The Rule of Law: The Academy Speaks

In this episode, Joe speaks with retired federal judges Kathleen O’Malley and Liam O’Grady of Keep Our Republic’s Article III Coalition about judicial independence and its essential role in upholding the Rule of Law during periods of heightened political pressure. They discuss due process, public trust in the courts, and the implications of recent criticism directed at the Supreme Court for decisions grounded in established legal principles.
Keep Our Republic’s Article III Coalition is a bipartisan group of more than 50 retired federal judges appointed by presidents of both parties, dedicated to defending judicial independence, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. Through civic education and public engagement, the Article III Coalition helps the public understand the judiciary’s essential role in preserving our constitutional republic. Learn more at keepourrepublic.org. 

The news cycle moves fast. Opinions move even faster.
Revisit this conversation with Joe Tucker and Anne Bremner on how viral narratives shape public judgment before a trial begins, how open and broadcast court proceedings ground the public in the evidence, and why justice depends on facts first.

In Part Two, Joe Tucker and Keep Our Republic Article III Coalition judges Robert B. Kugler and Robert Cindrich examine the tangible economic and social damage that follows when the Rule of Law is disregarded. From strained business relationships and financial uncertainty to real harm in people's daily lives, they warn that without the assurance of fair, consistent laws, the consequences can be disastrous. They close by underscoring the essential role of juries and everyday civic participation, reminding listeners that the Rule of Law ultimately depends not only on courts and judges, but on citizens who show up, serve, and take part in democracy.
 
Keep Our Republic's Article III Coalition is a bipartisan group of more than 50 retired federal judges appointed by presidents of both parties, dedicated to defending judicial independence, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. Through civic education and public engagement, the Article III Coalition helps the public understand the judiciary's essential role in preserving our constitutional republic. Learn more at keepourrepublic.org. 

In Part One of this special two-part conversation, Joe Tucker speaks with retired federal judges Robert B. Kugler and Robert Cindrich about the work of Keep Our Republic and its mission to protect American democracy. They explore how an independent judiciary underpins the Rule of Law and why efforts to intimidate and impeach judges are increasingly threatening constitutional governance. Drawing on their years on the federal bench and their civic education work, Judges Kugler and Cindrich explain what is at stake when judicial legitimacy is undermined, how these attacks erode public trust, and why young lawyers play a critical role in defending the Rule of Law and the system they are inheriting.
Keep Our Republic's Article III Coalition is a bipartisan group of more than 50 retired federal judges appointed by presidents of both parties, dedicated to defending judicial independence, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. Through civic education and public engagement, the Article III Coalition helps the public understand the judiciary's essential role in preserving our constitutional republic. Learn more at keepourrepublic.org. 

In this special episode, Joe speaks with Alicia Granse of ACLU-Minnesota and Kyle Wislocky of Ciresi Conlin about what they are seeing in Minneapolis, on the streets and in the courts. They discuss how community members are exercising their rights, documenting ICE activity, and standing up for their neighbors, then break down Tincher v. Noem and related cases surrounding violations of the First and Fourth Amendments.
 
To learn more visit: ⁠ACLU-MN⁠
 

In this special episode, Joe sits down with Paul Le Vay of Stockwoods LLP in Toronto and Paul Sreenan in Dublin to examine recent U.S. rhetoric around Greenland, sovereignty, truth, and power.
They explore how the Trump administration's claims about Greenland are received abroad. Many see it as another test of NATO, the European Union, and long-standing alliances. They also assess what global leaders think it means for diplomacy and stability. The result is a timely, measured conversation about decorum, responsibility, and the role lawyers play when the Rule of Law is tested publicly.

Part 2 of this special episode features Randy Smith, President of the Alfred Friendly Press Partners, and investigative journalist Patricia Marcano, who was forced to flee Venezuela after threats for reporting on the Maduro regime. Together, they unpack what's being reported, what may be missing, and why discerning listeners should seek out credible, independent sources.
Additional Resources:
⁠⁠Alfred Friendly Press Partners⁠⁠
⁠⁠Committee to Protect Journalists⁠⁠
News from the Region
⁠⁠Armando Info⁠⁠
⁠⁠Tal Cual⁠⁠
⁠⁠Efecto Cocuyo

Part one of this special two-part episode brings together esteemed trial lawyers, Joe Tucker, Brian Gover, and Stan Garnett for a clear-eyed look at Venezuela’s crisis and what it signals for the Rule of Law. They unpack how the international community and the legal profession are reading this moment, what is at stake when legal norms become optional.
Additional Resources:
⁠Alfred Friendly Press Partners⁠
⁠Committee to Protect Journalists⁠
News from the Region
⁠Armando Info⁠
⁠Tal Cual⁠
⁠Efecto Cocuyo⁠

Are you looking for ways to make a difference in 2026? Revisit this episode with Joe Tucker and President of the Arizona State Bar, Ted Schmidt. The pair discuss how small acts, like speaking in a classroom or organizing a local event, can spark broader civic engagement.

Tis the season!  Revisit this episode with Craig Peters, Partner at Altair Law in San Francisco. The conversation centers on optimism and its essential role in preserving democracy. Enjoy stories of three mentors who, despite overwhelming odds, held onto optimism as they worked to create lasting change.