03/31/2026
Constitutional Conversations with Dr. David Adler
The Constitution and the War in Iran
April 1, 2026, 4-5:30 p.m., Boise, Idaho
Held at the Yanke Center, 220 E. Park Center Blvd
In this next edition of “Constitutional Conversations,” Dr. David Adler, president of The Alturas Institute, and a renowned constitutional scholar, explores the legal and constitutional issues at the center of the war in Iran. Adler’s scholarly, peer reviewed, writings on the Constitution and the conduct of American foreign policy have been quoted by the U.S. Supreme Court, lower federal courts, Republicans and Democrats in both houses of Congress, as well as other government officials and historians, political scientists and legal scholars.
In this presentation, Adler addresses the respective powers and duties of the president and Congress in the decision to go to war, its continuation and the question of its conclusion. James Madison and Alexander Hamilton agreed that Congress enjoys exclusive constitutional authority over matters of war and peace.
Yet Congress has not declared or otherwise authorized war in Iran. What are the implications for American law of President Trump’s exercise in unilateral executive warmaking? Why hasn’t Congress asserted its constitutional responsibilities? What do these actions and inactions look like in a historical context?
“Constitutional Conversations” includes a 45-minute lecture, followed by a 45-minute Q & A session. The public is invited. Admission is $10, which can be paid at the door or via Venmo.
