Impeaching a Supreme Court Justice: Law, History and Politics with David Adler

About this class:

This is a 6-week virtual class using the Zoom platform.

Mondays Sept. 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16 - 6-8:00 pm CT

The swirling conflict of interest concerns surrounding Justice Clarence Thomas and the broader national discussions about judicial reform and accountability, present for us a timely opportunity to consider the Impeachment Clause of the Constitution and the Framers' criteria for impeaching federal judges, including members of the High Tribunal. Adler's talk probes the legal and political factors that underly contemplation of impeachment and removal of a Supreme Court Justice and the potential for encroaching on judicial independence universally understood to be critical to the maintenance of the rule of law. We will also examine the impeachment of Justice Samuel Chase in 1805 and the subsequent efforts to remove other members of the Court.

Instructor bio:

Dr. David Adler is President of The Alturas Institute, a non-profit organization created to promote the Constitution, gender equality, and civic education.  A recipient of teaching, writing, and civic awards, Adler has lectured nationally and internationally, and published widely, on the Constitution, presidential power, and the Bill of Rights. He is the author of six books, including, most recently, The War Power in an Age of Terrorism, as well as more than 100 scholarly articles in the leading journals of his field.  He is currently writing a book, supported by a research fellowship from the Idaho Humanities Council, on the landmark Supreme Court decision in Reed v. Reed, which had its origins in Idaho and transformed the law for American women.

Humanities North Dakota classes and events are funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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