Season 5, Episode 1: A Life for Liberty, An Interview with Randy Barnett

In this special Constitution Day episode of Lady Justice: Women of the Court, hosts Justice Rhonda Wood of Arkansas and Justice Beth Walker of West Virginia sit down with Randy Barnett, the Patrick Hotung Professor of Constitutional Law at Georgetown University and Director of the Georgetown Center for the Constitution. Together, they dive into a thought-provoking conversation about Barnett’s latest memoir, A Life for Liberty: The Making of an American Originalist, and explore his journey from a prosecutor in Chicago to becoming a leading voice in the originalism movement. 

Barnett shares insights into the federal and state constitutions, the amendment processes, and his expertise on the Ninth Amendment. The discussion delves into the principles of originalism, the impact of abolitionist Lysander Spooner, and the significance of the “lost constitution.” The episode also offers a glimpse into Barnett’s forthcoming work, Felony Review: Tales of True Stories of Crime and Corruption in Chicago, drawing on his experiences as a prosecutor. 

Listeners will also gain valuable advice on the importance of mentorship and learn about the influential mentors who shaped Barnett’s career. This episode provides a compelling look at the intersection of law, history, and personal conviction, offering inspiration for anyone passionate about justice and liberty. 

Topics Discussed: 

• The differences between the federal Constitution and state constitutions, and their respective amendment processes 

• The origins and principles of originalism 

• Key insights into Barnett’s memoir, A Life for Liberty: The Making of an American Originalist 

• The role of mentorship in Barnett’s career and personal growth 

• Discussions on the Ninth Amendment and the concept of the “lost constitution” 

• Reflections on Lysander Spooner’s The Unconstitutionality of Slavery and its influence on originalism 

• A preview of Barnett’s upcoming book, Felony Review: Tales of True Stories of Crime and Corruption in Chicago 

Don’t miss this engaging conversation that blends constitutional law, history, and the personal stories of one of America’s foremost legal scholars. Tune in now! 

Resources:  
-https://www.randybarnett.com/  
-https://www.law.georgetown.edu/faculty/randy-e-barnett/ 
-https://www.amazon.com/Life-Liberty-Making-American-Originalist/dp/1641773774 
-https://archive.org/details/unconstitutionalit00spoo  
-https://www.ncsc.org/education-and-careers/civics/constitution-day