Can the President Declare a Trade ‘Emergency’? On the Supreme Court’s Tariff Case
Richard Epstein delves into one of the most consequential Constitutional questions of our time: can the president unilaterally impose tariffs under emergency powers? With the Supreme Court set to review Donald Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEPA) to levy trade barriers, Epstein explains what the Constitution actually says about tariffs, how far Congress can delegate its authority, and why the doctrine of the “unitary executive” could reshape the balance between the legislative and executive branches. From Article I to Justice Taft’s 1928 tariff case, the discussion traces the fine line between lawful delegation and unconstitutional abdication—and what’s at stake for trade, separation of powers, and presidential authority.
The Libertarian
The Slippery Slope of Social Media Liability
The conversation ranges from contributory liability and First Amendment concerns to the deeper question: who is responsible when harm flows through a network?
The Half-War
Richard Epstein examines the unfolding U.S. confrontation with Iran through both a strategic and constitutional lens, arguing that President Trump’s approach reflects a deeper tension between military necessity and political constraint.
Constitutionalism
Amicus Brief: Hon. William P. Barr and Hon. Michael B. Mukasey in Support of Petitioners
Former AGs Barr and Mukasey Cite Civitas in a SCOTUS Brief
Rational Judicial Review: Constitutions as Power-sharing Agreements, Secession, and the Problem of Dred Scott
Judicial review and originalism serve as valuable commitment mechanisms to enforce future compliance with a political bargain.
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The Fifth Circuit’s Chance to Expose the Inflation Reduction Act’s Unconstitutionality
Despite the mounting evidence of harm, the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program remains law — and the Justice Department continues to defend it in federal court.
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