Charlie Rose Season 6 Episode 15 Charlie Rose -Justice Antonin Scalia (June 20, 2008)

Justice Antonin Scalia, one of the most respected and influential conservative legal minds in recent times, is the guest on this episode of Charlie Rose. The show opens with a discussion about the judicial philosophy of Justice Scalia, his views on the role of the Supreme Court, and his thoughts on interpreting the Constitution strictly. Justice Scalia explains why he disagrees with the idea of a living constitution, and why he believes the Constitution should be read as the founders intended.

The conversation then moves on to a discussion of the separation of powers, and how it is essential to maintaining a functioning democracy. Justice Scalia argues that the judiciary should not be seen as a "super-legislature," and that judges should be guided by the text and original meaning of the Constitution rather than their personal preferences. Charlie Rose asks the Justice about his interpretation of the Second Amendment and his thoughts on gun control, and Justice Scalia explains why he believes the right to bear arms is fundamental and cannot be restricted.

The bulk of the episode is dedicated to a discussion of some of the most important decisions in recent years, including Bush v. Gore and Citizens United. Justice Scalia defends his controversial decision in Bush v. Gore, arguing that the Court was right to intervene and stop the recount in Florida, as it would have led to a violation of the Equal Protection Clause. He also defends his support of Citizens United, which removed many restrictions on campaign finance, arguing that the First Amendment's protections for political speech extend to the right to spend unlimited amounts of money.

Charlie Rose and Justice Scalia also discuss the future of the Supreme Court, and the qualities that make a good judge. Justice Scalia emphasizes the importance of intellectual honesty and a willingness to change one's mind when confronted with new information, while also arguing that judges should be resistant to the influence of popular opinion and political pressure. The episode concludes with a discussion of Justice Scalia's personal life and hobbies, including his love of opera and his experience as a father of nine children.

Overall, this episode of Charlie Rose provides a rare and fascinating insight into the mind of one of the most important legal figures in American history. Whether you agree with Justice Scalia's views or not, his integrity, intelligence, and willingness to engage in open debate make him a compelling figure, and this interview is an engaging and thought-provoking discussion of some of the most important legal issues of our time.