Constitutional scholars discuss presidential power at Saint Mary's

Constitutional scholars Vikram Amar and Dan Farber will delve into the intricacies of presidential power at Saint Mary's College in Moraga on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The event, part of the Constitution Day celebrations, will explore the balance between effective leadership and the prevention of power abuse, offering a unique opportunity for residents to engage with legal experts on a critical topic.

The discussion will have significant implications for local residents, especially those interested in civic engagement and understanding the foundational principles of American governance. The event aims to foster a deeper understanding of the constitutional limits on presidential authority, a topic that resonates with many as they navigate the complexities of contemporary political discourse. The free admission and accessibility options, including live Zoom participation and Spanish translation, ensure that the conversation is inclusive and widely accessible to the community.

Saint Mary's College has a long-standing tradition of hosting educational forums that engage the public with critical issues. This event, sponsored by the Disney Forum, the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, the League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa County Library, and CCTV, continues that tradition by providing a platform for informed dialogue. The speakers, Vikram Amar and Dan Farber, are renowned constitutional law scholars from UC Davis and UC Berkeley, respectively, and their expertise will be moderated by Barbara McGraw, who directs the Center for Engaged Religious Pluralism at Saint Mary's.

The event will take place in the Claeys Room of the Soda Center on the Saint Mary's campus. Admission is free, and no registration is required for in-person attendance. For those who wish to participate remotely, registration through the Contra Costa County Library's event listing is necessary to receive the Zoom link. The program will be recorded and posted on the library's and the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley's YouTube channels for those unable to attend the live session. Accommodation requests can be made by contacting the library administration at 925-608-7700, with a three-day notice preferred.

Residents interested in participating in the discussion or following updates can visit the event listing and Zoom registration page on the Contra Costa County Library's site. The event promises to be an enlightening evening, offering valuable insights into the constitutional framework and its relevance to modern presidential power.