Calling for a ‘new era of responsibility’ in his inaugural address, President Barack Obama reminded us that there are no limits to ‘what free men and women can achieve.’ ...There is one essential condition for responsibility, however—people must feel free to do what they feel is right. That’s what taking responsibility means. That’s why the dawn of a new era of responsibility is not yet upon us. Responsibility has been trumped by too much law.
—from the new Afterword: Finding Responsibility in the Age of Obama
“2009's most needed book on public affairs.”
—Washington Post
“Hits the nail on the head….A real wake-up call from one of America’s finest public minds.”
—former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley
“Brims with insights….Makes a powerful case.”
—Stuart Taylor, National Journal
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Four Ways to Fix a Broken Legal System
On February 13th, 2010, Philip K. Howard addressed the TED2010 conference, offering four practical ways to simplify law and restore personal responsibility. TED Curator Chris Anderson called it a "stunning talk" that he "wish[es] every member of Congress, every Supreme Court justice would see."
Articles
Read articles by Philip K. Howard. Most recent:» Why Freer Schools are Better Schools
March 25, 2010
News & Appearances
Keep up with Philip K. Howard’s scheduled appearances, and the latest news about Life Without Lawyers.
Blog
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The Author
Philip K. Howard is a lawyer, author, civic leader, and public policy activist. He is the founder of Common Good and NewTalk (see below).In 2002, Philip K. Howard founded Common Good, a nonprofit, nonpartisan legal reform coalition dedicated to restoring common sense to America. By conducting polls, hosting forums, and engaging with leaders in health care, education, law, business, and public policy from across the country, Common Good is developing practical solutions to restore reliability to our legal system and minimize the impact of legal fear in American life.
In 2008, under the auspices of Common Good, Philip K. Howard formed NewTalk, which presents focused discussions by experts in theory, policy, and practice – from academics and lawmakers to admired practitioners – on the most important domestic topics shaping American society today. NewTalk invites comments from readers, including suggestions for future topics and participants.
Follow NewTalk on twitter: @newtalk