Ep. 197 - AI, Constitutional Rights & the Future of American Law w/Margaret Hu

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms society, can America's constitutional framework keep pace? On this episode of the Washington Signal Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer welcomes Margaret Hu, the Davison Douglas Professor of Law at William & Mary Law School, for a thoughtful discussion about artificial intelligence, constitutional law, civil liberties, and the future of democratic governance. Drawing on her experience in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice following 9/11 and her groundbreaking textbook AI Law and Policy, Professor Hu explains how emerging AI systems challenge long-standing constitutional principles, including due process, equal protection, federalism, privacy, and separation of powers. The conversation explores how lawmakers, courts, and citizens can preserve individual rights while embracing technological innovation. The episode covers: Artificial intelligence and constitutional law AI governance, civil liberties, and individual rights Federalism and the role of states in AI regulation Due process, surveillance, and government accountability AI's impact on intellectual property, privacy, and national security The future of AI law and public policy The discussion also examines lessons from post-9/11 government reforms, the importance of constitutional first principles, William & Mary's historic role in American legal education, and why thoughtful governance—not just technological innovation—will shape the future of artificial intelligence. 00:00 — Intro & Meet Margaret Hu 01:06 — Why AI law matters today 02:24 — Growing up in Kansas and choosing civil rights law 04:09 — DOJ after 9/11 and constitutional concerns 08:27 — AI, surveillance, and due process 12:24 — Government power and federalism 17:06 — AI regulation and constitutional guardrails 24:05 — Inside AI Law and Policy 30:03 — AI, governance, and constitutional philosophy 34:54 — AI personhood and legal responsibility 38:38 — Can America have this conversation? 43:14 — William & Mary, art, and the human element 45:43 — Closing remarks Follow us on social mediaX: @TheLunchHourPodInstagram: the_lunchhour_podLinkedIn: Lunch Hour PodcastTikTok: lunchhourpod Find more at Washington SignalYour source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism.https://washingtonsignal.com/