The Constitution Today

Political analyst Paul Lisnek moderates a nonpartisan panel discussion with Chicagoland university professors. They'll discuss current issues around the First Amendment, power structure of the federal branches, and recent cases heard by the Supreme Court.

About the Moderator: Paul Lisnek served as the political and legal analyst for WGN-TV for 18 years. Paul has been a lawyer for 40 years, is a former assistant dean and professor at Loyola Law School, and taught at DePaul University, University of Illinois in Urbana, and Pepperdine University. He teaches constitutional law and ethics for the lawyers bar exam. He was a disciplinary commissioner for lawyers for 25 years, and he served as a legal and jury expert for NBC News and CNN. 

Panelists

Steven D. Schwinn teaches constitutional law, First Amendment, comparative constitutional law and human rights, and lawyering skills for civil rights at UIC Law.
Robert E. Shapiro is a trial lawyer and litigator at Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP with more than 40 years of experience. He handles commercial disputes in trial and appellate courts, ADR forums, and administrative and governmental proceedings nationwide and abroad. He is an adjunct professor of philosophy at Saint Xavier University

This event is part of the Civic Empowerment Series 2026, in partnership with Schaumburg Township District Library, Vernon Area Public Library, Blue Island Public Library, Highland Park Public Library, Aurora Public Library District, La Grange Public Library, Fox River Valley Public Library, Algonquin Area Public Library District, and Oak Park Public Library. 

Register and receive a Zoom link for this event.

For questions about this event, call Schaumburg Township District Library at 847-923-3347.