How Does the Structure of the Constitution Uphold the Rule of Law? [No. 86]

What is the “rule of law” and how does the Constitution preserve it? Professor Lillian BeVier explains that the citizens who make the laws are bound by them, and the government officials who enforce the laws are similarly constrained. The Constitution is structured in a way to distribute power and hold all actors equally accountable - the governed and the government.

Professor Lillian BeVier is the David and Mary Harrison Distinguished Professor of Law Emeritus at the University of Virginia School of Law. Professor BeVier taught constitutional law (with special emphasis on First Amendment issues), intellectual property (trademark, copyright), real property and torts from 1973-2010 at the Law School, and now teaches a January Term course on judicial philosophy.

As always, the Federalist Society takes no position on particular legal or public policy issues; all expressions of opinion are those of the speaker.

#law #constitution #ruleoflaw

[jessebloom]

Who is the government accountable to? Who checks the government? What if the branches of government don’t check each other or in doing so are not successful in their attempt?

[avalonmist]

Professor could you please explain how being at War changes the Constitution?