HLS Beyond Presents: The Oldest Constitutional Question: Enumeration & Federal Power

Every law student learns that the federal government is constrained to act only according to its enumerated powers, meaning that Congress can do what the Constitution expressly authorizes it to and nothing more. Law Professor and author, Richard Primus, contends in his important new book, The Oldest Constitutional Question, that this longstanding orthodoxy—allegedly required by the text of the Constitution, the Framers’ vision, and the logic of federalism—is fundamentally flawed. Come join a discussion between Professor Noah Feldman and the author on whether the enumeration of powers is not, and never has been, a sensible means for creating and enforcing limits on Congress. Lunch will be provided. Please REGISTER in advance.