The Rule of Law: The Academy Speaks

When does arbitration work, and when does it weaken the Rule of Law? The final episode looks at the lawyer’s duty to advise clients, efforts to protect the jury system, and why trial lawyers must defend open courts, public records, and citizen participation.

Arbitration is often sold as faster and cheaper. But who really wins when serious disputes move behind closed doors? This episode explores forced arbitration, service contracts, companies like Uber, and the public cost of private justice.

What happens if jury trials disappear? Academy Fellows Quentin Brogdon, Kathy Patrick, and Craig Peters examine why juries are not just a court procedure. They are citizen power, public accountability, and a safeguard for equal justice.

In recognition of Juneteenth, Craig Peters sits down with Joe Tucker for a conversation about freedom, equality, and the unfinished work of justice.  As the first Black President in the history of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Joe reflects on his service and shares why Juneteenth remains a powerful reminder that rights on paper mean little without enforcement, vigilance, and civic en...

Season 4 of The Rule of Law: The Academy Speaks kicks off with the Academy’s President-Elect, Craig Peters, and retired Federal Judge Philip Pro, of Keep Our Republic’s Article III Coalition, discussing National Law Day. In this episode, they explore what Law Day means, why it matters, how each of us can honor it through action, and why defending the Rule of Law feels more urgent now than ever. Ke...

In part two of this special episode, Joe Tucker talks with Michael Coard about his leadership with the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition and the ongoing fight for truthful representation of American history in Philadelphia. That fight has reached the highest levels of government and reflects a larger national struggle over memory, truth, and who gets to define the American story. Michael shares why...

In this special two-part episode, Joe Tucker sits down with fellow lawyer and Philadelphia-based activist Michael Coard to discuss his deep commitment to the Rule of Law, in the courtroom and in his community. Called “the angriest Black man in America,” Michael shares the stories behind some of his most challenging and personal cases, and explains why he believes it is his duty to confront injusti...

In this episode, Joe Tucker continues his conversation with Judges Kathleen O’Malley and Liam O’Grady of Keep Our Republic’s Article III Coalition. The discussion examines the safeguards of the Rule of Law, including the obligation of judges to set aside personal beliefs and to carefully examine the actions of the Department of Justice. In unprecedented times, the path forward is a return to prece...

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 decisi...

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 di...

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...

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 an...

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 lead...

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: ⁠⁠Al...

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 P...

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. 

In the Season 2 finale, Joe Tucker and Kate Shaw, Professor of Law at UPenn Carey Law, confront the state of the Rule of Law in an era of selective prosecution, retaliation against critics, and concealment from the courts. They assess the Supreme Court’s response, measure the damage already done, and underscore the urgent role lawyers must play now to defend meaningful justice.

In this episode, Joe sits down with attorney and licensed psychotherapist Erica Grigg for a candid look at the strains of the legal profession, from long hours to traumatic cases to mounting political pressure. They make the case for mental wellness alongside ethics and effectiveness, and share practical ways attorneys can support colleagues and themselves.

In part two, Joe concludes his conversation with Antoinette Collignon on the Rule of Law and how U.S. leadership is seen abroad. Collignon notes Europe’s growing concern with the United States: some fear its commitment to democracy is only lip service, while others are alarmed by signs of alignment with Russia. She stresses the need for unity, respect, and strong alliances. Europe offers examples...

In part one, Joe is joined by Antoinette Collignon, who offers a European perspective on democracy and the Rule of Law. She reflects on the European Court of Human Rights’ rulings in Ukraine and the Netherlands v. Russia and the downing of Flight MH17, marking an important victory for the families of those killed. Antoinette also shares her own family’s World War II survival story, underscoring wh...

Joe sits down with lawyer and author Anne Bremner to examine how justice is shaped in an era of social media, 24/7 news, and viral narratives. Anne explains why jurors and the public often form opinions before trials begin, drawing on cases from Amanda Knox to Rebecca Zahau. She argues that while the public wants to be part of the conversation, lawyers have a responsibility to keep facts clear, ac...

In this episode, Joe sits down with former Senator Jon Tester—author, co-host of the podcast Grounded, and a working Montana farmer—to take stock of the Rule of Law today. They examine how Congress is failing both the nation and the law, and flag troubling shifts in U.S. alliances. Together they ask: Where are we now? The conversation explores why transparency and accountability must be strengthen...

In Part Four, Joe concludes his conversation with attorney Brad Edwards, who spent more than twenty years fighting to hold Jeffrey Epstein accountable while Epstein and his team worked tirelessly to cover up his crimes. Brad highlights how government agencies lied, violated the Crime Victims’ Rights Act, and enabled the cover-up to persist. He makes clear why survivors—and the American public—must...