The University of Tulsa’s College of Law hosted the Justice Dana Kuehn Symposium on Justice and Law this spring, featuring a live recording of the “3 Whisky Happy Hour” podcast.
The UTulsa program, titled “The Declaration of Independence at 250: The Future of Republican Government,” examined the legacy of the Declaration of Independence ahead of its 250th anniversary and considered how its principles continue to shape legal and political debate.
Speakers included constitutional law scholar John Yoo, author and political commentator Steven F. Hayward and senior administrator and professor of political science Linda Denno, who appears under the alias Lucretia.
The discussion addressed topics including equality, natural rights, constitutional interpretation, separation of powers, the judiciary and the responsibilities of citizens in a representative government. Panelists also examined how the declaration differs from the Constitution in legal authority while continuing to influence public understanding of rights and government.
The conversation featured frequent debate among the speakers, who challenged one another’s interpretations of history, law and government. Their lively exchanges often drew laughter from the audience. The event included opportunities for audience questions and a private reception with the panelists.
“The access to the speakers was amazing,” said UTulsa Law student Joe Kempinger. “One of them came up to me during the reception and let me know that I asked a thoughtful question. They were very open to talk and entertain our ideas.”
Kempinger said the event also reinforced issues he has been studying in law school.
“Some of the things said before, during and after the podcast really helped reaffirm some of the things I was beginning to see as problems or issues in the law today,” he said.
The Justice Dana Kuehn Symposium on Justice and Law brings outside scholars and practitioners to campus twice a year for conversations on current legal and public issues. Dana Kuehn is a Vice Chief Justice on the Oklahoma Supreme Court and a UTulsa Law alumna who previously served on the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals, becoming the first woman to serve on both of the state’s courts of last resort.