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
Nothing Is Benign [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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It’s a lively session in the faculty lounge as professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo parse the case for impeachment, and analyze some of the biggest cases coming before the Supreme Court: will a new lineup of justices…
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The men of Law Talk reconvene between their respective journeys to Greece and there’s a very full docket. On this episode: could President Trump’s conversations with Ukraine lay the predicate for impeachment? What’s the…
You Asked [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Once a year we throw open the doors of the faculty lounge and let the Law Talk audience ask questions of Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo. This year’s result: a conversation that touches on everything from acquiri…
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It’s time for summer school in the faculty lounge and Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo are reviewing the Supreme Court term that was. On this episode: was the census ruling a backdoor victory for critics of the ad…
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It’s a lively session in the faculty lounge as Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo navigate a minefield of legal controversies: what do Alabama’s new restrictions on abortion mean for the future of Roe v. Wade? What’…
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Duration: 1:00:04
The faculty lounge has reopened and Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo are colluding to bring you top-shelf legal analysis. On this installment: is the Mueller Report vindication of President Trump or the predicate…
It’s Mueller Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:11
It’s March Madness in the faculty lounge — and with the current news cycle, this episode is a layup line for Professors Epstein and Yoo. On the agenda: a deep dive into the Mueller Report; a look at the legal ramificatio…
Well Dressed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:03
The newest installment of Law Talk sees debate brewing in the faculty lounge as Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo find themselves on the opposite side of several issues. On the agenda: Did Michael Cohen’s testimony…
The Burger Kings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:15
On the first Law Talk of 2019, Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo are tackling the big issues: can President Trump build a border wall by declaring a national emergency? Was the FBI within its rights to open an inve…