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UW law professor Hugh Spitzer speaks to the power of state and local governments as officials consider measures to restrict movement to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are laws in place that govern what federal, city and state leaders can do.
In these soundbites Spitzer addresses:

  • The role of the National Guard: If called upon, they would likely fulfill a “helping out” role, such as working to build facilities or move supplies.
  • That democracy does not mean complete and personal liberty. Democracy means we elect our government representatives to make rules that keep us safe, even if it restricts our personal movement.
  • Governors and mayors weighing the feasibility of enforcing rules if they are enacted.

For more information, contact us at uwnews@uw.edu or 206-543-2580.