Cato Event Podcast

Why do people borrow? An attempt to live beyond their means or income smoothing that accompanies growing prosperity? Consumer Credit and the American Economy examines the economics, behavioral science, sociology, history, law, and regulation of consumer credit in the United States. The authors look at why Americans use credit and the implications for both the American economy and government regulation. With the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, created by the Dodd-Frank Act, spreading its wings, there is perhaps no better time to have an in-depth discussion about the past and future of consumer credit. This panel features some of the leading experts in consumer financial regulation, who have served as both regulators and scholars.This event is being co-sponsored by the Federalist Society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originalism, which has become the most prominent theory of constitutional interpretation, holds that the U.S. Constitution should be interpreted according to its meaning at the time it was enacted. In a new book that offers an innovative defense of that theory, John McGinnis and Michael Rappaport maintain that the text of the Constitution should be followed because it was enacted by supermajorities—both its original enactment and in subsequent amendments. A text approved by supermajorities has special value in a democracy because it has unusually wide support and thus tends to maximize the welfare of the greatest number. But what is originalism’s place in constitutional interpretation when the Supreme Court has created so much non-originalist precedent? Indeed, had the Court not interpreted the Constitution so freely, perhaps the nation would have resorted to the Article V amendment process more often and with greater effect. Please join us for a spirited discussion of Originalism and the Good Constitution and what this new defense of originalism means to the quest for constitutionally limited government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate Constitution Day and the publication of the thirteenth annual Cato Supreme Court Review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate Constitution Day and the publication of the thirteenth annual Cato Supreme Court Review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate Constitution Day and the publication of the thirteenth annual Cato Supreme Court Review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When government imposes new taxes, rules, or regulations, it creates outcomes that often differ from the original intent. In some cases, these outcomes are so severe that they render the policy a failure. The law of unintended consequences has taken on an increasing importance during the era of ever-expanding government, and this book explores four important examples: cigarette taxes, alcohol prohibition, the minimum wage, and federal income tax. Hall examines how the policies came into being, what underlying political considerations influenced the process, the unintended outcomes of the policies, and why many of these policies are still in place. Because many of these unintended consequences are seriously adverse, the author argues that the moral of these four key examples is that whenever a new government policy is being considered, much more detailed review must be given to the range of potential unintended consequences—a practice that is rarely or accurately undertaken. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate Constitution Day and the publication of the thirteenth annual Cato Supreme Court Review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate Constitution Day and the publication of the thirteenth annual Cato Supreme Court Review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the controversial use of military vehicles and weapons by the police in Ferguson, Missouri, President Obama ordered a review of federal programs that facilitate the flow of weaponry from the Pentagon to local police departments. These military transfers raise a host of questions. Do the police need armored vehicles, M-16s, and grenade launchers to do their job effectively? Are the Pentagon programs adequately monitored? Should no-knock police raids be rare, or routine? Please join us for a wide-ranging discussion of modern American policing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The shooting of Michael Brown by police officer Darren Wilson sparked days of protest in Ferguson, Missouri. Meanwhile, in New York City, thousands of residents have protested the violent arrest that led to Eric Garner’s death. In recent years, the Department of Justice has sought to clean up police forces in Albuquerque, New Orleans, Seattle, and Detroit. Are the tensions that boiled over in Ferguson simmering in other cities? What are the lessons to be drawn from events in Ferguson? Has American law enforcement become overly aggressive and militarized? Are minorities being treated unfairly? Is police misconduct widespread? Join us for a wide-ranging discussion about Ferguson and American policing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.