Lady Justice Podcast

Lady Justice: Women of the Court is a monthly podcast produced in partnership with the National Center for State Courts. In each episode, co-hosts Justice Rhonda Wood, of the Arkansas Supreme Court, and Justice Beth Walker, of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, discuss the real-world implications of the justice system and judiciary for listeners of all ages. They talk about their roles as women justices on their respective state supreme courts as well as their experiences and insights on the accomplishments and challenges women in state courts face.

Along with their invited guests, they cover topics such as the importance of state constitutional law, how courts operate, the meaning of justice, and why state courts matter.

Listen to the latest episode

Season 5, Episode 1: A Life for Liberty
An Interview with Randy Barnett
In this special Constitution Day episode of Lady Justice: Women of the Court, hosts Justice Rhonda Wood of Arkansas and Justice Beth Walker of West Virginia sit down with Randy Barnett, the Patrick Hotung Professor of Constitutional Law at Georgetown University and Director of the Georgetown Center for the Constitution. Together, they dive into a thought-provoking conversation about Barnett’s latest memoir, A Life for Liberty: The Making of an American Originalist, and explore his journey from a prosecutor in Chicago to becoming a leading voice in the originalism movement.

Barnett shares insights into the federal and state constitutions, the amendment processes, and his expertise on the Ninth Amendment. The discussion delves into the principles of originalism, the impact of abolitionist Lysander Spooner, and the significance of the “lost constitution.” The episode also offers a glimpse into Barnett’s forthcoming work, Felony Review: Tales of True Stories of Crime and Corruption in Chicago, drawing on his experiences as a prosecutor. Listeners will also gain valuable advice on the importance of mentorship and learn about the influential mentors who shaped Barnett’s career. This episode provides a compelling look at the intersection of law, history, and personal conviction, offering inspiration for anyone passionate about justice and liberty.

Topics discussed:

  • The differences between the federal Constitution and state constitutions, and their respective amendment processes
  • The origins and principles of originalism
  • Key insights into Barnett’s memoir, A Life for Liberty: The Making of an American Originalist
  • The role of mentorship in Barnett’s career and personal growth
  • Discussions on the Ninth Amendment and the concept of the “lost constitution”
  • Reflections on Lysander Spooner’s The Unconstitutionality of Slavery and its influence on originalism
  • A preview of Barnett’s upcoming book, Felony Review: Tales of True Stories of Crime and Corruption in Chicago

Don’t miss this engaging conversation that blends constitutional law, history, and the personal stories of one of America’s foremost legal scholars. Tune in now!

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Lady Justice: Women of the Court is available on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, Listen Notes, YouTube, and other podcasting apps.

The views expressed on the podcast are the justices' alone and not the opinions of their respective courts or NCSC.