Virtual event on insurrection draws hundreds of viewers

Several law faculty discussed insurrection and the rule of law in light of the mob violence in Washington D.C. More than 500 people, including students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members, came online for the Jan. 13 event.

Senior Associate Dean Afra Afsharipour introduced the panel. Our first speaker, Professor Carlton Larson, discussed the criminal law implications of the violence, including possible treason charges.  On the bookshelves in the background was a copy of his latest book on treason.    

Professor Ash Bhagwat discussed a variety of possible political responses to the recent events, including the impeachment of President Trump and the use of the 25th Amendment to remove him from office. An impeachment conviction, he explained, could make President Trump ineligible for federal office.  

Professor Karima Bennoune offered insights from international law on the recent events. She looked at global impacts of the violence and the potential consequences on extremism, including damage to U.S. foreign policy.  She noted that the white supremacist imagery in the U.S. Capitol might buoy extremism the world over.

It was an informative panel, with great questions and responses.  The panelists left plenty of time for discussion, and the audience had plenty of questions.   

UC Davis School of Law is lucky to have amazing professors who can shed light on one of the most shocking political episodes in our history.   I am always impressed by our faculty.