Judge John Hodgman States Rights... and States Left
Feb 11, 2026
A roommate dispute about whether attending college counts as living somewhere sparks a rules debate. They parse a list of claimed states, remove non-states, and argue over voting, licenses, and work as residency evidence. Personal stories about constant moves, lacking a hometown, and Midwestern identity bring heart and humor to the legal-minded tussle.
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Childhood Moves Shaped Identity
- Stephanie recounts moving often as a child because her father was a Marine and her parents kept relocating due to promotions and transfers.
- She says that frequent moves left her without a clear hometown and shaped her ability to adapt quickly to new places.
The Disputed List Of Places Lived
- Stephanie lists many places she has lived including California, Japan, Maryland, Alabama, Ohio, New York, Delaware, Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana.
- The exchange exposes confusion over counting Japan and commonwealths when tallying states.
Small-State Protectiveness Explained
- Hodgman observes small-state residents can feel protective when outsiders claim transient residency and cultural ownership.
- He links that protectiveness to anxieties about transplants who 'come and go' in college towns and tourist spots.
