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The state of U.S. democracy
the capitol building in washington dc

While a new administration transitions into office, the past four years have left the country asking, “How strong is our democratic foundation?”

The state of U.S. democracy

On the eve of a presidential inauguration following a historic election and its aftermath, experts from across the University weigh in on where we stand as a country.
Kermit Roosevelt on incitement of insurrection and the 14th Amendment
Outside of U.S. Capitol building at dusk with flag flying on flagpole.

Kermit Roosevelt on incitement of insurrection and the 14th Amendment

Penn Law’s Kermit Roosevelt explains the historical context behind Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, its relation to the current presidential crisis, and its constitutional limitations.

From Penn Carey Law

Capitol attack: Where does American democracy go from here?
The U.S. Capitol building is seen at dusk

The U.S. Capitol at dusk.

Capitol attack: Where does American democracy go from here?

As the nation processes the unprecedented mob attack on the U.S. Capitol, many are wondering what happens now for America. Legal scholar Claire Finkelstein shares her thoughts on the siege and its effects on democracy.

Kristen de Groot

What you need to know about the antitrust suits against Facebook
Three cubes with Facebook messenger emojis printed on each side displaying the trademark thumb’s up, the laugh emoji and the surprise emoji.

What you need to know about the antitrust suits against Facebook

Antitrust expert Herbert Hovenkamp breaks down the recent lawsuits against Facebook, why he thinks the arguments have merit and how big tech companies can adapt.

From Penn Carey Law

Presidential pardons, explained
President Gerald Ford and two others are see from behind walking down a White House outdoor walkway in 1975

President Gerald Ford walking to his office at the White House, Washington, D.C., Jan. 1, 1975, months after pardoning his predecessor Richard Nixon. (Image: Marion S. Trikosko/Library of Congress) 

Presidential pardons, explained

Law expert Kermit Roosevelt discusses how the pardon process works and why it exists in the first place.

Kristen de Groot

Whatever happened to the right to petition?
The text of the First Amendment is printed on a granite block across from Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Whatever happened to the right to petition?

Maggie Blackhawk of the Law School discusses the First Amendment’s right to petition, how the right was exercised historically, what it looks like in its current form, and why it changed.
Academic freedom in an age of global digital delivery
stock image of world depicting global connection

Academic freedom in an age of global digital delivery

During a virtual forum, Penn experts across disciplines discussed specific implications online learning can present for international students and their freedom of expression.

Lauren Hertzler

‘Workplace Diversity, Culture, and Leadership’
Five hands come together in a group; laptop in background

“Racism and Anti-Racism in Contemporary America” is a preceptorial designed to provide a broad overview of the causes and consequences of racism in the United States. The second of these conversations, “Workplace, Culture, and Diversity,” was held on Nov. 11.

‘Workplace Diversity, Culture, and Leadership’

In the second of 13 conversations in the preceptorial course Racism and Anti-Racism in Contemporary America, a discussion on “The Economic System: Workplace Diversity, Culture, and Leadership.”

Kristina García

Law students spearhead pro bono projects for pandemic relief
Selfie of a person wearing a face mask holding up a box of vegan pastries in their bakery

Meagan Benz, owner of the Crust Vegan Bakery and recipient of funding from the Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund. (Image: Penn Law)

Law students spearhead pro bono projects for pandemic relief

From connecting small businesses with loans to helping Philadelphians navigate unemployment and housing insecurity, students at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School are working to get people the help they need.

From Penn Carey Law

Law expert Kermit Roosevelt on the Electoral College and why America uses it
Shape of the map of the U.S. comprised of small question marks.

Law expert Kermit Roosevelt on the Electoral College and why America uses it

As Americans await final vote tallies, who declares victory comes down to how many electoral votes each candidate receives. Roosevelt explains the Electoral College, and discusses Trump’s claim that he might take the election to the Supreme Court before all votes are counted.

Kristen de Groot