Does AI Dream of Constitutional Rights?

Does AI Dream of Constitutional Rights?

Author: The Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin May 6, 2025 Duration: 58:40
Law Talk returns and in this excursion,  Charles C.W. Cooke, Richard Epstein, and John Yoo tackle a grab bag of constitutional issues with their usual mix of legal scholarship and exasperation (typically with each other). First up: the state of Maine, apparently auditioning for a role in a dystopian novel, bans a legislator from speaking because her views on gender in sports offend the ruling party. Epstein and Yoo are, unsurprisingly, not impressed. Then it’s on to Trump’s latest target—Harvard—where he wants to yank their tax-exempt status for what he sees as race-based admissions sins. Yoo says, “Hey, Bob Jones University got smacked for less,” while Epstein warns that burning down universities to own the libs might be a bit much. Things get even spicier with the arrest of a Wisconsin judge who allegedly helped an illegal immigrant sneak out the back door—Yoo and Epstein agree it’s legally justified, but question whether perp-walking a judge was really necessary. Finally, the gang ponders whether chatbots have First Amendment rights, with the consensus being: no, and let’s hope the robots don’t hear us say that.

Tune in for a series of conversations that are as intellectually rigorous as they are genuinely entertaining. On Law Talk With Epstein, Yoo & Cooke, preeminent legal scholars Richard Epstein and John Yoo break down complex legislation and pivotal constitutional questions with a clarity and wit rarely found in discussions of the law. Guided by host Charles C. W. Cooke, their dialogues cut through the noise of daily headlines to examine the deeper historical and philosophical principles shaping current events. This isn't a dry lecture; it's a lively, often humorous exploration of how legal theory directly impacts the world of politics and government. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair to a fascinating discussion between brilliant minds, making nuanced topics accessible and compelling. Produced by The Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin, the podcast offers listeners a unique blend of expert analysis, historical context, and spontaneous debate. You'll come away from each conversation not only better informed about the news of the day but with a richer understanding of the legal structures that underpin our society.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 72

Law Talk With Epstein, Yoo & Cooke
Podcast Episodes
The Girl With the Curl [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:34
The fall semester is under way in the faculty lounge as Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo take us through the latest legal controversies. On the syllabus: The many twists and turns of the FBI’s investigation into D…
“The End of Roe v. Wade” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:25
In a special episode of Law Talk, professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo do a deep dive into Dobbs v. Jackson, the Supreme Court case overturning Roe v. Wade — and take listener questions while they’re at it. They analy…
The Leak Heard ‘Round the World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:33
Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo come together for an emergency session in the faculty lounge, wherein they break down the consequences of the leaked Supreme Court abortion decision, the strengths and weaknesses o…
The Life of the Snail Darter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:57
The faculty lounge has been closed for repairs, and after a long absence the men of Law Talk are back with a super-sized episode. On the agenda: the rise of KBJ and the legacy of Justice Breyer; the fallout from the end…
California Dreamin’ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:36
The faculty lounge moves west, as Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo both check in from sunny California (while resident cat-herder Troy Senik stays behind in frigid New York). On this installment: Did the Supreme C…
Santa on Trial [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:47
It’s a festive year-end session in the faculty lounge, as Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo dissect the latest drama before the Supreme Court. Is Roe v. Wade headed for annihilation? Is California’s attempt to use…
Worked Up Into a Blue Snit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:51
The faculty lounge is open for visitors as Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo tackle the latest legal controversies: will the Supreme Court open the door to challenges to the controversial Texas abortion law? Can Do…
Ask the Professors! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:26
Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo are kicking off the fall semester with a bang, as they invite classroom participation in the form of questions from Law Talk listeners. On a wide-ranging episode, they cover the co…
Impeachable Offenses [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:07
The faculty lounge has been closed for renovations, but Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo are back to break down the biggest legal stories of the summer: What will come of the Biden Administration’s decision to def…
While the Iron is Hot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:40
Summer school is in full-swing in the faculty lounge, where Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo are breaking down the latest from the Supreme Court: Is college sports about to be turned on its head? Was the Court rig…