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Former Attorney General Sally Yates found out about President Trump's original travel ban in the car on the way to the airport.

She got this call from a staffer: "You're not going to believe this ... it looks like the president issued a travel ban."

Yates recounted this story for Supreme Court lawyer Neal Katyal and law professor Geoffrey Stone. They sat on a panel during the Aspen Ideas Festival. The panel was titled "Examining the Rule of Law."

"[I spent the weekend] trying to figure out what the heck is this thing and to who does it apply," Yates said.

After multiple meetings with her team and White House staff, Yates realized she couldn't defend the ban in court.

"Defending this ban would require me to send lawyers ... into court and say it had nothing to do with religion," Yates said.

Katyal is representing Hawaii in litigation against the president's second travel ban.

They discussed that, and other issues facing a society built on laws that quickly become politicized. 

 To hear the full conversation, use the audio player above. 

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Former Attorney General Sally Yates gained notoriety for her decision to not defend President Trump's travel ban. She discussed that at the Aspen Ideas Festival with law professor Geoffrey Stone and Supreme Court lawyer Neal Katyal.

Former Attorney General Sally Yates gained notoriety for her decision to not defend President Trump's travel ban. She discussed that at the Aspen Ideas Festival with law professor Geoffrey Stone and Supreme Court Lawyer Neal Katyal.

Aspen Ideas Festival: 'Examining the Rule of Law'

Geoffrey Stone, Neal Katyal, and Sally Yates at the Aspen Ideas Festival.

Aspen Ideas Festival: 'Examining the Rule of Law'

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