Cutler Lecture: 'An ER For the Rule of Law: Lawyering in an Era of Democratic Erosion'

The Cutler Lecture, titled "An ER for the Rule of Law: Lawyering in an Era of Democratic Erosion," is an event organized by the University of Rochester's Democracy Center and the Department of Political Science. This lecture features Sonia Mittal, Clinical Lecturer in Law and Associate Research Scholar at Yale Law School, who will discuss the role of courts and lawyers in safeguarding democracy against leaders who seek to undermine democratic institutions.

The lecture will explore the challenges and limitations faced by legal institutions in protecting democratic norms. Mittal will draw upon her extensive experience, including her tenure as Senior Counsel and Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, where she was involved in significant Department of Justice investigations. Her expertise encompasses the rule of law and constitutional failures in democracies worldwide.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Mittal during a Q&A session following the lecture. The event is free and open to the general public, making it accessible to anyone interested in the intersection of law and democracy.

This lecture is particularly relevant for legal professionals, scholars, students, and citizens concerned about democratic erosion and the legal mechanisms available to counteract it. Participants will gain valuable insights into the complexities of lawyering in times of political strain and the critical role of legal practitioners in upholding democratic principles.