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2020 Annual Western Chapters Conference

January 25, 2020

On January 25, 2020, the Federalist Society hosted its annual Western Chapters Conference at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA. Panel topics included The Anti-Federalists at the Founding, The Anti-Federalists and Theories of Originalism, and The Anti-Federalists and the Court. Audio and video now online.



Registration has closed. Please contact Kate Fugate at [email protected] with questions

No refunds after Wednesday, January 22nd. 

Aprroved for 5 HOURS CA MCLE Credit.

The Federalist Society takes no positions on particular legal and public policy matters. Any expressions of opinion by conference participants are their own, not those of the Federalist Society or the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Foundation

 

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8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Registration

2020 Annual Western Chapters Conference

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
40 Presidential Dr
Simi Valley, CA 93065

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9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Panel 1: The Anti-Federalists at the Founding

2020 Annual Western Chapters Conference

Topics: Federalism • Founding Era & History • Separation of Powers • Federalism & Separation of Powers • Constitution
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
40 Presidential Dr
Simi Valley, CA 93065

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Event Video

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Description

On January 25, 2020, the Federalist Society hosted its annual Western Chapters Conference at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA. The conference opened with a panel on "The Anti-Federalists at the Founding."

This panel will focus on the historical backdrop of the Founding. We all know about the Federalist Papers. Many have read the Max Farrand’s The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 or portions of it. But fewer have read the Anti-Federalists’ critiques. This panel will introduce the who, what, when, where, and why of the Anti-Federalists. This panel will also discuss the role of the Bill of Rights in addressing the concerns of the Anti-Federalists and introduce the foundations of the debate on the importance of federalism.

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As always, the Federalist Society takes no particular legal or public policy positions. All opinions expressed are those of the speakers.

Panelists: 

  • Prof. Jud Campbell, Associate Professor of Law, Richmond School of Law
  • Dr. Michelle Kundmueller, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Old Dominion University
  • Dr. Roger Pilon, Vice President for Legal Affairs, Cato Institute
  • Prof. Michael Rappaport, Hugh and Hazel Darling Foundation Professor of Law; Director, Center for the Study of Constitutional Originalism, University of San Diego School of Law
  • Moderator: Hon. John Bush, United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
  • Introduction: Justin Gilio, Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney's Office
  • Welcome: Lisa Ezell, Vice President & Director, Lawyers Chapters, The Federalist Society

Speakers

11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Panel 2: The Anti-Federalists and Theories of Originalism

2020 Annual Western Chapters Conference

Topics: Constitution • Founding Era & History • Philosophy
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
40 Presidential Dr
Simi Valley, CA 93065

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Event Video

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Description

On January 25, 2020, the Federalist Society hosted its annual Western Chapters Conference at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA. The second panel discussed "The Anti-Federalists and Theories of Originalism."

This panel will discuss Anti-Federalist thought and its relevance to theories of originalism. Do the Federalist Papers matter to originalism? If yes, what about the Anti-Federalists? If no, should we also ignore the Anti-Federalists? This panel will focus on scholarly research and academia.

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As always, the Federalist Society takes no particular legal or public policy positions. All opinions expressed are those of the speakers.

Panelists: 

  • Prof. Aditya Bamzai, Associate Professor of Law, University of Virginia School of Law
  • Dr. John S. Baker, Jr., Professor Emeritus, Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Louisiana State University
  • Prof. Christopher R. Green, Professor of Law and H.L.A. Hart Scholar in Law and Philosophy, University of Mississippi School of Law
  • Moderator: Hon. Amul Thapar, United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
  • Introduction: Ryamond J. Nhan, Associate, Payne & Fears

Speakers

12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Keynote Address: The Anti-Federalists: Behind the Masks

2020 Annual Western Chapters Conference

Topics: Constitution • Federal Courts • Founding Era & History • Philosophy
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
40 Presidential Dr
Simi Valley, CA 93065

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Event Video

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On January 25, 2020, the Federalist Society hosted its annual Western Chapters Conference at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA. The luncheon featured a keynote address by Judge Andrew Oldham on "The Anti-Federalists: Behind the Masks."

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As always, the Federalist Society takes no particular legal or public policy positions. All opinions expressed are those of the speakers.

  • Hon. Andy Oldham, United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
  • Introduction: Lisa Ezell, Vice President & Director, Lawyers Chapters, The Federalist Society

Speakers

2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Panel 3: The Anti-Federalists and the Court

2020 Annual Western Chapters Conference

Topics: Constitution • Federal Courts • Philosophy • Supreme Court • Founding Era & History
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
40 Presidential Dr
Simi Valley, CA 93065

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Event Video

Listen & Download

Description

On January 25, 2020, the Federalist Society hosted its annual Western Chapters Conference at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA. The conference concluded with a panel on "The Anti-Federalists and the Court."

Just this term, the Anti-Federalists played a major role in the outcome of Franchise Tax Board v. Hyatt. Is that a one-off or a sign of more to come? Beyond simply citing the papers as a plea to authority, should courts confronting questions of originalism read the materials underlying Anti-Federalist thought as a way to understand the Constitution? 

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As always, the Federalist Society takes no particular legal or public policy positions. All opinions expressed are those of the speakers.

Panelists:

  • Hon. Scott Keller, Partner, Baker Botts & Former Solicitor General of Texas
  • Erin Murphy, Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
  • Ilya Shapiro, Director , Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies, Cato Institute
  • Moderator: Hon. Michael Brennan, United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
  • Introduction: Christopher Hage, Senior Advisor to the Regional Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency

Speakers

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Library Tour (Optional)

2020 Annual Western Chapters Conference

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
40 Presidential Dr
Simi Valley, CA 93065

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4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Closing Reception

2020 Annual Western Chapters Conference

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
40 Presidential Dr
Simi Valley, CA 93065

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