On March 15-16, 2019, the Federalist Society's student chapter at the ASU Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law hosted the 2019 National Student Symposium. The roundtable discussion covered "Federalism's Contribution to Economic Liberty: Catalyzing Technological Advancement and Economic Growth".
Does the Fourteenth Amendment guarantee economic liberty? If not, what role might states play in advancing economic liberty? Frustrated with the federal government’s inability or unwillingness to solve regulatory or competition-based problems, some states have taken matters into their own hands. This panel will address how states have been, and still can be, laboratories of democracy when it comes to regulation and catalyzing economic growth. It will also address how federal regulators can work with, not against, states to accomplish these goals.
Using case studies ranging from emerging technologies to marijuana deregulation, the panel will explore the state’s role in our modern federal system, with special attention paid to modern interpretations of both the Fourteenth Amendment and the Commerce Clause.
Discussion will focus on demonstrating the ways in which states can remain flexible in fostering innovation—both technological and regarding social policy—while ensuring that consumers are adequately protected from dangerous product or service testing or other offerings. This flexibility enables states to attract, test, and encourage competition in emerging and innovative technologies, as well as long-existing technologies with lowered barriers to entry.

Prof. Jonathan H. Adler, Johan Verheij Memorial Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Business Law & Regulation, Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Ms. Dana Berliner, Senior Vice President and Litigation Director, Institute for Justice
Hon. Clint Bolick, Arizona Supreme Court
Hon. Mark Brnovich, Arizona Attorney General
Prof. Allan Ides, Professor of Law and Christopher N. May Chair, Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Moderator: Hon. Chad Readler, U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

As always, the Federalist Society takes no position on particular legal or public policy issues; all expressions of opinion are those of the speakers.