Personally Speaking presentation to examine the lawmaking process

The process of enacting laws is often compared with sausage-making in that a certain outcome is sought, but people do not want to see how it is reached. After a lengthy and contentious legislative process, people sometimes decide the outcome is unwanted after all.

UNC Charlotte political scientist Mary Layton Atkinson in her book, “Combative Politics: The Media and Public Perceptions of Lawmaking,” suggests ways that journalists and educators, in particular, can help negate the common notion that congressional debate equals congressional dysfunction.

On Thursday, Nov. 1, Atkinson will provide a timely pre-election look as she discusses “Combative Politics.” Her Personally Speaking presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. at UNC Charlotte Center City. A reception and book signing will follow.

Personally Speaking is open to the public without charge, but registration is required. Information about parking and other useful tips for the evening will be emailed a few days before the event to those who RSVP.

This is the second talk in the 2018-19 Personally Speaking series in which the faculty of UNC Charlotte’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences talk about recent books they have written and how they came to write them.

Personally Speaking events are co-sponsored by UNC Charlotte’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, J. Murrey Atkins Library and UNC Charlotte Center City.