A recent panel discussion at Harvard Law School explored whether the United States is currently experiencing a constitutional crisis. Experts concluded that while the nation is not yet in a full-blown crisis, there are concerns about the balance of power and the role of the judiciary in maintaining democratic norms.
The discussion centered around President Donald Trump‘s second term, marked by a flurry of executive actions that have raised questions about the limits of executive power. Panelists emphasized the importance of the judiciary in ensuring that democratic enactments are adhered to and in mediating between legislative and executive actions.
Jeannie Suk Gersen, a constitutional law professor, cautioned against prematurely labeling the situation a constitutional crisis, suggesting that such rhetoric can escalate tensions unnecessarily. “We need to be mindful of how we discuss these issues to avoid hastening the demise of the rule of law,” she noted.
Ruth Greenwood, director of Harvard Law School’s Election Law Clinic, highlighted the need for cooperation among all branches of government to prevent a constitutional crisis. She expressed concern about certain actions by the Trump administration but emphasized that the Constitution is designed to handle such challenges through its system of checks and balances.
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