Up for Discussion

Puppet Theater: Behind the Right’s Originalism

This article is one half of a discussion on originalism in American jurisprudence. For its companion, which argues that originalism limits the abuse of judicial authority for political ends, click here. “This small hearing room and the little TV box that you’re looking at . . . are a little bit like the frame of […]

Originalism: The Best Alternative to Oligarchy

This article is one half of a discussion on originalism in American jurisprudence. For its companion, which argues that originalism is a cover for conservative judges to impose their policy preferences, click here. Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court revived political conflict surrounding the judiciary’s proper role in American democracy. The political […]

Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the Incivility of Strategizing for Death

For our companion piece about the political ramifications of Ginsburg’s death and the legacy she leaves behind, click here. In the days before she succumbed to pancreatic cancer, as her strength faded, Ruth Bader Ginsburg told her granddaughter, “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.” […]

RIP RBG: The Political Climate Post-Ruth Bader Ginsburg

For our companion piece about how Ginsburg’s death illustrates the need for term-limited Supreme Court justices, click here. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away on September 18 due to complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer at age eighty-seven. Just days before her death, Ginsburg stated, “My most fervent wish is that I will not […]

Party Perspectives: Immigration Reform

  Immigration reform has been an important agenda item both for lawmakers and for the President. Despite bipartisan support for the issue, and recent cooperation on the Omnibus and Farm bills, immigration appears to be stalled. Consider the following questions in your reflection:   – Is comprehensive immigration reform, and other kinds of comprehensive reform, […]

Northeastern University College Democrats: Immigration Reform

  Comprehensive immigration reform is a completely feasible legislative agenda item for this particular mid-term election year. According to a Gallup Poll conducted in January, this Congress started 2014 off with an abysmal 13% approval rating.[1] This poll reflects the belief that Congress is unable and unwilling to address the most pressing issues that our […]

NSA Rebuttal: Northeastern University College Democrats

  When it comes to the fundamental privacy rights of the American citizen, there is not much room for major disagreement. The Northeastern College Republicans and the Northeastern College Democrats can both agree that the Constitution is clear when it comes to this issue, there are serious privacy concerns with information collection today A wide […]

NSA Rebuttal: Northeastern University College Republicans

  Any issue dealing with privacy of personal data to many Americans seems more like a crime than political issue. This is the reason that public approval on both sides of the aisle of PRISM is so low. This issue is interesting because it appears that it has broken down some of the usual right-left […]

Party Perspectives: NSA Surveillance

In light of President Obama’s speech last week outlining new guidelines for intelligence-gathering, we asked politically-oriented student groups on campus to respond to the following questions: 1) Will the Obama administration’s proposed reforms restore public trust in the activities of the NSA? 2) How can the United States best respect the privacy of its citizens […]

Northeastern University College Republicans: NSA Surveillance

The concept of natural rights is critical to the understanding of the American Constitution. The Fourth Amendment clearly says what the government can and cannot do regarding searches and seizures. It states quite clearly: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall […]