Through the separation of powers, the Founders fully intended for each branch of government to be combative with the others. This fighting amongst the branches, they hoped, would protect our liberties and inhibit abuse of power. Each presidential administration must deal with the judicial branch in implementing their agenda, when cases involving their agenda are brought to court. This is what we are discussing today. To help us understand the intricacies of the current judiciary and executive relationship, we are pleased to have as our guest a veteran of all three branches. Professor John Yoo is currently the Emanuel S. Heller Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley. He previously clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas on the Supreme Court, was general counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee and worked in the George W. Bush administration as a deputy assistant attorney general.
