Freedom and the rule of law
The Society’s work places individual liberty, traditional values, and the rule of law at the center of discussion about the legal order.
Columbia Law School · Student Chapter
A forum for serious legal debate.
The Columbia Law School Federalist Society brings students and members of the legal community together to examine the Constitution, the role of law, and the ideas shaping the legal order.
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About
A forum for ideas about law and government.
Founded by law students in 1982, the Federalist Society is a nationwide organization of conservatives and libertarians interested in law, constitutional government, and the legal order. It is grounded in the view that government exists to preserve freedom, that the separation of powers is central to the Constitution, and that judges should interpret the law rather than make it.
The Society does not lobby, endorse candidates or nominees, or take institutional positions on legal and policy questions. Instead, it provides a forum in which competing views receive a fair hearing and participants speak for themselves.
Founding principles
Freedom, structure, and the judicial role.
The Society promotes awareness of these principles and encourages their careful application through lectures, debates, publications, and other programs.
Constitutional structure
Its programs emphasize the importance of separated powers, federalism, and limited constitutional government in protecting freedom.
Open and serious debate
The Society brings together differing views so that important legal ideas can be tested through fair, rigorous discussion.
1982Founded by law students
OpenDebate across viewpoints
Student-ledAt Columbia Law School
At Columbia Law School
A chapter shaped by inquiry and community.
Columbia FedSoc carries the national Society’s mission into the intellectual life of the Law School. The chapter convenes debates, lectures, and conversations with judges, scholars, advocates, and practitioners representing a range of views on important legal questions.
Beyond public programs, the chapter builds a community for students through mentorship, professional development, and social events. Our programs welcome students from across the ideological spectrum who value good-faith disagreement and the free exchange of ideas.
Learn about the national Society02
Chapter life
In conversation
Ideas are tested in the room.
Our programs bring the Columbia Law School community together for thoughtful exchanges about law, institutions, and public life.
Join the conversation
Take part in the life of the chapter.
Reach out to learn more about Columbia FedSoc, its programs, and its student community.
Connect with the chapter