









-
Channel
-
Premiere DateNovember 17, 2017
Constitutional is a podcast produced by The Washington Post that explores the culture and history of American constitutional interpretation. The show is led by host and producer Lillian Cunningham, who is also the creator of the Post's successful presidential history podcast, "Presidential."
The podcast is a 25-part series, each episode focussing on a different clause or amendment in the U.S. Constitution. Cunningham expertly weaves together primary source research, expert interviews, and lively conversation with Supreme Court Justices, legal scholars, and even her own law professors to give listeners a multifaceted understanding of the country's founding document.
Constitutional is not just a show for constitutional law experts, however. Cunningham is careful to make the material accessible and engaging for a general audience, and has an uncanny ability to take complex legal concepts and make them relatable and interesting. The show covers everything from the origins of the Constitution, to landmark Supreme Court cases, to contemporary debates over constitutional interpretation.
One of the real strengths of the show is its ability to draw connections between seemingly disparate moments in American history. Cunningham takes a wide-angle view of the Constitution's impact, exploring not just its text, but its influence on American culture, politics, and society. For example, in a fascinating episode on the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on "cruel and unusual punishment," Cunningham traces the roots of the clause all the way back to medieval English law, and examines how it has been interpreted in everything from the death penalty to the treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay.
Throughout the series, Constitutional grapples with some of the most pressing questions facing the country today, such as the balance between individual rights and national security, the role of the Supreme Court in American democracy, and the legacy of slavery and racial oppression on the Constitution. These are weighty topics to be sure, but Cunningham's approachable style and nuanced analysis make them engaging and informative.
One standout feature of the podcast is Cunningham's ability to secure interviews with some of the most prominent legal thinkers of our time. The show features conversations with Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Anthony Kennedy, as well as legal scholars like Laurence Tribe and Akhil Amar. These interviews are captivating not just for their star power, but because Cunningham is able to extract insightful commentary and personal anecdotes from her guests that shed light on complex legal issues.
Although Constitutional wrapped up its original run in 2018, it is still a valuable resource for anyone interested in the Constitution and its impact on American society. The show is well-produced, engaging, and informative, and offers a fresh perspective on a document that is often taken for granted. Cunningham's deep knowledge and love of the Constitution shines through in every episode, making Constitutional a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the foundation of American law and democracy.
Overall, Constitutional is a tour de force of constitutional analysis and storytelling. The show is impeccably researched, expertly crafted, and deeply engaging. Whether you're a legal expert or a curious citizen, there is much to be gained from Cunningham's thoughtful and provocative exploration of one of America's most important documents.