Every year on September 17th, the nation observes Constitution Day and Citizenship Day—a time to reflect on the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and its lasting impact on our government, our rights, and our responsibilities as citizens. What began as “Citizenship Day” was renamed in 2004, and today the observance encourages us both to honor the Constitution’s enduring influence and to think about what it means to be part of a democratic society. In fact, under 36 U.S.C. § 106, “civil and educational authorities of States, counties, cities, and towns are urged to make plans for the proper observance of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.”
So, the Law Library is doing just that! To mark the occasion, we are hosting Constitution Week (September 15-19) with a lineup of engaging events. Whether you’re interested in timely constitutional law scholarship, eager to test your trivia knowledge, or simply in the mood for cake, there’s something for everyone. We’ll have trivia all week at the Reference Desk, with correct answers entering you into a prize raffle on Friday during our cake celebration. On Wednesday, Constitution Day proper, Professor Keenan will be giving a great lecture on a constitutional litigation. Read below for all the details!
Constitution Day Lecture
Trump v. CASA and the Universal Class Action
Tuesday, September 17 | 12:00–1:00 pm | Moot Courtroom
This year’s Constitution Day lecture features Professor Riley Keenan, who will examine how constitutional litigation is shifting after the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA.
The Supreme Court’s recent decision in Trump v. CASA disapproved so-called “universal injunctions”—court orders that prohibit the federal government from implementing a putatively unlawful policy against anyone, not just the individuals who sue to challenge it. As Justice Alito recognized in his concurring opinion, however, the class action mechanism represents a potentially significant workaround to the Court’s decision, as at least in theory a lower court could certify a class consisting of each person subject to a policy, effectively making them all parties to the case. Indeed, that was precisely what one district court did after the Supreme Court’s decision in CASA: it certified a class consisting of everyone subject to the Trump Administration’s birthright citizenship order and blocked the government from enforcing the order against any class member.
How important are these “universal class actions” after CASA? What are their promises and potential obstacles? Will they provide meaningful relief to those who lack the time, resources, or expertise to join litigation against the government? Or will they falter, leaving the Supreme Court as the only tribunal with any meaningful power to control the federal government’s conduct outside of litigation? Join Professor Riley Keenan for this year’s Constitution Day lecture, which will explore these questions and more!
Constitution Week Trivia & Cake Celebration
Friday, September 19 | 12:00–1:00 pm | Law Commons
All week long, stop by the reference desk 9am-5pm to try your hand at Constitution-themed trivia. Every participant will be entered into a prize raffle generously sponsored by LexisNexis. On Friday during the lunch hour, we’ll announce the winners and celebrate with a cake in the Law Commons. It’s a perfect chance to show off your knowledge, win great prizes, and enjoy a sweet treat with the law school community.
Hope to see you there!