Constitutional Studies

The Constitutional Studies Program hosts a series of scholarly programs designed to highlight new scholarship in all areas of constitutionalism. All are welcome to virtual sessions. In-person sessions are reserved for members of the community at the University of Texas at Austin.

Fall 2024 Events

Book Launch: “The Story of Constitutions” (Cambridge University Press, 2023)

Monday September 9, 2024
11:45am - 1:15pm
TNH 2.111 Sheffield-Massey Room

A conversation with Wim Voermans, Professor of Constitutional and Administrative law at Leiden University, on his book “The Story of Constitutions” (Cambridge University Press), with comments from Zachary Elkins, Professor of Government at the University of Texas at Austin.

The Constitutional Studies Program will award its 2023 Book of the Year Award to Professor Voermans at this luncheon.

Secession and Amendment in Canada

Tuesday September 17, 2024
3:45pm - 5:45pm
TNH 2.124

A conversation with Allan Rock, Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Canada (retired), on the cases he litigated and laws he sponsored in connection with Quebec’s attempted secession from Canada in 1995.

Unconstitutional Constitutional Amendments: Doctrine and Theory

Tuesday September 24, 2024
3:45pm - 5:45pm
TNH 2.124

A conversation with Carlos Bernal, Justice (retired) of the Constitutional Court of Colombia, on his scholarship and judicial opinions on the doctrine of an unconstitutional constitutional amendment.

Constitutional Studies Luncheon: Book Launch – The Constitution of the War on Drugs

Monday October 7, 2024
11:45am - 1:15pm
TNH 2.111 Sheffield-Massey Room

A conversation with David Pozen, Charles Keller Beekman Professor of Law at Columbia University, on his new book “The Constitution of the War on Drugs” (Oxford University Press), with comments from Jennifer Laurin, William B. Bates Chair for the Administration of Justice at the University of Texas at Austin.

The Costs of Informal Constitutional Amendment

Monday October 14, 2024
3:45pm - 5:45pm
TNH 2.124

A conversation with Andrea Scoseria Katz, Associate Professor of Law at Washington University in St. Louis, on how the U.S. Constitution changes without an alteration to its text—and the costs to this form of constitutional change.

The Illusion of Amendment Difficulty in Mexico

Monday December 2, 2024
3:45pm - 5:45pm
TNH 2.124

A conversation with Jaime Olaiz González, Professor of Constitutional Theory at Universidad Panamericana (Mexico), on the causes and consequences of the extraordinary ease of amendment in Mexico.

Constitutional Studies Roundtable Discussion

Saturday December 7, 2024
1:00pm - 6:00pm
TNH 2.111 Sheffield-Massey Room

Constitutional Studies roundtable discussion. Zoom option available.