Smart people with something interesting to say gather Friday at the National Press Club, when the American Constitution Society hosts a Law Day panel discussion entitled "Keeping Faith with the Constitution."

And the lunch is free!

The success or failure of events like this, of course, all turn upon the speakers. But it's not simply a matter of bringing in big names; indeed, big names on a panel discussion can be like redwood trees, blocking out the sunlight and forbidding other growth. Diversity of viewpoint is also crucial, to get the sparks flying.

This panel fits the bill. Slate's Dahlia Lithwick, a well-prepared and good-humored soul, will moderate. Stanford Law School's Pamela Karlan and Berkeley Law School's Goodwin Liu -- Suits & Sentences suggest that Professor Liu be asked to explain, again, what happened to the old Boalt Hall name - will be there, along with Pamela Harris of O'Melveny & Myers and Charles Cooper, formerly of the Reagan administration's Justice Department.

Lunch starts at 12, and the panel begins at 12:30 p.m.