Summary:

In this episode of [F]law School, hosts Troy Brown and Thy Luong speak with Harvard Law student Brandon Martinez about his article, titled “Representation = Taxation,” on U.S. tax policy. In their conversation, Martinez explains how, since the post-World War II era, conservative movements have worked to dismantle progressive tax structures, benefiting the wealthy and making tax avoidance common among the ultra-wealthy. He also highlights how racism has shaped tax policy and how those policies deepened systemic racial inequities. There is some good news. For example, Martinez points to growing grassroots efforts at the state level to challenge these disparities, leading to broader engagement in efforts to reform tax systems to hold corporate power accountable and create a more equitable society.

Guest Bio:

Brandon Martinez is a rising third-year law student interested in economic justice, environmental law, and democracy reform. He studied political economy at Harvard College. He is from Orange County, California, where he has worked in local politics, legal aid work, and civic education.

Editors:

Special thanks to Safowana Islam, Mirei Saneyoshi, and Pragnya Vella for production and editing assistance.

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