When the Supreme Court settles a case, it often evaluates the constitutionality of a law. If the statute conflicts with any constitutional provision, the Court holds that the state cannot enforce it. Why are Congress and the president bound by this determination – are they bound at all?

In this podcast, the HULR examines the persistent debate on the legalization of abortion and state of Roe v. Wade. This podcast will provide information on past and present cases involving Roe v. Wade and how they might impact the decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health this summer. We will also look at the different laws that have emerged in different states and the implications not only for women but also for doctors and women who have miscarriages. We will explore the controversy surrounding specific state regulations like the Texas “Heartbeat Bill” and Alabama’s Human Life Protection Act. Finally, we will look at the case of Roe v. Wade itself, delving into problems with the initial ruling and also discussing the implications if it were to be overturned this summer. We hope that this podcast provides its listeners with a better understanding of the debate around abortion, the recent developments across the nation, and the detriments of reversing a landmark case.

Although overall alcohol consumption decreased due to Prohibition, Americans still managed to obtain liquor illegally. In fact, most of Congress enjoyed alcoholic beverages during Prohibition thanks to one enterprising war veteran, George L. Cassiday. Cassiday single-handedly supplied liquor to 80% of Congress, including members who publicly supported Prohibition, during ten of the thirteen years of Prohibition. The tale of Cassiday’s illegal bootlegging operation on Capitol Hill raises questions about the purpose of laws — was Prohibition really effective? — and about the hypocrisy of lawmakers.