Welcome to another episode of The Round Table!
This week, Daniel, Preena, and Viola sit down with C. Evan Stewart, author of The Worst Supreme Court Decisions Ever! and a professor at Cornell University. Stewart delves into America’s legal history, examining cases like Dred Scott v. Sanford and the importance of addressing the uncomfortable truths of the legal system.
Stewart discusses the role of lawyers, explaining that their job is to represent clients rather than determine guilt or innocence, which is the responsibility of the jury and judge. He underscores how this distinction is vital to maintaining fairness and integrity in the legal system, even when cases involve contentious or morally complex issues. As a professor, Stewart highlights the need to teach history in its entirety, including its darker moments. He emphasizes that avoiding uncomfortable truths risks creating a distorted view of history, which hinders society’s ability to learn from past mistakes.
Stewart also stresses the significance of civic engagement, encouraging people to get involved in local elections and explore a variety of sources to understand history and legal cases. Informed voting and critical thinking, he argues, are crucial for shaping a more equitable and effective legal system. Despite its flaws, there's optimism about America’s legal system and its potential for positive change. The system’s resilience, he believes, comes from its ability to evolve through democratic processes and active participation from citizens.
