"The law is not going to solve a great deal of the problems that we face...[it] has a role to play, but does not address fundamental issues," he said.
He expressed disappointment with gaps in the current health care and welfare systems, voicing his support for a "safety net of universal health care" and his dissatisfaction at what he characterized as a welfare system which has been turned into "a system of denying people assistance."
Harshbarger also offered his perspective on the current presidential crisis, saying the scandal has been counterproductive to Clinton's original goal in office: to restore confidence in government.
"It is feeding people's cynicism," he said. "It would be interesting to know if the president is still in power because of the economy."
Harshbarger extended the theme of cynicism when he told his audience of future HLS graduates that "it is very tempting to go off to Wall Street" after receiving their diplomas.
"[Many people are] cynical about collective action and the law's ability to make a difference" but that "there is no better life to lead and no greater opportunity" than a life in public service, he said.