We the People Covering the Supreme Court
Jul 10, 2025
Jan Crawford, Supreme Court correspondent for CBS News, alongside Jess Bravin from The Wall Street Journal and Fred Smith Jr., Professor of Law at Stanford, dive into the intricate dynamics of the Supreme Court. They discuss the polarization within the Court and the influence of media on public perception. The conversation sheds light on historical and contemporary clashes between judicial authority and presidential power, the implications of landmark decisions, and the evolving relationship between the Court and media, emphasizing the need for balanced reporting.
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Polarized Views on Court's Crisis
- Justice Jackson claims the Court creates a lawless zone threatening rule of law, while Justice Barrett sees no emergency and adherence to precedent.
- Their split reflects broader national tensions and diverging views on Trump and democratic evolution.
Justice Jackson's Unusual Boldness
- Justice Jackson's assertiveness on the bench is unusual compared to new justices who initially observe court dynamics quietly.
- Historical comparison to Justice Thomas shows new justices can disrupt court alignments and ideological balances.
Court Rhetoric Is Historically Common
- The charge that the Court created a lawless zone is premature; outcomes may evolve through different legal mechanisms.
- Strong dissent rhetoric is not unprecedented, as seen in past justices like Scalia.
