Introducing 25 Years of Asking Questions: A Yearlong Lecture Series

In 2026, the Robert H. Jackson Center celebrates 25 years of advancing civic understanding and public discourse with a special yearlong lecture series: 25 Years of Asking Questions. This series will examine some of the most pressing questions facing American democracy, inviting the community to explore how constitutional principles intersect with the challenges of our time.

Each month, the series poses a different question, encouraging participants to think critically about the values, responsibilities, and choices that shape our society. From free speech in the age of social media and misinformation, to the enduring fight for educational equity, to the meaning of patriotism and civic responsibility, the series draws connections between historic legal decisions and contemporary issues.

We will consider questions such as: Who belongs in America, and how do immigration, citizenship, and national identity shape our sense of community? How do we confront hate, and what tools can we use to resist it without amplifying its power? What does justice look like in theory and practice, and how do prosecutors, presidents, and citizens play a role in upholding, or stretching, the law? What makes a life matter, and how does the legacy of Robert H. Jackson continue to inform the choices we make today? And as we navigate a polarized and rapidly changing world, we will ask: How healthy is our democracy, and what do we owe to one another as citizens of this republic?

Through dynamic presentations by scholars, practitioners, and experts, the series will provide historical, legal, and civic context to help the public engage thoughtfully with these complex issues. Attendees will gain new perspectives, deepen their understanding of civic principles, and consider how they can participate meaningfully in democratic life.

Whether you are a student, educator, civic leader, or lifelong learner, 25 Years of Asking Questions offers an opportunity to reflect on the enduring relevance of Robert H. Jackson’s legacy and to explore the choices, responsibilities, and values that sustain a healthy democracy.

Stay tuned for announcements about speakers, dates, and individual programs as we tackle these vital questions together in 2026.

Upcoming Questions:

  • Who Belongs in America?
  • What is Patriotism, Really?
  • The Prosecutor’s Power: Who Decides What Justice Looks Like?
  • The Rule of Law or the Rule of Power?
  • Can We Stop Hate?
  • What is Justice?
  • What Do We Owe Each Other?

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