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15Nov
Reception Announcing the James Wilson Institute's Partnerships at the Federalist Society's Annual Convention
Over 150 people attended the Institute's kickoff reception November 15th to announce partnerships with Alliance Defending Freedom and the Wheatley Institution at Brigham Young University during the Federalist Society's 2013 National Lawyers Convention. Friends, old and new, came together to celebrate the Institute's collaboration with ADF on the James Wilson Fellowship, which will be held July 7-11, 2014, at ADF's Legal Academy in Naples, Florida, and participate in various programming with the Wheatley Institution. Special thanks to the Federalist Society for their help in ensuring the... -
1Nov
James Wilson Seminar
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15Jan
Day at the Supreme Court
On January 15, 2014, thirteen students from Prof. Arkes's American Constitution class at Amherst were treated to a full day of events structured around the workings of the Supreme Court. The day started with oral argument in the cases of McCullen v. Coakley and United States v. Castleman. Following the two cases, Dr. Matthew Spalding hosted the students for lunch at Hillsdale College's Kirby Center where they heard from two Hillsdale alumni who are clerks on the high court about their experience working for the justices. After lunch, students returned to the Court where Justice Samuel... -
30Jan
Book Forum at the Cato Institute: "The Conscience of the Constitution: The Declaration of Independence and the Right to Liberty"
Our friends at the Cato Institute hosted a book forum on The Conscience of the Constitution: The Declaration of Independence and the Right to Liberty by Pacific Legal Institute attorney Timothy Sandefur. The book "documents a vital, forgotten truth: our Constitution was written not to empower democracy, but to secure liberty. In fact, the word "democracy" does not occur in either the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence. Yet, to author and constitutional scholar Sandefur, the overemphasis on democracy by today's legal community--rather than the primacy of liberty, as... -
22Jan
Massachusetts Citizens for Life Caucus
Prof. Hadley Arkes, along with several leading voices of the pro-life movement, spoke at the Massachusetts Citizens for Life Caucus held in the Russell Senate Office Building's Kennedy Caucus Room on January 22nd, 2014. Prof. Arkes urged a shift in focus to the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act he helped craft in order to restore the standing of human person targeted for abortion. -
20Feb
Prof. Hadley Arkes at the Kirby Center: "Recasting the Case for Religious Liberty"
In light of cases now before the U.S. Supreme Court, Prof. Hadley Arkes suggests that we need to recast and sharpen the argument for religious freedom. When the claims of religious freedom are put forth as claims merely for “beliefs,” they detach the argument from claims of “truth.” They offer a plea then for “tolerance” and they claim, at most, an “exemption” for the laws imposed on others. In that way, the argument for religious freedom gives up the ground of moral opposition to the laws that are being resisted. But the... -
9Feb
Meet and Greet in Washington, D.C., with Ricochet
The James Wilson Institute on Natural Rights and the American Founding is proud to organize a meet and greet with our friends from the center-right online forum Ricochet at the venerable Washington, D.C., fixture, Clyde's in Chinatown. Prof. Hadley Arkes will be on hand to discuss the work of the Institute and types of events it will plan on sponsoring in the coming months. The gathering will take place on the second floor of the restaurant and will feature appetizers to snack on. Guests are welcome. Please let us know you plan on attending by clicking Attend Event. -
11Apr
Spring 2014 Meeting of the Colloquium on the American Founding—April 11&12
The 2014 spring meeting of the Colloquium on the American Founding was held at the University Club of Washington, DC and the Kirby Center located on Capitol Hill. -
8Mar
Prof. Hadley Arkes at Cleveland Right to Life Symposium
Prof. Hadley Arkes served as keynote speaker during Saturday lunch at Cleveland Right to Life's Bringing America Back to Life symposium. Prof. Arkes used natural law and logic to discuss the trajectory of the pro-life movement and draw from ideas found in his book, Natural Rights & the Right to Choose. Audio recording courtesy of Cleveland Right to Life. -
2May
James Wilson VI
We were pleased to host the sixth James Wilson Seminar Saturday, May 3rd, at the University Club of Washington, D.C. -
2May
Allan Greenberg—Natural Rights and the Architecture of the American Founding
Please join us for a lecture on the architecture of the American founding and the doctrines of natural rights by renowned architect Allan Greenberg. Prof. Arkes offers the following about our lecturer: Allan Greenberg has become the premier exponent of American 18th century classicism. He did the Treaty Room at the State Department under George Schultz, the Bergdorf Goodman store in New York, many distinguished private residences, and many of them shown in a new book out by Rizzoli, "Allan Greenberg, Classical Architect." He is an emigre from South Africa... -
26Mar
Prof. Hadley Arkes at Benedictine College: "Recasting the Case for Religious Liberty"
Prof. Hadley Arkes, a nationally known expert on constitutional law and a pioneer in the pro-life movement, will discuss national headlines in a public lecture set for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, in the McAllister Board Room on the Benedictine College campus in Atchison, Kan. Arkes is the Edward Ney Professor of American Institutions and Jurisprudence at Amherst College in Massachusetts and his lecture, “Recasting the Case for Religious Freedom,” will discuss constitutional law and natural rights. The event, sponsored by the Benedictine College Gregorian Fellows, is... -
18Jun
Federalist Society, Miami Lawyers Chapter—Prof. Hadley Arkes on "The Natural Law Challenge"
Please join the Federalist Society's Miami Lawyers chapter for an evening with Prof. Hadley Arkes. Prof. Arkes will deliver a talk titled, "The Natural Law Challenge." Cocktail Reception 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Formal Program and Discussion 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. Complimentary admission and hors d'oeuvres. Cash bar available. The Federalist Society requests RSVPs by June 13. -
7Jul
James Wilson Fellowship, Naples, FL
In partnership with the Alliance Defending Freedom, Prof. Hadley Arkes led five days of seminars on natural law in Naples, Florida, July 7-12, 2014. In those concentrated sessions, he dealt with these central points: the moral ground of the law; the properties of moral truths and how we know them; but then beyond that, how we may apply those principles of natural law systematically to the cases that arise in our law. The question was whether we can shape in that way a jurisprudence with moral coherence. Arkes was joined occassionally in these seminars by two... -
26Sep
Fall Meeting of the Colloquium on the American Founding—Amherst, MA, Sept. 26th-27th
Rob Long--"Stop Whining about Hollywood and the Media!" Christopher DeMuth--"Can the Executive State be Tamed?" James Stoner--"What is the Moral Basis of the Free Economy?" David Forte--"Setting Abortion on a Path to Extinction" -
8Aug
Prof. Arkes at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels: "Natural Law: Is it a Theory or a Thing?"
Please join us for a discussion on the role of natural rights and principled reasoning in the law with Professor Hadley Arkes on Friday, August 8th. The event will take place at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in sunny Los Angeles, California. Cost of admission is $12 to cover the space and lunch that will be provided. Questions addressed include: What is the history of the idea of natural law? How does natural law fit into today's society? And can we safely rely on principled reasoning as the basis of legal decision making, or must we accept whatever new conventions that... -
29Aug
Claremont Institute APSA Annual Meeting Panel: The Recent Term of the U.S. Supreme Court
Prof. Arkes will participate in a panel titled "The Recent Term of the U.S. Supreme Court." The event is being held at the American Political Science Association's annual meeting and is sponsored by our friends at the Claremont Institute. For more information about attending, please contact 'meeting@apsanet.org' -
17Oct
Prof. Carroll William Westfall—American Architecture and the American Civil Order: the Shared Foundations
Prof. Westfall has taught for nearly 50 years architecture and architectural history at the University of Notre Dame, University of Virginia, and Amherst College. A central theme of all of his studies has been the history of the city with particular attention to the reciprocity between the political life and the urban and architectural elements that serve the needs of citizens. His emphasis is on the usefulness of knowledge of history to practicing architects. This, rather than a stylistically based interpretation of the history of architecture, has informed all of his work. His current... -
1Nov
University of Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture Panel: "Catholic Social Teaching and American Capitalism: Are They Compatible?"
Prof. Hadley Arkes participated in the de Nicola Family Colloquy "Catholic Social Teaching and American Capitalism: Are They Compatible?" at the University of Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture's Fall Conference on Poverty. Along with Prof. Arkes, fellow panelists included Patrick Deneen, James Mumford, and John Tomasi. -
20Jan
Federalist Society, Houston Lawyers Chapter: Prof. Hadley Arkes on "The Natural Law in American Constitutional Jurisprudence"
Please join the Federalist Society’s Houston Lawyers chapter for a luncheon with Prof. Hadley Arkes. Prof. Arkes will deliver a talk titled, “The Natural Law in American Constitutional Jurisprudence.” Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. Lecture: 12:00-1:00 p.m. Cost: $10 for Federalist Society members and government employees. $20 for others. To register online, please visit here. Please register by Jan. 19th. Seating is limited. Questions may be directed to Federalist Society Houston Lawyers Chapter President William Peterson... -
22Jan
Federalist Society, Ft. Worth Lawyers Chapter: Prof. Hadley Arkes on "Abortion and the Law: Looking Back—and Looking Ahead"
Please join the Federalist Society’s Ft. Worth Lawyers chapter for a luncheon with Prof. Hadley Arkes. Prof. Arkes will deliver a talk titled, “Abortion and the Law: Looking Back—and Looking Ahead.” Luncheon: 12pm- 12:30 p.m. Lecture: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Cost: $30 for members; $35 for non-members; and $15 for students. The cost without reservations is $40 at the door (cash or check only). (1 hour CLE anticipated) Click here to register. You can also reserve a seat by emailing TarrantFedSoc@gmail.com by Noon, Monday, January 19, 2015. Questions:... -
23Jan
Federalist Society, Dallas Lawyers Chapter: Prof. Hadley Arkes on "Abortion and the Law: Looking Back—and Looking Ahead"
Please join the Federalist Society’s Dallas Lawyers chapter for a luncheon with Prof. Hadley Arkes. Prof. Arkes will deliver a talk titled, “Abortion and the Law: Looking Back—and Looking Ahead.” Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. Lecture: 12-1 p.m. More information forthcoming. -
20Jan
Catholic Health Care Professionals of Houston: Prof. Hadley Arkes on "Abortion and the Law: Looking Back—and Looking Ahead"
Please join the Catholic Health Care Professionals of Houston for an evening lecture with Prof. Hadley Arkes. Prof. Arkes will deliver a talk titled, “Abortion and the Law: Looking Back—and Looking Ahead.” Guests will gather in the Msgr. Jamail Family Center, the building adjacent to the main church. The lecture is free and open to the public. Reception with light refreshments: 6:30-6:45 p.m. Lecture: 6:45-7:45 p.m. Any questions may be directed to Carla Falco at carla.falco.md@gmail.com -
12Jan
2015 Day at the Court
On January 12, 2015, twelve students from Prof. Arkes's American Constitution class at Amherst were treated to a full day of events structured around the workings of the Supreme Court. The day started with oral argument in the cases of Reed v. Town of Gilbert, Ariz. and Oneonk Inc. v. Learjet Inc. Following the two cases, our friends at Hillsdale College's Kirby Center hosted the students for lunch where they heard from one current clerk on the Court and one recent former clerk about their experience working for the justices. After lunch, students returned to... -
6Feb
Penn Law School Federalist Society Student Symposium: "The New Leviathan: Re-Examining the Expansion of Federal Power"
The University of Pennsylvania's Federalist Society chapter hosted its 2nd annual student symposium titled, "The New Leviathan: Re-Examining the Expansion of Federal Power." Prof. Hadley Arkes delivered the keynote address titled, "Containing the Reach of the Federal Power: An Appeal to a Remedy Old--and New." -
20Feb
"The Perils of Giving a False Account of Ourselves: Detaching Religious Freedom from Moral Truths" Prof. Hadley Arkes at Patrick Henry College
Prof. Hadley Arkes delivered a lecture at Patrick Henry College on natural law and religious liberty on Feb. 20th, 2015. The school's entire student body attended the talk in the morning, clustered in smaller discussion groups afterward to formulate questions for Prof. Arkes, and finally spent the afternoon posing questions to him while on a reponse panel. We were grateful to Patrick Henry College for the invitation to speak and for the deep consideration of the ideas Prof. Arkes laid out before them. -
4Jun
Federalist Society, Charlotte Lawyers Chapter: Prof. Hadley Arkes on "Containing the Federal Power: A Remedy Old...and Surprisingly New"
Please join the Federalist Society’s Charlotte Lawyers chapter for a luncheon with Prof. Hadley Arkes. Prof. Arkes will deliver a talk titled, “Containing the Federal Power: A Remedy Old … and Surprisingly New." For more information, please RSVP here. -
1May
James Wilson VIII
We were pleased to host the eighth James Wilson Seminar Saturday, May 2nd, at the University Club of Washington, D.C. -
10Mar
After Oral Argument in King v. Burwell, "How Did it Go?"
After Oral Argument in King v. Burwell, Hadley Arkes and the James Wilson Institute invited the friends of Mike Carvin and other close-watchers of the Court to gather for a session in which to compare our notes and impressions of that morning's oral arguments. Yuval Levin and others gave us their own reflections on what the Republicans might do in the aftermath of the decision, and on what the endgame might look like. Thank you to all who attended! -
1May
Catesby Leigh—"Classical Exceptionalism: Thoughts on the West's Unique Artistic Achievement and Its Enduring Relevance"
photo courtesy of Standpoint Magazine Catesby Leigh has been writing about architecture, urban planning, and public memorials since the 1990s. He also writes about fine art, especially sculpture, and his main interests include the classical sources of monumentality. His commentary has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Weekly Standard, National Review, First Things, Modern Age, Claremont Review of Books, and other publications. Leigh is also a co-founder and emeritus chair of the National Civic Art Society, a non-profit educational organization which seeks to improve the quality of the... -
12May
"The Partisan Divide: Congress in Crisis"
Rep. Tom Davis joined us May 12, 2015 for a discussion of his book The Partisan Divide: Congress in Crisis. Prof. Arkes offered commentary following Rep. Davis's talk. Photos courtesy of Deloitte -
17Sep
Constitution Day Lecture, Institute for the Study of Western Civilization & The Constitutionalist Society
Prof. Hadley Arkes will deliver the Constitution Day lecture at the Texas Tech Museum. The event is co-sponsored by the Institute for the Study of Western Civilization & The Constitutionalist Society. -
7Nov
James Wilson IX
We were pleased to host the ninth James Wilson Seminar Saturday, November 7th at the University Club of Washington, DC. -
7Aug
2015 James Wilson Fellowship
In partnership with the Wheatley Institution of Brigham Young University, Prof. Hadley Arkes led six days of seminars on natural law in Washington, DC, August 2-7, 2015. In those concentrated sessions, he dealt with these central points: the moral ground of the law; the properties of moral truths and how we know them; but then beyond that, how we may apply those principles of natural law systematically to the cases that arise in our law. The question was whether we could shape in that way a jurisprudence with moral coherence. Arkes was joined occassionally... -
16Sep
"Recasting Religious Freedom"—Prof. Hadley Arkes at Lubbock Christian University
Please join Lubbock Christian University as it welcomes Prof. Hadley Arkes for a lecture titled "Recasting Religious Liberty." -
27Oct
"Can the Political Branches Counter the Courts on Marriage and Abortion?: Teaching Conservatives Again What They Once Used To Know"
Prof. Hadley Arkes delivered a talk before the Thomas More Society of D.C. on the following subject: "Can the Political Branches Counter the Courts on Marriage and Abortion?: Teaching Conservatives Again What They Once Used To Know." -
20Nov
Faith and Law Lecture—Prof. Hadley Arkes on Countering the Courts on Marriage and Abortion
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13Nov
Celebrating the James Wilson Fellows
On November 13, 2o15, we celebrated our two classes of James Wilson Fellows at the Mayflower Hotel. -
30Apr
James Wilson X
We were pleased to host the tenth James Wilson Seminar Saturday, April 30th at the University Club of Washington, DC. -
7Apr
Celebrating 50 Years of Prof. Arkes at Amherst College
On the evening of Thursday, April 7, some former student of Prof. Arkes from a wide span of years hosted a gala to honor his 50th anniversary of teaching at Amherst. Over 120 students, from the '60s to students up to the class of '17, gathered together at the Union League Club of New York for cocktails, and to share memories. It was a beautiful evening, and Prof. Arkes treasured reconnecting with so many friends. To read a note of gratitude from Prof. Arkes to those who could attend the celebration, please visit here. -
6Nov
Michael Novak— "Social Justice Isn't What You Think It Is"
To begin our James Wilson IX seminar, we were delighted to host a lecture by Michael Novak entitled "Social Justice Isn't What You Think It Is." -
16Mar
"Is There Anything 'Essentially' Human?: James Wilson's Critique of Locke"—Lecture by Prof. Daniel Robinson
On Wednesday, March 16, at the University Club of D.C. we hosted the first in a series of lectures in 2016 in co-sponsorship with the Wheatley Institution of Brigham Young University. Prof. Daniel Robinson delivered a theory entitled, "Is There Anything 'Essentially' Human?: James Wilson's Critique of Locke." After the lecture, Prof. Roberta Bayer of Patrick Henry College joined to offer commentary. To watch Prof. Robinson's riviting lecture, please click on the video below. -
9Mar
"The Sexual Revolution and Its Victims"—Lecture by Dr. Jennifer Morse at George Washington University Law School
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15Jul
James Wilson Regional Seminar: Houston, TX
We were pleased to host our inaugural James Wilson Regional Seminar on July 15-16 in Houston, TX. This event launched a program we've been developing for some time now, the Arkes Course, a day and a half long seminar which focuses on Natural Law and its bearing on our law. We are now taking this seminar "on the road" to many different cities, bringing together lawyers and judges from those regions to discuss this important topic. If you are interested in helping to host one of these seminars in your area, please contact Garrett Snedeker (garrett at... -
29Apr
"Friends of Nino" Panel
We were very pleased to host the "Friends of Nino" panel on Friday, April 29. Hadley Arkes was joined by Prof. John Baker, Paul Clement, Noel Francisco, Gene Schaerr, Prof. Michael Uhlmann, and Edward Whelan. Beginning in the summer of 1987, just after Justice Scalia's first term on the Supreme Court, Prof. Baker regularly co-taught with the Justice; Mr. Clement clerked for Justice Scalia during the 1993-94 term; Mr. Francisco clerked for Justice Scalia during the 1997-98 term; Mr. Schaerr clerked for Justice Scalia during the 1986-87 term. Prof. Uhlmann has been a... -
18Apr
Our Country's Good Servant: A Symposium Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Justice Antonin Scalia
On Monday, April 18th, Prof. Hadley Arkes visited Ave Maria School of Law for a panel titled, "Our Country's Good Servant: A Symposium Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Justice Antonin Scalia." He was joined by his friend Prof. Gerry Bradley of Notre Dame Law School. Watch his talk here: -
14Jun
Federalist Society, New Orleans Lawyers Chapter—Prof. Hadley Arkes on "The Natural Law Challenge"
On Tuesday, June 14, Prof. Arkes delivered a luncheon lecture for the New Orleans Lawyers Federalist Society Chapter entitled "The Natural Law Challenge." In addition to FedSoc members, several sitting judges were also in attendance. The lecture was very well received by the attendees, and we are happy to continue partnering in events with Federalist Society chapters around the country. -
31Jul
2016 James Wilson Fellowship
We were delighted to welcome our 2016 class of James Wilson Fellows. The fellowship is a week long, fully funded program for law students, clerks, and lawyers only a few years out of law school who have demonstrated great potential in their careers. For this week, scholars affiliated with the James Wilson Institute lead seminars with the goal of shaping a more morally coherent jurisprudence rooted in natural law. To view the biographies of our 2016 class, please visit our 2016 fellows page. -
27Oct
Catholic Bar Association General Assembly
On October 27-30, the Catholic Bar Association (CBA) hosted its inaugural General Assembly. CBA was established to unite Catholic legal professionals. In addition to uniting individuals, the CBA also brings together outstanding Catholic and conservative lawyer groups, such as the Thomas More Society, the Federalist Society, and the Catholic Lawyers Guilde. During the conference, Prof. Arkes delivered a lecture to the assembly. -
25Jan
Evening Reception with the CBA
On Thursday, January 25th, the James Wilson Institute, the Catholic Bar Association (CBA), and the Catholic Information Center hosted a reception with friends and lawyers, Catholic and non-Catholic. The reception served as an opportunity for the leadership of the newly formed CBA to meet friends of ours in D.C. The CBA is a community of legal professionals that educates, organizes, and inspires its members to faithfully uphold and bear witness to the Catholic Faith in the study and practice of law. During this reception, we hoped to spread awareness... -
3Sep
American Political Science Association Annual Meeting
On Saturday, September 3, Prof. Arkes will give two presentations at the American Political Science Association's Annual meeting. His first presentation is entitled, "The Jurisprudence and American Legacy of Justice Antonin Scalia;" his second, "The Supreme Court Roundtable." The APSA's annual meeting will take place in Philadelphia, PA, from September 1-4. Attendance at the APSA is by registration only. For more information, and to register, please visit the APSA's website. -
15Sep
Justice Scalia and the Ground of the Law—Constitution Day Lecture at LSU Law
This Constitution Day, Prof. Arkes will deliver a lecture at Louisiana State University's Eric Voegelin Institute. The talk is entitled, "Justice Scalia and the Ground of the Law." For more informatoin, please visit LSU's website. -
26Aug
Regional Seminar: Newport Beach, CA
From Friday, August 26-Saturday, August 27, we hosted our second Regional Seminar in Newport Beach, CA. We enjoyed wonderful conversations around the table over the course of the five sessions we hosted. We look forward to making this an annual visit to Newport Beach. -
20Oct
The State of Our Law After Comey's Decision or: Can Anyone Be Prosecuted Any Longer for Revealing Life-threatening, Confidential Material?
We were pleased to host an evening panel featuring legal experts on the grounds, scope, and potential consequences of Director Comey's decision not to prosecute Hillary Clinton. Prof. Hadley Arkes moderated a discussion with the Hon. Michael Mukasey, Attorney General of the United States under President George W. Bush, Andrew McCarthy, former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney for the SDNY and a senior fellow at the National Review Institute, and finally Sean Bigley, of Bigley Ranish, LLP, who represents security clearance holders worldwide before all federal... -
24Jan
The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act: Restoring the Role of the Political Branches to Counter the Decisions of the Court
In partnership with the Alliance Defending Freedom, we were pleased to host: "The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act: Restoring the Role of the Political Branches to Counter the Decisions of the Court" In collaboration with our friends at Alliance Defending Freedom, we co-hosted a panel discussion on the strategic importance of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, legislation that ensures that the newborn who survives an abortion is entitled to the same medical attention that would be offered to any other premature baby at the same age. Prof. Hadley... -
18Nov
Celebrating the James Wilson Fellows 2016
On Friday, November 18, we were delighted to reunite with some of our James Wilson Fellows of the past three summers at the Federalist Society's National Lawyers Convention. In partnership with the Claremont Institute, with which we share some alumni, we gathered for an evening to socialize with friends old and new. This evening was an example of one of the ways we seek to preserve solidarity among the alumni of our programs. -
19Jan
At the Threshold of a New Administration: A Colloquium Among Friends of the Institute
The JWI hosted a colloquium on the American regime in anticipation of President-elect Trump’s inauguration. Rick Santorum, David Eisenhower, Kim Strassel, and Ben Domenech joined JWI Founder and Director Hadley Arkes and JWI Deputy Director Garrett Snedeker for a series of lectures and panels. Video recordings are forthcoming. Funding for the Colloquium was made possible by the Committee for the American Founding at Amherst College. -
28Apr
James Wilson XII
We enjoyed an excellent Conference in April, which marked our 12th meeting with this group of distinguished legal intellects. The James Wilson Senior Seminar is one of our flagship programs. -
19Jan
JWI Colloquium Dinner Reception
On the eve of the Inauguration, we gathered with close friends of JWI at the Society ofthe Cincinnati's Anderson House for a gala dinner. We were honored by the exquisite company, which made for a delightful evening. Thursday, January 19, 2017 6pm: JWI Reception/ Tour/ Cocktails Followed by Dinner The Society of the Cincinnati Anderson House 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008 -
26Mar
Red Mass Lecture in Green Bay, WI
On March 26, Prof. Hadley Arkes delivered a lecture proceeding the annual Red Mass in Green Bay, WI. Prof. Arkes was invited to give this lecture by a friend of JWI, and a frequent participator in our programs, Judge William Griesbach, US District Judge of the Eastern District of WI. The event was hosted by the St. Thomas More Society of Green Bay. -
5Apr
Opening Arguments: Conversations on the American Constitution. A Live Interview with Prof. Hadley Arkes
On Wednesday, April 5, the Hoover Institution hosted Professor Arkes as a segment of their interview series with Constitutional Scholars, “Opening Arguments: Conversations on the American Constitution." Adam White, a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution, conducted the interview. -
21Apr
Who's Afraid of Substantive Due Process?
In partnership with Randy Barnett's Center for the Constitution at Georgetown Law School, we were pleased to host the JWI Conference: "Who's Afraid of Substantive Due Process?" on Friday, April 21. In addition to Hadley Arkes and Randy Barnett, this Conference featured remarks delivered by Justin Dyer, Matthew Franck, and Christopher Green. It was formatted to be a seminar-styled Conference, and we were privileged to be joined by other great legal scholars who enriched the conversation. This Conference was made possible by the Charles Koch... -
28Apr
Shakespeare and Evil
On Friday, April 28, we were pleased to host a lecture entitled, "Shakespeare and Evil." This lecture is taken from a highly praised essay of the same name. We gathered at the DACOR Bacon House, an historic home in Washington, DC, which provided a fitting setting for this beautifully delivered lecture. -
22Sep
Regional Seminar: Provo, UT
We greatly enjoyed our trip to Provo, UT, on September 22-23. The event was Co-sponsored by the Wheatley Institution and continued a program begun last year, which brings a distilled version of the "Arkes Course," on the road. Gathering together judges and lawyers, we aim to facilitate fruitful discussion on Natural Law and its relationship to our law through a series of seminar sessions which take place over a day and a half. -
30Jul
James Wilson Summer Legal Fellowship - 2017
From July 30-August 4, we were joined by 15 outstanding young lawyers and law students who comprised our fourth class of James Wilson Fellows. Most of the Fellows were on their way to clerkships with judges, or coming out of clerkships; some are currently in practice, with one finishing his law degree. By the end of the Fellowship, we found we would be hard-pressed to assemble a group as tightly-knit and congenial as our 2017 class had become. As in the previous three years, our sessions demanded much from the Fellows, and also much... -
4Nov
Igor Babailov and the Art of the Portrait: Session with the Master
Please join us on Friday evening, November 4, for a lecture and demonstration by the distinguished artist, Igor Babailov, Hon. RAA, in a presentation entitled, "Igor Babailov and the Art of the Portrait: Session with the Master" We will gather for drinks at 5:00pm in the Pan American Room at the Capital Hilton Hotel (1001 16th St. NW). At 5:30pm, Maestro Babailov will give the audience a brief tour of his work, followed by a life portrait demonstration. We hope you can join us for this wonderful artistic presentation by one of the world’s most... -
2Oct
John Marshall: Landmarks & Legacy
WATCH "John Marshall: His Landmark Cases" on C-SPAN WATCH "John Marshall: His Legacy" on C-SPAN On Monday, October 2, we were pleased to partner with ConSource and the John Marshall Foundation to host two panels on the landmark cases and the legacy of Chief Justice John Marshall. The event took place at the DACOR Bacon House, the former home of John Marshall. The event consisted of two 90-minute panels. The first panel, titled “Landmark Cases of John Marshall,” featured Professor David Forte, a former delegate to the UN and current professor of law at... -
4Nov
James Wilson XIII
Continuing our longest-running flagship program, Hadley Arkes will bring together some stars of the federal bench, gifted professors in law and philosophy, and accomplished lawyers to take part in our 13th James Wilson Senior Seminar. What seems to drive this seminar is the sense among its members that the classic teaching of Natural Law, so compellingly demonstrated by founders like Alexander Hamilton, John Marshall, and James Wilson, offers us a path to a more morally coherent jurisprudence. With our seminars, we are helping to make Natural Law arguments ever clearer and more... -
19Oct
8th Annual Thomas More Society Banquet - Omaha Nebraska
At the Banquet Professor Arkes delivered the keynote speech and recieved the Defender of Life Award. Profesor Arkes was selected as this year's recipient in recognition of his contributions to the public discourse, academic, and political achievements. We thank the Omaha Chapter for their generosity and hopspitality on this wonderful occasion. -
26Oct
Red Mass - Richmond, Virginia
Professor Arkes gave a lecture on the Natural Law and the foundations of American Jurisprudence at St. Mary Catholic Church, in Richmond's West End, for the Red Mass. After Mass, a reception was held by our friends the St. Thomas More Society and Prof. Arkes was presented the traditional Holbien Hat. -
15Oct
The Herbert W. Vaughan Lecture on America's Founding Principles - Princeton, NJ
On Sunday, October 15th, Professor Hadley Arkes delivered the Herbert W. Vaughan Lecture on America’s Founding Principles at Princeton University. This annual lecture, sponsored by the James Madison Program on American Ideals and Institutions, is given to "promote and advance understanding of the founding principles and core doctrines of American constitutionalism." In his lecture, Professor Arkes examines the perennial tension within american jurisprudence between democratic political structures and the moral bounds such structures entail in order to remain coherent. We... -
3Nov
The James Wilson Lecture: Prof. Daniel Robinson - The Scottish Enlightenment and the Founding
On November 3rd, 2017, Prof. Daniel Robinson, Fellow of the Faculty at Oxford University and Senior Fellow at the Wheatley Institution, delivered the bi-annual James Wilson Lecture. Prof. Robinson has published over 40 books on psychology and philosophy. He writes widely on the constitutional history of the United States and its philosophical foundations with original research appearing in The International Journal of Constitutional Law and The American Journal of Jurisprudence. He is coeditor of The American Founding: Its Intellectual and Moral... -
17Nov
James Wilson Fellows Alumni Reception
On Friday, November 17, we brought our JWI Fellows Alumni together for a reunion admid the Federalist Society's National Lawyers Convention. Fellows reuinted with old collegues, made new friends, and were treated with an inside look at next years goals. It is always a pleaure to bring our alumni together from the across the years. To learn more about the JWI Legal Fellowship, please follow this link. -
27Apr
James Wilson XIV
Continuing our longest-running flagship program, Hadley Arkes will brought together some stars of the federal bench, gifted professors in law and philosophy, and accomplished lawyers to take part in our 14th James Wilson Senior Seminar. -
23Mar
Regional Seminar: Yale Law School
We were pleased to host a group of twenty-four law students and friends of the James Wilson Institute on March 23-24 at Yale Law School. This was our first of our 2018 Seminars on Natural Rights at some of the country's leading law schools. Over the course of two days, we discussed the connection between Natural Law and our Jurisprudence in light of some classic cases in our law. We are grateful to the students who joined us at Yale and greatly looking forward to future Seminars in this series! -
27Apr
"Playing Nino"—A Conversation with Actor Edward Gero, who plays Justice Scalia in "The Originalist"
The James Wilson Institute held a program "Playing Nino" that featured actor Edward Gero who plays Justice Antonin Scalia in "The Originalist." JWI Founder and Director Hadley Arkes lead a conversation on Gero's experience starring as the late Justice since 2015. Image courtesy of Playbill.com/Tony Powell -
11May
Regional Seminar: University of Chicago Law School
JWI travelled to the University of Chicago to offer a seminar on natural law and its bearing on the Constitution to the students and faculty along with lawyers in the Chicago area on the weekend of May 11-12. -
29Jul
James Wilson Summer Legal Fellowship - 2018
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25Jul
The Kavanaugh Hearing: A Battle of Two Constitutions
On Wednesday July 25th, the James Wilson Institute co-hosted a panel with the Claremont Institute and the Heritage Foundation on the hearing of Judge Brett Kavanaugh for the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Professor Hadley Arkes as moderator was joined by a distinguished set of legal scholars and Supreme Court experts, including John Eastman, Thomas Jipping, and Michael McGinley. The panel discussed the kinds of ideological challanges Kavanaugh will face from Senate's progressive wing and their "living Constitution" philosophy, as well as the best... -
28Sep
Harvard Law School—Regional Seminar on Natural Rights
JWI will host its third Regional Seminar on Natural Rights at Harvard Law School September 28-29, 2018. Though preference among attendees will be given to those affiliated with Harvard Law School, we anticipate having some spaces for those not connected to the law school. We invite you to convey any questions about the program by emailing Staff at JWInst.org or calling 202-760-3220. -
2Oct
8th Annual Diane Knippers Memorial Lecture—Prof. Hadley Arkes
The Institute on Religion & Democracy hosted its eighth annual Diane Knippers Memorial Lecture on Tuesday, October 2nd, featuring Professor Hadley Arkes. The title of the lecture was "Religious Freedom and the Crisis Over Conservative Jurisprudence." You may watch the lecture below: -
16Nov
James Wilson Fellows Alumni Breakfast
The James Wilson Institute hed a reunion breakfast for all alumni of the James Wilson Fellowship Program on Friday, November 16th, brnging together alumni from over the years along with our friends in legal academia and on the federal bench. It is always a pleasure to catch up with old friends, while sharing exciting JWI developments. Find out more about the James Wilson Fellowship here. -
19Oct
Judge Janice Rogers Brown on C.S. Lewis and Judging
The James Wilson Institute will host a program featuring former Judge Janice Rogers Brown on Friday, October 19th at the DACOR Bacon House in Washington, D.C. The title of the lecture is "Judicial Impiety: Dissin' the Tao." Doors will open at 5:30pm (a light reception will be served) and the program will begin at 6:00. Another reception will follow the event at 7:15. Janice Rogers Brown received her B.A. from California State University, Sacramento and her J.D. from the UCLA School of Law. She also received a Master of Laws degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. In 1996,... -
4Apr
Regional Seminar: New York City/Northern New Jersey
Prof. Hadley Arkes led a day and a half seminar that explored the American Founders’ understanding of the first principles of our law, and the moral grounds of their own rights. Participants heard lectures and engaged in discussions concerning the fundamentals of Natural Law reasoning, and how it can be brought to bear on the pressing issues of law and public policy facing the nation today. The iconic cases of American legal history were viewed through the Natural Law lens which presented an entirely new view of the law to practitioners. -
20Oct
James Wilson XV: Senior Seminar
Continuing our longest-running flagship program, Hadley Arkes brought together some stars of the federal bench, gifted professors in law and philosophy, and accomplished lawyers to take part in our 15th James Wilson Senior Seminar. -
28Feb
Seminar on Natural Rights for State Judges
Prof. Hadley Arkes led a weekend seminar for state court judges at the Blackstone and Burke Center for Law and Liberty at Faulkner University. -
4May
James Wilson XVI: Senior Seminar
Continuing our longest-running flagship program, JWI Founder & Director Hadley Arkes brought together some stars of the federal bench, gifted professors in law and philosophy, and accomplished lawyers to take part in the 16th James Wilson Senior Seminar. -
3May
Prof. Daniel Mahoney—"The New Religion of Humanity: Limitless Relativism and No Moral Ground for Political Life"
On Friday, May 3rd, the James Wilson Institute hosted a program featuring Professor Daniel Mahoney of Assumption College. The lecture, titled "The New Religion of Humanity: Limitless Relativism and No Moral Ground for Political Life", was held at the Kirby Center of Hillsdale College in Washington, D.C. Prof. Mahoney is Professor of Politics at Assumption College. He received his B.A. from the College of Holy Cross and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the Catholic University of America. He is Associate Editor of Perspectives on Political Science and Book Review Editor of Society... -
20May
JWI Fellow Alumni Day at the Court
On Monday, May 20, JWI was pleased to host Alumni of its Summer Legal Fellowship for a morning at the Supreme Court of the United States. Our alumni, alongside Prof. Arkes, attended the reading of opinions at the Court before walking to the Heritage Foundation, where they were hosted by our friends in the Meese Center for Legal & Judicial Studies for a luncheon lecture. -
29Mar
Columbia Law School—Regional Seminar on Natural Rights
JWI hosted a Regional Seminar on Natural Rights at Columbia Law School on March 29-30, 2019. -
10May
JWI Academic Conference: The Moral Ground of Rights of Property
On Friday, May 10, the James Wilson Institute held a one-day academic conference on natural law and a free economy--specifically, the moral ground of rights of property. Prof. Robert Miller (University of Iowa Law School) and Prof. Eric Claeys (Scalia School of Law at George Mason University) led the conference with Prof. Arkes framing the discussions. Funding for the conference was made possible by the generosity of the Charles Koch Foundation. Special thanks to the Scalia Law School's Law and Liberty Center for co-sponsoring the program and the Mercatus Center of GMU for hosting the... -
16Jul
Justice on Trial: The Kavanaugh Confirmation and the Future of the Supreme Court
JWI co-sponsored an event at the Heritage Foundation with Mollie Hemingway and Carrie Severino, the authors of "Justice On Trial: The Kavanaugh Confirmation and the Future of the Supreme Court." Justice on Trial: The Kavanaugh Confirmation and the Future of the Supreme Court reveals what really happened during last year's confirmation, including never-before-released details of every aspect of the process. Exciting new stories include: Justice Kennedy's retirement, how Kavanaugh was chosen, how his explosive opening statement to the committee was composed, what Melania Trump really... -
19Sep
University of Texas Law School—Regional Seminar on Natural Rights
In collaboration with the Federalist Society Student Chapter at UT Law, the James Wilson Institute will host a seminar on natural rights September 19-20, 2019 on the campus of UT Law. More information, including an RSVP, is forthcoming. To be kept alert of any news on the event, please subscribe to the James Wilson Institute Bulletin or email "staff at jwinst.org" -
2Nov
James Wilson XVII: Senior Seminar
The James Wilson Institute hosted its seventeenth biannual Senior Seminar November 2nd, 2019 in Washington D.C. This invitation-only event gathered judges, legal scholars, philosophers, and lawyers for seminar-style discussions on the first principles of moral and legal judgment. -
28Jul
James Wilson Summer Legal Fellowship - 2019
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11Oct
JWI Academic Conference: Rethinking the Foundation of the Administrative State
In partnership with the C. Boyden Gray Center for the Study of the Administrative State at the Scalia Law School, JWI hosted a private, one day seminar-styled conference titled, "Rethinking the Foundation of the Administrative State." The centerpiece of the conference was the work of the Hon. Ronald Cass. Funding for the conference was made possible by a generous grant from the Charles Koch Foundation. -
1Nov
Gibson's Bakery v. Oberlin College: Campus Identity Politics on Trial
The James Wilson Institute hosted Prof. William Jacobson for a public lecture on campus identity politics, college administrators, and a family bakery caught in the crosshairs. Prof. Jacobson chronicled the ongoing legal battle Gibson's Bakery has fought against Oberlin College at Legal Insurrection, an influential website he founded and where publishes on topics concerning law and politics. In his lecture, Prof. Jacobson discussed the background to the case, the trial, the victory for Gibson's, and what the case portends for the future of identity politics on campuses across the... -
7Nov
"Antonin Scalia and James Wilson: On Faith, On Justice, On Judging"
Photo Credit: Oyez.com (Left) and Wikimedia (Right) The James Wilson Institute hosted an evening talk with Prof. Mark Hall (George Fox University) and Edward Whelan (Ethics and Publicy Policy Center) on the legacy of Antonin Scalia and the historical ideas of James Wilson. These scholars discussed the relationship between faith, justice, and the judiciary. They compared the works of Scalia and Wilson to draw conclusions on timeless truths that have structured the judiciary even to this day. This time discussed the role that faith has in the lives of our judges and how it should... -
30Jan
A More or Less Perfect Union: Prof. Arkes Interviewing Judge Douglas Ginsburg at the National Archives
On Thursday, January 30th, Prof. Hadley Arkes will appear as a guest to interview Judge Douglas H. Ginsburg of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. A national authority on the Constitution with 30 years of experience on the court, Judge Ginsburg recently hosted a series for public television titled A More or Less Perfect Union, which brought in experts of conservative, progressive and libertarian views on the Constitution to discuss and debate key issues of liberty. The series will explore both historical and contemporary examples of controversies over topics ranging... -
6Dec
Faith and Law Friday Forum - Prof. Hadley Arkes
Faith and Law will be hosting a Friday Forum on December 6th, featuring Prof. Hadley Arkes. The cetnral topic of the discussion will be "Recasting Religious Freedom: Is Conservative Jurisprudence Backing Into Relativism?" You may RSVP here. -
29Jan
"Give Me Liberty" An Evening with Richard Brookhiser
The James Wilson Institute and National Review Institute co-hosted Richard Brookhiser, senior fellow of the National Review Institute, to discuss his recent book, Give Me Liberty, a recounting of the history of American liberty as told through the lens of thirteen key documents in American history. He presented a more inspiring story of American nationalism as it has evolved over four hundred years. He argued that Americans have always sought, asked for, and fought for liberty. This is a heritage that Americans should be proud of. Richard Brookhiser is a senior editor of National Review,... -
18Feb
Memories of Michael Uhlmann
The James Wilson Institute had the pleasure of hosting a panel discussion on the life and work of Senior Fellow Michael Uhlmann on the evening of Tuesday, February 18. -
24Apr
POSTPONED Moral Truth & Constitutional Conservatism
Out of an abundance of caution for the health of our attendees, our regular bi-annual James Wilson Lecture on April 24 with Prof. Gerard Bradley of Notre Dame Law School is postponed. We hope to reschedule the talk and will provide an update when possible. Thank you! Gerard V. Bradley is professor of law at the University of Notre Dame, where he teaches Legal Ethics and Constitutional Law. At Notre Dame he directs (with John Finnis) the Natural Law Institute and co-edits The American Journal of Jurisprudence, an international forum for legal philosophy. Bradley has been... -
23Apr
Senior Seminar Webinar
JWI hosted a private video conference for members of our regularly gathered Senior Seminar group. Centered on the limits and extent of Freedom of Speech, the discussion featured Prof. Arkes, Prof. Robert Miller, Prof. David Forte, and Gunnar Gundersen. -
26May
Alumni Webinar
On May 26th, the James Wilson Institute will be hosting a private video conference meeting for Alumni of our James Wilson Fellowship. This meeting will be hosted online beginning at 7:00 pm EST. The discussion will focus on the recent debate over Originalism and the first principles of Natural Law. -
2Aug
James Wilson Fellowship
Prof. Arkes and the James Wilson Institute will be hosting the 2020 James Wilson Fellowship from August 2 - 7. This week of intensive seminars will introduce a class of young attorneys to the arguments and foundations of natural law and its proper place in our modern jurisprudence. The seminars will be led by Prof. Arkes along with members of the JWI Affiliated Scholars. This Fellowship will be co-sponsored by First Liberty Institute. -
28Aug
POSTPONED James Wilson Alumni Conference
For the first time, the James Wilson Institute will be hosting a private conference by and for the Alumni of our James Wilson Fellowship. This conference will showcase the scholarly work of several alumni on various topics relating to the application of natural law in modern jurisprudence. This seminar-style conference will help to bring together these bright, young attorneys to sharpen and encourage each other in their careers and academic pursuits. Unfortunately, due to the impacts of Covid-19, we have had to postpone this event. We will be updating the event as soon as new plans... -
8Jun
RSVP WEBINAR: The Utopian Conceit and the War on Freedom
JWI hosted an interactive Zoom webinar discussion with Juliana Pilon, a Senior Fellow at the Alexander Hamilton Institute for the Study of Western Civilization, to discuss her latest book, The Utopian Conceit and the War on Freedom. Prof. Arkes, JWI Founder and Director, and Prof. Daniel Mahoney of Assumption College discussed the historical lessons in Dr. Pilon's book and how those insights can be applied today. Dr. Juliana Pilon Prof. Daniel Mahoney of Assumption College After the unexpected collapse of the Soviet Union, the categories of Left and... -
10Sep
Is Originalism Enough? Natural Law, Public Meaning, and Constitutional Interpretation Discussion between Prof. Arkes and Prof. Whittington
Since the publication of Harvard Law professor Adrian Vermeule's thought-provoking essay in The Atlantic and the recent Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton Co., the conservative legal world has been awash with discussion, debate, and competing interpretations of the relationships between Originalism, Natural Law, and the common good. We hope you will join Professor Arkes and Professor Whittington as they dive deeper into the connection and tension between Originalism and Natural Law, moderated by Professor Jack Goldsmith of Harvard Law School. RSVP here. -
2Oct
WEBINAR: Metaphysic of Bostock with David Crawford
Professor David CrawfordBostock Amicus Brief Co-AuthorLegal and Theological Scholar, Catholic University of AmericaWith commentary from JWI Director and FounderProfessor Hadley Arkes On the eve of the start of the Supreme Court's OT 2020, JWI had the pleasure of hosting a webinar with David Crawford of the John Paul II Institute who was instrumental in drafting an excellent amicus brief in the Bostock case. The title of our event sprung from Crawford's luminous essay reacting to Justice Gorsuch's opinion. Crawford will offer his views on... -
28Sep
James Wilson Fellowship Alumni Webinar
The James Wilson Institute hosted its second webinar of 2020 for alumni of its James Wilson Fellowship on Monday September 28th. Fellows from across all seven years of the program caught up and discussed issues in our jurisprudence. The Fellows look forward to gathering in-person as soon as possible to share original scholarship. -
16Oct
"Natural Law & Originalism: In Concert or At Odds?" WEBINAR with American Enterprise Institute
Natural Law & Originalism: In Concert or At Odds?Interactive Public Webinar: Friday, October 16, 2:00pm ET The American Enterprise Institute's Center on Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies, in partnership with the James Wilson Institute, will host a public event with Peter Wallison, Senior Fellow at AEI. Wallison will join Prof. Hadley Arkes, JWI Founder & Director, for an interactive Zoom webinar titled "Natural Law & Originalism: In Concert or at Odds?" Prof. Joel Alicea of Catholic University's Law School will moderate. Prof. Arkes and... -
17Nov
RSVP WEBINAR: Natural Law, Positive Law, & Prudential Law with Prof. David Forte, JWI Senior Scholar
BYU Law's Federalist Society Chapter will host an interactive Zoom webinar discussion on November 17, 2020 with Prof. David Forte, Professor of Law at Cleveland State University and JWI Senior Scholar. Prof. Forte will deliver a talk titled, "Natural Law, Positive Law, & Prudential Law." Prof. David Forte Click here to RSVP for this event. David F. Forte is Professor of Law at Cleveland State University, where he was the inaugural holder of the Charles R. Emrick, Jr.- Calfee Halter & Griswold Endowed Chair. Recently, he was the Garwood Visiting... -
12Nov
Love Letter to the Late, Great American Republic: Judge Janice Rogers Brown at the National Lawyers Convention
Judge Janice Rogers Brown will be delivering an address as part of the Federalist Society's National Lawyers Convention. Her address is entitled, "Love Letter to the Late, Great American Republic." She will begin the speech at 6:00 pm on Thursday, Nov. 12. The event will be streamed online and free to access. More details and registration may be found at the link here. Judge Janice Rogers Brown was confirmed to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on June 8, 2005. From 1996 to 2005, Brown was an Associate Judge of the California... -
19Nov
WEBINAR: The Electoral College & Our Nation of States
The Electoral College is one of the most discussed but least understood aspects of our civic and political life. As an expression of the Founders’ balance between pure democracy and a republic, the Electoral College unifies, moderates, and protects American politics. Its opponents levy unfounded attacks on it, while its defenders often lack the context by which to explain its purpose and design. On November 19, 2020, Michael Maibach of Save Our States examined the philosophy behind and relevance today of the Electoral College with Garrett Snedeker, JWI Deputy Director. Mr.... -
13Jan
WEBINAR: Courts & Legal Challenges in a New Administration
"Courts and Legal Challenges During the Biden Administration"Wednesday, January 13, 12:15pm EST with Carrie Severino &Adam White How much will a Biden regulatory agenda resemble the agenda of President Obama's second term? Will states, particularly Republican-led ones, be able to counter the mandates of a Biden administration? You’re invited to join JWI for an interactive Zoom webinar examining those questions and more. JWI hosted two friends of the Institute for a stimulating discussion over the course of ninety minutes. Carrie Severino is President of the... -
19Jan
WEBINAR: Congress, Policy, and a Conservative Strategy in a New Administration
Rachel Bovard has over a decade of experience fighting for conservative policies in Washington. Beginning in 2006, she served in both the House and Senate in various roles including as legislative director for Senator Rand Paul. Rachel went on to serve as policy director for the Senate Steering Committee under the successive chairmanships of Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), where she advised Committee members on strategy related to floor procedure and policy matters. In the House, she worked as senior legislative assistant to Congressman Donald Manzullo... -
18Feb
RSVP WEBINAR: "The Natural Law Challenge"-Hadley Arkes with the Columbia Law Federalist Society
Columbia Law’s Federalist Society Chapter will host an interactive Zoom webinar discussion on Thursday February 18, 2021 with Prof. Hadley Arkes. He will deliver a talk titled, "The Natural Law Challenge." RSVP HERE. -
13Apr
James Wilson Senior Seminar Webinar
JWI wil host an invitation-only webinar for members of its Senior Seminar April 13 & 15. -
29Mar
WEBINAR: BC Republicans, Natural Law Challenge with Hadley Arkes
Save the Date! March 29, 7pm ET (tentative) The Boston College Republicans invite you join them for an evening with JWI Founder and Director Hadley Arkes. Prof. Arkes will speak on "The Natural Law Challenge." Please RSVP at right. -
27Oct
James Wilson Senior Seminar Webinar
JWI hosted a private video conference for members of our regularly gathered Senior Seminar group. Topics included racial preferences, the philosophic and legal thought of Frederick Douglass, and Title VII. -
20Mar
WEBINAR: Hadley Arkes at the American Maritain Association: Thomism and Freedom
Save the Date Saturday March 20 JWI Founder & Director Hadley Arkes will speak at the American Maritain Association's 44th Annual Meeting via Zoom. More information forthcoming including a registration link. -
25Mar
Webinar: Reformed Theology and Natural Law
JWI is proud to be co-hosting with First Liberty Institute this discussion on the compatibility between Natural Law and Reformed Theology. The discussion moderated by Hadley Arkes will feature Prof. Justin Dyer and Dr. Jordan Ballor, with commentary from Prof. Frank Beckwith and Prof. Paul DeHart. -
30Jun
Webinar Debate: Should the Declaration Inform the Constitution? Hadley Arkes and Lee Strang
Webinar Debate: Should the Declaration Inform the Constitution? Profs. Hadley Arkes and Lee Strang JUNE 30 8PM ET Sponsored by the Federalist Society, Student Division Register here: https://fedsoc.org/events/feddie-night-fights-should-the-declaration-inform-the-constitution -
6Aug
8th Annual James Wilson Fellowship
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5Nov
James Wilson XX: Senior Seminar
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14Oct
WEBINAR: Churches: An Existence of their own or Creatures of the Sovereign?
Profs. Adam MacLeod and Robert Miller analyze how natural law explains the purpose limits of legal fictions like corporations and trusts. The James Wilson Institute and First Liberty Institute's Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy invite you to join us for a webinar analyzing the practical applications of moral reasoning in our legal system. This interactive webinar will feature a discussion between the two teachers and a time for interactive Q&A. Last year, the Texas Supreme Court handed down a decision in The Episcopal Diocese of Fort... -
25Sep
1st Annual James Wilson Fellows Alumni Conference
On September 25, 2021, we convened our first annual alumni conference. 19 Alumni traveled to Washington, D.C or joined via Zoom to discuss original papers and essays authored by Fellowship alumni. Special thanks to our alumni, Morgan Bowles '17, James Kilcup '18, Marianna Orlandi '16 who helped plan the conference over a trying year. To view pictures, please visit our Facebook album here. -
11Jan
WEBINAR: Interfaith Discussion on Natural Law
Natural Law provides a framework for understanding the law, the rightly ordered society, and morality that is accessible to all through plain reason. It does not require or even demand a particular religious perspective. It is most commonly associated, however, with the Christian moral tradition. But it is not an exclusively Christian way of understanding the world or engaging in moral reasoning. The James Wilson Institute and the Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy are pleased to co-present a unique webinar that explores the similarities... -
21Jan
In-Person: Our Founders' Federalism & How it Compares with Republics Around the World
AIER's Bastiat Soceity of Washington, D.C. and the James Wilson Institute would like to invite you to join us on January 21st at 12:00pm EST for an in-person event with Michael C. Maibach, Trustee and Managing Director of the James Wilson Institute, and Distinguished Fellow at Save Our States. America's Founding Fathers established a federalist nation of states under the US Constitution as a written set of checks and balances to protect individual liberty against majority tyranny and even "mob" rule. Recent power struggles between our federal and state governments, including key federal... -
6May
Senior Seminar
JWI will again host our Senior Seminar from May 6-7 this spring. The Senior Seminar is a private gathering of legal scholars and practitioners to discuss the nuances and applications of a jurisprudence that takes the moral foundations of our American institutions seriously. This meeting of the Senior Seminar will feature a special time for attendees who have been with this program for ten years now to share their reflections on the Senior Seminars and what this program has meant to them. -
31Jul
James Wilson Fellowship
JWI hosted the 9th Annual James Wilson Fellowship program from July 31, 2022 through August 5, 2022. The Fellowship featured seminars centered around an education in the fundamentals and the application of Natural Law Jurisprudence for an audience of young lawyers, clerks, and law students. You may read the biographies of the members of the 2022 class here. -
6May
"Moral Truth and Constitutional Conservatism" with Gerry Bradley: James Wilson Lecture
On May 6, Prof. Gerard Bradley of the University of Notre Dame School of Law will be making a public address titled, "Moral Truth and Constitutional Conservatism." The talk will center on his article for the Louisiana Law Review by the same name, making the case for a return to arguments in our modern jurisprudence that take moral truth seriously. The lecture will begin at 5:30 pm with a reception to follow afterward. Attendance is free and open to the public, but spaces are limited so all attendees must RSVP. -
2Apr
JWI Law School Seminar
On Saturday, April 2, the Institute had the pleasure of hosting a seminar for 19 talented law students from law schools in the D.C. area. Prof. Arkes taught on the basics of Natural Law Jurisprudence and the legal foundation of moral reasoning established by our Founding Fathers, and attendees discussed how men such as Lincoln applied Natural Law to the most pressing legal issues of their day--and how we might follow their example. The conversation lasted into the evening, as participants continued to exchange ideas during our group dinner. Attendees came from law schools including George... -
7Jul
VIDEO: Dobbs and What It Means for the Pro-Life Movement
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19Jul
WEBINAR: "After Dobbs: The Conservative Movement Coming to the Edge of Schism" - Hadley Arkes with the Chatanooga Lawyers Federalist Society Chapter
The Chattanooga Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society will host a Zoom lecture on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, with Prof. Hadley Arkes. He will deliver a talk titled, "After Dobbs: The Conservative Movement Coming to the Edge of Schism." RSVP HERE. -
23Sep
Notre Dame Law School Seminar
JWI brought our signature Law School Seminar program to the Notre Dame Law School campus on September 23-34. The day featured discussions on Natural Law and how it can illuminate current legal questions. Prof. Arkes led the seminar alongside JWI Senior Scholar and Notre Dame Law Professor, Gerry Bradley. -
28Oct
Hadley Arkes on "After Dobbs & The Crisis of the House Divided"
Prof. Hadley Arkes, JWI Founder and Director, delivered the public address to kick off our Senior Seminar. The talk, "After Dobbs & The Crisis of the House Divided," centered on the recent Supreme Court decision on abortion and the split among pro-life conservatives that it has revealed. As a long time leader in the pro-life movement, Prof. Arkes, analyzed the court's decision and the responses from other conservatives as they face the new challenges presented in the fight to protect the unborn. -
11Nov
James Wilson Reunion Breakfast
The James Wilson Institute held a breakfast the weekend of the Federalist Society National Lawyers Convention. This was an opportunity for James Wilson Fellowship Alumni and other friends to meet and reunite. -
8Feb
Unlocking Constitutional Meaning: James Wilson as the Key
Jonathan Gienapp of Stanford University and John Mikhail of Georgetown University Law Center joined JWI Founder & Director Hadley Arkes for a webinar on how James Wilson shaped our understanding of several notable areas of our constitutional life. From directly drawing the contours of executive power at the Constitutional Convention to his embrace of moral reasoning as legal reasoning, Wilson was the key to understanding fully the system of government the Founders brought forth. Hadley Arkes in the opening pages to his seminal work, First Things, noted how James Wilson... -
1Oct
JWI Fellowship Alumni Conference
Our Second Annual Alumni Conference gathered alumni from our nine fellowship classes for a day of workshops on original papers by our alumni as well as developed efforts for alumni to work together in professional endeavors. -
16Nov
"The Classical and Christian Origins of American Politics" with Justin Dyer and Kody Cooper
The James Wilson Institute, joined by the Center for Religion Culture and Democracy at First Liberty Institute and by the Civitas Institute, hosted a discussion of Profs. Dyer and Cooper's new book on the natural law influences of the American Founding. Our Deputy Director Garrett Snedeker moderated the panel. Video below. Panelists: Justin Dyer, director of the Civitas Institute and Jack G. Taylor Professor at the University of Texas at Austin Kody Cooper, UC Foundation Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Tennessee at... -
29Oct
JWI XXII: Senior Seminar
JWI hosted our Senior Seminar group again this fall for a day of discussions on the workings of moral reasoning in the foundations of our law. A public lecture and reception launched the weekend. -
14Apr
2023 Leadership & the Law Awards Dinner
We are pleased to invite you to a special evening on Friday, April 14 honoring Judge Janice Rogers Brown (ret.). Judge Brown is a longtime friend of the James Wilson Institute. We are delighted to honor her with our 2nd JWI Leadership & the Law Award. Her work exemplifies what it means to be a jurist who takes the Natural Law seriously. Please join us for this exclusive dinner of ~70 friends and colleagues of Judge Brown. It will open with a reception at 5pm, with dinner at 6pm and a reception over dessert and drinks to follow. This is a private gathering which requires an email... -
17Mar
Law School Seminar - Regent University School of Law
JWI will host a weekend seminar on Natural Law Jurisprudence at Regent University School of Law in Virginia Beach, VA. If you are a member of the Regent community, please email staff @ jwinst.org for more information. -
15Apr
James Wilson XXIII: Senior Seminar
JWI hosted its twenty-third Senior Seminar to discuss the Natural Law and our current jurisprudence. We were grateful to convene this "family" once again and look forward to Fall 2023 for our twenty-fourth gathering! -
28Jun
Mere Natural Law with Hadley Arkes: co-hosted with Federalist Society's Houston Lawyers Chapter
The Houston Federalist Society Chapter and the James Wilson Institute are pleased to invite you to a luncheon and discussion of the new book from Prof. Hadley Arkes, Mere Natural Law. This book presents in a fresh light the lessons of the American Founders in the roots of our jurisprudence in moral reasoning. Books will be available for purchase and signing at a reception following the discussion. Members/Government Officials: $20 (please note there are limited registrations for members) Non Members: $50 Lunch included. *RSVP Required. Registration MUST be made through the... -
2May
Mere Natural Law Book Launch with Hadley Arkes & Judge Neomi Rao
Please join the James Wilson Institute for a special evening launching our Founder and Director Hadley Arkes's newest book, Mere Natural Law An RSVP is requested. RSVP Here. -
20Oct
Prof. David Bernstein: The American Law of Race Post-Students for Fair Admissions
RSVP for for an evening on Oct. 20 with Prof. David Bernstein of the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University. Prof. Bernstein will discuss the American Law of Race after the Supreme Court's decision in June 2023 in its cases on affirmative action in university admissions. This event is free and open to the public. Reception to follow. RSVP Here. The American Law of RacePost - Students for Fair AdmissionsProf. David BernsteinOctober 205:30 pm Doors Open6:00 pm Lecture BeginsReception to FollowCapital Hilton1001 16th St... -
8Sep
Law School Seminar - University of Texas Law School
Save the Date! JWI will host a seminar on Natural Law jurisprudence at the University of Texas Law School, partnering with the Federalist Society chapter at UT and the Civitas Institute. For more information on the program, please email staff @ jwinst.org. -
4Nov
3rd Annual James Wilson Fellowship Alumni Conference
JWI Fellowship Alumni are invited to a working conference where they share their own papers in progress as well as ideas for further collaboration. For more information, please email staff at jwinst.org -
12Dec
Living Traditionalism with Prof. Sherif Girgis
Join us on Tuesday, December 12th for the next installment of the James Wilson Institute and Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy's ongoing webinar series. Prof. Sherif Girgis of Notre Dame Law School will deliver a webinar on Living Traditionalism, also the subject of his path-breaking law review article in the New York University Law Review.Here's a short teaser from Prof. Girgis's upcoming webinar: Today's Supreme Court is committed to originalism—the idea that the Constitution's meaning is fixed at... -
3May
James Wilson XXVI: Senior Seminar
The James Wilson Institute will convene May 3-4, 2024 the twenty-sixth meeting of the Senior Seminar. The Seminar gathers some gifted teachers of philosophy and law with stars of the federal as well as state bench for an intensive weekend of discussions on moral philosophy and the law. This invite-only event is one of the flagship programs of the James Wilson Institute. -
25Jan
How to Use Jurisprudence to be an Effective Advocate: Webinar with Prof. Adam MacLeod
JWI and First Liberty Institute's CRCD continues its monthly webinar series with Prof. Adam MacLeod of St. Mary's University Law School on Thursday Jan. 25, 2024 at 2pm ET. JWI will be applying for CLE credit in Texas and Virginia. Agenda 1 Hour CLE, including 15-20 minutes of Q&A. RSVP at right. This webinar will introduce lawyers to tools of analytical jurisprudence that will enable them to make more precise and effective arguments and to critique their opponents' arguments. It will focus on the taxonomy of rights developed by the jurisprudence scholar Wesley Hohfeld. It... -
21Mar
JWI-CRCD Festschrift in Honor of Co-Director Gerard Bradley
In partnership with First Liberty Institute's Center on Religion, Culture, and Democracy, JWI will co-sponsor a conference around a festschrift for JWI's Co-Director Gerry Bradley. The conference will be held in San Antonio, TX at St. Mary's Law School. Please email staff at jwinst.org for information on attending. -
11Apr
Law School Seminar - University of Chicago School of Law
JWI is pleased to be bringing its two-day seminar for law students back to the University of Chicago Law School April 11-12, 2024. More information to be shared soon about related public events around JWI's visit to the Windy City. -
20Feb
JWI CRCD Webinar CLE Gerry Bradley & The Original Meaning of the Establishment Clause
Join us on Tuesday, Febuary 20th for the next installment of the James Wilson Institute and Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy's ongoing webinar series. Prof. Gerard Bradley of the University of Notre Dame Law Schoool will deliver a webinar on The Orignial Meaning of the Establisment Clause. As part of this series, we will be applying for CLE Ethics Credit in Virginia and Texas for this webinar. Today’s culture is fraught with religious tension, with opposing interpretations of the Establishment Clause on the rise.... -
6Apr
Law School Seminar-DC Area
JWI is pleased to announce an all-day Law School Seminar on Saturday, April 6 at Georgetown University Law Center. Over the course of four sessions across the day, beginning at 8am and running until 8-9pm, law students will learn the basics of a jurisprudence of Natural Law. Seminars will be led by JWI Founder & Co-Director Hadley Arkes as well as JWI Deputy Director Garrett Snedeker. Breakfast and lunch will be provided at the venue. A closing dinner will follow. Priority will be given to attendees of our host school, Georgetown Law, but all DC-area law students are welcome to... -
9Apr
WEBINAR: Natural Law & Labor Law with Alex MacDonald
Please join JWI and the CRCD for our latest installment in our monthly webinar series. Contact JWI Staff to RSVP. Natural Law & Labor Law In his recently released book, Mere Natural Law, Professor Hadley Arkes examines the relationship between originalism and natural law. He argues that, while the two were once seen as antonyms, they are in fact linked. The founding generation was steeped in natural law and social-contract philosophy. They wrote the Constitution with those concepts in mind, and they expected their handiwork to be interpreted and applied accordingly. Originalism, in... -
3May
Transgenderism & the Test of Truth: Whistleblowing Irreversible Surgeries on Minors
JWI and the Independent Women's Forum are happy to co-sponsor this special evening with Dr. Eithan Haim and Marcella Burke. This presentation is open to the public and will be followed by a brief reception. Dr. Eithan Haim and his counsel Marcella Burke (James Wilson Fellow 2014) will present on his experience fighting a transgender ideology within certain hospital systems. Dr. Eithan Haim, a general surgeon and former resident at Texas Children's Hospital, exposed transgender procedures being done on children after the hospital agreed to stop them. Since Dr....
