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Recent misconduct by federal officers has sparked renewed interest in state-law civil and criminal mechanisms to hold federal agents accountable for federal constitutional violations. While state remedies show great promise, they also present significant constitutional and practical challenges such as supremacy, preemption, and qualified immunity.

This symposium brings together leading legal scholars and advisors to explore the prospects of state-law remedies, address complex legal puzzles, evaluate potential downsides, and engage with critics. Designed to transcend current political moments, the event aims to provide legal safeguards for a broad range of constitutional rights while delivering immediate practical payoffs and high-standard academic work. 

MCLE credits available.

Agenda:

Stream Morning Sessions

8 - 8:30 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast

8:30 - 8:50 a.m.
Opening Remarks

8:55 - 10:15 a.m.
Panel 1: Immunities Revisited

• Joanna Schwartz, UCLA School of Law
• Robert Yablon, University of Wisconsin Law School
• Tara Leigh Grove, University of Texas at Austin School of Law
• Moderator: Professor Aaron Tang, UC Davis School of Law

10:25 - 11:55 a.m.
Panel 2: Federalism Revisited

• Vikram David Amar, UC Davis School of Law
• Jason Mazzone, University of Illinois College of Law
• James Pfander, Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law
• Ernest Young, Duke University School of Law
• Moderator: Professor Katherine Florey, UC Davis School of Law

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch

Stream Afternoon Sessions

1:05 - 2:30 p.m.
Panel 3: Leveraging State-Law Doctrines

• Evan Caminker, University of Michigan Law School
• Roderick Hills, NYU School of Law
• Moderator: Professor Carlton F.W. Larson, UC Davis School of Law

2:40 - 3:25 p.m.
Roundtable: State Criminal Prosecutions of Federal Officers

• Akhil Reed Amar, Yale Law School, in conversation with conference participants

3:35 - 4:00 p.m.
Closing Keynote

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Courtyard Reception

Faculty Advisor

Carlton F.W. Larson

Principle Staff

Lillian Hammerstrom
Executive Community and Symposium Editor, Volume 60

Iris Shea
Executive Community and Symposium Editor, Volume 60