Civitas Outlook
Topic
Politics
Published on
August 21, 2025
Contributors
Richard Epstein
Charles C.W. Cooke
Episode 4
The Libertarian

Surf’s Up: Roman Law and Beach Houses

About this episode

Richard Epstein explains why policy around laws governing coastal property rights and construction is grounded in ancient Roman natural law. In addition, he argues for coordinated, state-facilitated seawalls that preserve views and access and, where necessary, for using condemnation (and compensation) rather than forbidding owners to protect already-developed properties under a sweeping public-trust theory.

All other episodes on

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?

EP
Mar 28, 2026

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.

EP
Apr 11, 2026

A Turning Point For Section 2: SCOTUS Reins in the Voting Rights Act

Charles C. W. Cooke and Richard Epstein break down the Supreme Court’s latest Voting Rights Act decision, examining the ruling in 'Louisiana v. Callais.'

EP
Apr 29, 2026

When Trump Sued Himself: The $1.776 billion Slush Fund

EP
May 29, 2026

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Politics

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** items

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1:05

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