Libertarian

Richard Epstein analyzes the difficulties facing the Supreme Court in challenges to California's gay marriage ban (Proposition 8) and the Defense of Marriage Act. (Playing time: 20:12)

Richard Epstein discusses the flaws in the America Invents Act and considers how to create a patent system that more effectively fosters American innovation. (Playing time: 19:12)

Richard Epstein considers the Supreme Court challenge to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, its implications for civil rights, and the controversial statement made by Justice Scalia during oral arguments. (Playing time: 15:11)

Richard Epstein looks at the proper role of government in responding to natural disasters, including a consideration of state-subsidized insurance and price gouging during times of crisis. (Playing time: 14:57)

Richard Epstein considers proposals for increasing the minimum wage, requiring paid sick leave and maternity leave for employees, and toughening anti-discrimination laws. (Playing time: 18:11)

Richard Epstein considers the case for a Balanced Budget Amendment, how to get Washington's spending habits under control, and the difficulties inherent in amending the Constitution. (Playing time: 18:07)

Richard Epstein discusses what a new Supreme Court case tells us about government's ability to abuse landowners under the guise of environmental protection, how the courts have mishandled land use issues, and what a more market-friendly system could do to solve the problem. (Playing time: 17:00)

Richard Epstein examines the economic benefits of federalism and proscribes solutions for states that are currently placing themselves at a competitive disadvantage. (Playing time: 19:16)

Richard Epstein weighs in on the fight over the first principles of libertarianism. He defines the difference between libertarians and classical liberals, examines Ayn Rand's influence on the movement, and addresses the argument that libertarianism is an inherently selfish creed. (Playing time: 18:22)

Richard Epstein deconstructs President Obama's second inaugural address. He considers how the president has put the rhetoric of classical liberalism into the service of progressivism, what the speech got wrong about the founding generation, and what the remarks tell us about Obama's second-term agenda. (Playing time: 17:32)