| 2005 Summer Seminar |
—David N. Mayer, J.D., Ph.D.
Course Description:
Separation of powers is one of the fundamental structural features of American constitutions, both state and federal, designed by the Founders to help check the abuse of government power. Today, however, separation of powers principles are largely overlooked or misapplied by the courts and other branches of government. In the first talk of this two part series, David Mayer will discuss the historical origins of separation of powers, distinguishing it from the older, classical doctrine of a “mixed,” or “balanced” constitution, as well as from “checks and balances,” those exceptions to separation of powers included in the U.S. Constitution as further safeguards against the abuse of power.
David N. Mayer is a professor of law and history at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. The author of The Constitutional Thought of Thomas Jefferson, he is currently writing a book on the U. S. Constitution.
Schedule: Thursday, 9:45 - 11:00 AM
Track: Political/Cultural Commentary