Ronald Rotunda: What Is Constitutional Law?

Eminent legal scholar Ronald Rotunda is the Doy and Dee Henley Chair and Distinguished Professor of Jurisprudence at Chapman University. Rotunda is an expert in constitutional law, and he has taught courses and written extensively on the subject over the years.

Constitutional law specifically deals with the legal interpretation and implementation of the Constitution of the United States, which is the basis for the nation’s laws. It deals with the fundamental relationships and connections between various organs and levels of government and society. These include the relationship between the federal government and the states, the relationships among the states themselves, the relationship between the three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial), and the rights of the citizen relative to state and federal governments. Constitutional law relies heavily on Supreme Court rulings, which interpret the meaning of the United States Constitution regarding legal matters currently in dispute.

The history and character of the nation have been fundamentally shaped by controversies and decisions in hard-fought constitutional cases. Therefore, the study of constitutional law is critical for understanding the American legal tradition. Ronald Rotunda has authored many publications on the subject, including one of the foremost textbooks in the field, Modern Constitutional Law, and the 6 volume, Treatise on Constitutional Law.

Ronald Rotunda: The Department of Defense, Office of Legislative Counsel

As Special Counsel to the Department of Defense in 2004, Ronald Rotunda advised with regard to Constitutional matters, treaties, and more, drawing on his 40 years of law experience. 

The Office of Legislative Counsel (OLC) oversees the Department of Defense’s legislative program; its many tasks include the annual submission of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The office also advises on legislation, testimony within Congress, and various executive orders. The OLC also facilitates legal counsel for the Secretary of Defense and other members of the Department regarding responses to investigations by Congress. The office works with high-level, sensitive information, and, when necessary, interacts with other government agencies. It also provides counsel during interviews where the claim of executive privilege may be invoked. During the 110th session of Congress, the OLC provided counsel in 50 congressional interviews of Department members, and additionally provided review for more than half a million documents.

Ronald Rotunda on Cambodia’s Diverse Cuisine and Culture

A graduate of Harvard University, Ronald Rotunda possesses years of experience in practicing and teaching constitutional law. Ronald Rotunda previously served as an advisor to the Supreme National Council of Cambodia, where he aided the United National Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) in drafting the nation’s new constitution.

Cambodia is a vibrant cultural hub bursting with color, sound, and life. Cambodian cuisine in particular is world renowned for its diverse flavors and textures. Traditional dishes include prahok kites, which is a made of fermented fish and pork belly fried and served with garnish. Additionally, the delicious traditional Cambodian soup machu kroung is a staple in many homes, pleasing palates with its delicate balance of sweet and sour flavors topped with the bite of local chilies.

Cambodia’s landmarks are ancient and beautiful, testaments to the enduring quality of the country’s culture. Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, is home to many historic sites and cultural landmarks. Popular destinations for visitors include the Royal Palace of Cambodia; the Silver Pagoda; and the Phsar Thmey, or Central Market.

Ronald Rotunda: the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board

A University Professor at Chapman University, Ronald Rotunda has spent more than 40 years in the legal profession. Having authored articles and books in English, French, German, Korean, and Romanian, among other languages, he has garnered international recognition. During George W. Bush’s presidency, Rotunda was nominated for placement on the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.

An independent division within the executive branch, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board was formed in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Adopting recommendations by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks to expand its powers to combat terrorism, the government developed this agency as a kind of ombudsman. It reviews the executive branch’s decisions in the War on Terror and ensures that new laws consider and protect civil liberties and privacy rights. The board evaluates new legislation, offers suggestions on how to best implement them, and advises the President on these matters.

The President chooses the five members of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for six-year terms, and the Senate must approve their nomination. As one of its important responsibilities, the board can obtain data from all agencies within the federal government, including classified information, and interview personnel. Additionally, it must keep abreast of the latest developments in the law by regularly reviewing regulations, policies, and procedures and identifying new areas of concern, such as cybersecurity.

Chapman University School of Law Has Seventh Best Bar Pass Rate in California by Ronald Rotunda

Since its inception in 1995, Chapman University’s Law School has been recognized as one of the top law schools in California and in the nation. The first academic law program in Orange County located on a university campus, Chapman Law School offers its students hands-on training and mentorships with major firms and corporations in addition to a rigorous academic program.

56728631

Chapman Law School graduates have continued the school’s tradition of excellence by achieving an 82% bar exam pass rate in 2012, the highest in the school’s history and the seventh highest among accredited law schools in California. Chapman’s unique bar preparation program, which includes for-credit courses in American law and legal analysis as well as supplemental essay critiques and mock exams, has proven its effectiveness in preparing students for one of the most challenging bar exams in the nation.

About the Author:

Ronald Rotunda is a Professor of Jurisprudence at the Chapman University School of Law. He has extensive experience in constitutional law and legal ethics, and received his JD from Harvard University.