and among the general public that the Constitution was fundamentally good—even if flawed. Forty years ago, our debates were over interpretation, spirit versus letter, and equality versus liberty. But in 2024, our most influential institutions and intellectuals challenge the goodness of the Constitution, arguing or assuming that it is inherently bad. This is a dramatic change from prior generations, who would invoke phases in the Constitution even as they advocated for their expanded meaning for progressive ends. Panelists will discuss the history, significance, and lasting impact of the U.S. Constitution and the success of this uniquely American form of government.

Featuring:

• Hon. Brock Swartzle, Judge, Fourth District Court of Appeal of Michigan
• Prof. John McGinnis, George C. Dix Professor in Constitutional Law, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
• Prof. Phillip Munoz, Tocqueville Professor of Political Science and Concurrent Professor of Law, University of Notre Dame
• Moderator: Hon. John Kness, Judge, United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois

Speakers

John F. Kness

John O. McGinnis

Vincent Phillip Munoz

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Description

Topic: "Risk and Courage in the Law"

Featuring

• Hon. Michael B. Brennan, Judge, United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

Speakers

Michael B. Brennan

• In-Person Event