The Political Scene | The New Yorker Leah Litman on Trump’s Supreme Court
10 snips
Jul 18, 2025 
Leah Litman, a law professor at the University of Michigan and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, dives into the intricate relationship between Trump’s administration and the Supreme Court. She analyzes how political influences shape judicial decisions, revealing the dissenting justices' dynamics and the impact of dark money. Litman discusses critical issues like voting rights and the Court's handling of abortion cases, stressing the importance of public understanding in maintaining democracy. Her insights provide a compelling look at the challenges faced by America’s highest court.
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Supreme Court as Political Actors
- The Supreme Court is a deeply political institution, influenced by personal beliefs and political context.
- The court no longer resembles apolitical oracles but political actors shaping American lives.
Reading Court Dynamics
- To predict the court's direction, review past laws and observe conservative legal organizations.
- Analyze dissenting justices' language and tone for insights on internal court dynamics.
Court Favors Republican Agendas
- The Supreme Court's recent term largely favored Republican interests, boosting corporate and right-wing religious agendas.
- Decisions aided the Trump administration's often law-defying actions without significant legal pushback.
