Baltimore, Maryland – Maxwell L. Stearns, the Venable, Baetjer & Howard Professor of Law at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, has proposed a radical solution to repair America’s broken democracy in his latest book, “Parliamentary America: The Least Radical Means of Radically Repairing Our Broken Democracy.” Drawing on his extensive research and travels to different democracies around the world, Stearns advocates for transforming the U.S. government into a parliamentary system. Stearns recently discussed his ideas at a Zócalo and Los Angeles Times event titled “Would Parliamentary America Have More Fun?”
During a pre-event conversation, Stearns shared his thoughts on a range of topics, from his favorite places to go in Baltimore to the advice he gives his students. He expressed his love for running along the Inner Harbor, which he considers one of the most beautiful urban spots in America. In terms of advice for his students, Stearns emphasized the importance of choosing a career that brings excitement and fulfillment every morning and the significance of finding a life partner who encourages personal growth and happiness.
As a self-proclaimed coffee aficionado, Stearns also discussed his coffee journey and shared his tips on making the perfect cappuccino. He advocates for investing in a stovetop macchinetta and a French Press, which he believes can produce better foam and espresso than expensive machines. Stearns emphasizes the importance of using quality beans and personally grinding the coffee for optimal taste.
When asked about his most fun interaction with government, Stearns admitted that he hasn’t had many enjoyable experiences. However, he expressed frustration with government bureaucracy and urged officials to approach service provision with a business mindset to enhance the experience for citizens. He suggested rethinking processes in places like the DMV and immigration offices to make them more user-friendly.
Moving on to a lightning round of quick opinions, Stearns shared his thoughts on various topics. While he found constitutional monarchy to be complicated, he expressed enthusiasm for the musical Hamilton. When asked about a constitutional convention, he explained why he is skeptical of the idea but highlighted the importance of bringing together individuals with differing views to find common ground.
As the conversation turned to legal dramas, Stearns revealed his appreciation for Law & Order: SVU and Hill Street Blues for their thoughtful portrayal of the complexities of the criminal justice system. He believes that a better understanding of the system benefits society as a whole.
In conclusion, Stearns offers a unique perspective on repairing American democracy through a parliamentary system. His book draws on global examples and provides a potential solution to the current challenges faced by the U.S. government. In addition to his scholarly work, Stearns’ interests span various topics, from running along the Inner Harbor to making the perfect cappuccino. His insights and experiences shed light on his approach to law and life.