Posted 12:02 AM by Jason
The Preeminent Ideological Proving Ground for Ultra-Conservatives.

I returned today, tired but in one piece, from the Federalist Society Symposium at Northwestern University.  A most excellent time was had by all.  I can't go into much detail, what with the Society being a super secret cabal and all, but I can say this: Judge William Pryor was a great choice for a keynote speaker, especially given the "Law & Morality" focus of the weekend.

Some in the audience seemed a bit sore over his role in the whole Roy Moore affair, but Pryor responded to their questions deftly and persuasively, and the emphasis on respect for the rule of law in his speech was quite inspiring (NERD ALERT!).  He specifically borrowed a few lines from A Man for All Seasons in making his point:

William Roper: So, now you give the Devil the benefit of law!
Sir Thomas More: Yes! What would you do? Cut a great road through the law to get after the Devil?
William Roper: Yes, I'd cut down every law in England to do that!
Sir Thomas More: Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned 'round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? This country is planted thick with laws, from coast to coast, Man's laws, not God's! And if you cut them down, and you're just the man to do it, do you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? Yes, I'd give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety's sake!

Robert Bork had an interesting article on More (not Moore) in First Things back in 1999.

On a lighter note:  Lino Graglia, you are a madman. I want to party with you, cowboy.  

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