Breakfast with the Constitution

About the Series

The programs will be conducted by Rod Smolla, Dean of the Washington and Lee School of Law, a prominent constitutional law scholar and litigator. 

Each program will focus on a specific topic of constitutional law.  The audience will be invited to participate as Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States.  Dean Smolla will present oral arguments on both sides of the issue before the "Supreme Court," and the audience will be asked to question the Dean, deliberate and debate the issues, and vote on the appropriate outcome.

A light breakfast will be served beginning at 8:00 a.m., and the programs will commence at 8:30 a.m.

For questions about these programs, please contact Peter Jetton at pjetton@wlu.edu or 540-458-8782.

"Religion and the Constitution"

Wednesday, November 27, 2007
Rockbridge County High School
(See related story)

This program will examine issues related to separation of church and state, including such issues as the inclusion of religious messages and symbols in government programs and on government property, and religion in public schools, and issues relating to problems posed when ordinary rules of civil and criminal law adversely impact on an individual's free exercise of religion.

"The Constitution and Freedom of the Press"

Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Millhiser Moot Court Room, School of Law
8:00 a.m Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. Discussion

This program will explore the freedom of the press, examining a number of current issues relevant to the ability of journalists to obtain information on government activity, the protection of the confidentiality of a journalists' news sources, efforts by the government to restrain the publication of classified national security material, and attempts by the government to criminally prosecute journalists for divulging classified information leaked to the journalist by government officials.

Download Questions Presented (Word Document)

Directions and maps of the School of Law can be found here. Parking will be available in the Law School's visitor parking lot. Please contact Peter Jetton at pjetton@wlu.edu or 540-458-8782 with any questions.

"The Constitution and the War Power"

Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Kendal Retirement Community

This program will examine the role of the President as Commander-in-Chief, the power of the Congress to declare war, and the role of the Supreme Court as an interpreter of the Constitution, exploring the constitutional system of checks and balances in relation to the decisions over whether to commence and whether to end a war.