Respectfully Dissent is a debate series by Vanderbilt Law School that brings together experts in various fields of law to debate relevant issues in today’s legal climate.
Respectfully Dissent presents renowned national scholars on opposing sides of a particular issue. The goal of the series is to highlight cutting-edge perspectives that draw out diverging, fresh viewpoints, areas of contention as well as agreement, and lawyerly argument, while always ensuring respectful dialogue between participants.
Debates are topical, provocative, and step firmly into controversies. Through these expertly guided deep dives into complex areas, the audience may be persuaded to question our preexisting ideas, see issues through multiple lenses, and come away better informed overall.
12:10 pm Flynn Auditorium - Vanderbilt Law School
How far does the Voting Rights Act still protect American democracy, and how much power should the federal government have over state election laws?
Harvard Law School Professor Nicholas Stephanopoulos and Vanderbilt Law Professor James Blumstein face off in "Louisiana v. Callais and the Future of the Voting Rights Act."
Moderated by Professor Kevin Stack, this discussion explores how the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision could redefine the scope of voting rights, redistricting, and federal oversight in elections.
Participant; University Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law and Health Law & Policy, Vanderbilt Law
Participant; Kirkland & Ellis Professor of Law, Harvard Law School
Moderator; Lee S. and Charles A. Speir Chair in Law
Should we stick to the Constitution’s original meaning—or adapt it to modern society? On February 6, 2025, Dean Erwin Chemerinsky from UC Berkeley Law and Professor Brian Fitzpatrick from Vanderbilt Law debated originalism vs. living constitutionalism.
Participant; Dean and Jesse H. Choper Distinguished Professor of Law, UC Berkeley
Participant; Milton R. Underwood Chair in Free Enterprise, Vanderbilt Law
Moderator; David Daniels Allen Distinguished Chair of Law
What is the proper approach to antitrust litigation? This debate pits Professor Rebecca Allensworth of Vanderbilt Law against Professor Thom Lambert of the University of Missouri Law School.
Participant; David Daniels Allen Distinguished Chair of Law, Vanderbilt Law
Participant; Wall Chair in Corporate Law and Governance, University of Missouri
Moderator; Herman O. Loewenstein Chair in Law
Vanderbilt Law Professors Matthew Shaw and Brian Fitzpatrick debate the future of higher education after the Supreme Court's landmark decisions in SFFA v. UNC and SFFA v. President and Fellows of Harvard College.
The debate was moderated by Vanderbilt Law Professor Francesca Procaccini.
Participant; Milton R. Underwood Chair in Free Enterprise, Vanderbilt Law
Participant; Associate Professor of Law, Vanderbilt Law
Moderator; Associate Professor of Law