Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts

Dahlia Lithwick dives into Supreme Court controversies with experts, unraveling decisions like Justice Alito's flag incident and gerrymandering cases. They discuss rushed judgments, lack of transparency, and Chief Justice Roberts' impact, shedding light on the court's turbulent term.

In this Opinionpalooza emergency bonus episode, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discuss Thursday’s decision in Alexander v. South Carolina NAACP, highlighting the implications for racial gerrymandering and voting rights. They delve into Justice Alito's majority opinion, Justice Kagan's dissent, and Justice Thomas's concurrence. This decision would seem to effectively close the door permanently on racial gerrymander claims in federal courts. Dahlia and Mark discuss how this decision makes justice - and democracy - inaccessible for plaintiffs already shut out of the political system through racist maps with political excuses. In recent years, the Supreme Court has gutted the Voting Rights Act and now seems intent on hollowing out equal protection and diluting the reconstruction amendments; the constitutional provisions central to building a thriving diverse democracy.This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock exclusive SCOTUS analysis and weekly extended episodes of Amicus, but you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justice Todd Eddins and Madiba Dennie discuss the dangers of originalism in the Constitution and advocate for inclusive constitutionalism. They highlight the need for people to reclaim control over interpretation for a more democratic future. The podcast explores the impact of originalism on legal interpretations, the significance of dissenting opinions, and the evolving nature of interpreting the Constitution.

Exploring Justice Alito's flag controversy, comedic front yard drama, implications for Supreme Court legitimacy, and reform discussions with Congressman Jamie Raskin. Unpacking the ethical considerations, implications for democracy, and proposals for Supreme Court reform. Analyzing the constitutional complexities, conflicts of interest, and calls for democratic renewal in the judiciary.

Exploring the impact of originalism on the Supreme Court and how it has been used to gut voting rights. The podcast also delves into the challenges faced by lower court judges due to Supreme Court precedent and how originalism has eroded civil rights protections.

Unveiling the rise of originalism in courts and its impact on rights. Exploring its roots, religious ties, and historical milestones. Discussing Heller's influence and a senator's foresight. Revealing the cultural veneration of Constitution's framers and the fusion of Christianity. Tracing back to conservative legal movement's origins and Federalist Society's inception. Delving into Scalia's flawed interpretation of the Second Amendment and the challenges of prioritizing originalism in law.

This podcast episode explores the Supreme Court's focus on the spending clause over emergency healthcare for women, the Capitol insurrection, and Trump's attempts to overturn the election. Legal experts critique the MAGA justices in arguments. Discussions include challenges to presidential prosecution, erosion of democratic principles, and the court's indifference to health crises.

Listen to a preview of this urgent extra episode of Amicus. The full episode is available to our Slate Plus members. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock exclusive SCOTUS analysis and weekly extended episodes of Amicus, but you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen.Wednesday morning, the court heard arguments in Moyle v. United States, the consolidated case tackling what levels of care pregnant patients can be provided in emergency rooms in states with draconian anti-abortion laws. And on Thursday morning, the High Court will hear Trump v. United States, the case in which the former president - who is currently spending much of his time slouched at the defendant’s table in New York City - will claim a kind of vast sweeping theory of immunity that roughly translates as - “when you’re president, they let you do it. You can do anything”. In an extra episode of Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern dig into what happened in the EMTALA arguments Wednesday morning and then look ahead to Thursday’s arguments in the immunity case. Sign up for Slate Plus now to listen and support our show.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate's senior legal writer Mark Joseph Stern discusses the challenges and pitfalls of the first criminal trial of a former President. They cover the jury selection process in Manhattan, concerns about armed insurrection, civil rights protections in the workplace, and exclusive SCOTUS analysis for Slate Plus members.

The podcast delves into a Supreme Court case challenging EMTALA regulations for pregnant patients in the ER. It also discusses the potential ramifications of the case on abortion care. Additionally, the episode explores the controversy surrounding Justice Sotomayor's retirement and the gendered dynamics of the SCOTUS. Overall, a thought-provoking discussion on healthcare, legal battles, and judicial concerns.