He is the author of books on the First Amendment, American legal history, and constitutional philosophy, and articles on numerous subjects. Before becoming a college teacher, at various times in the past he has worked as a lawyer, a construction worker, a social worker, a janitor, and playing piano in a bar in Jerusalem. In 2005 he was a judge in the City of Madison's annual Halloween costume contest, and in 2008 he represented the Latke side in the annual Latke-Hammentaschen debate.