KQED's Forum Running on ‘Vibes’: Leah Litman on the Supreme Court’s Grievance Politics
May 14, 2025
Leah Litman, a professor of law at the University of Michigan and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's troubling shift under its conservative majority. She delves into how personal politics and conservative grievances shape judicial decisions, including pivotal rulings on abortion and affirmative action. Litman highlights the implications of decisions on birthright citizenship and critiques the increasing influence of partisanship in legal interpretations, calling for accountability and reforms to restore judicial integrity.
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Birthright Citizenship Legal Chaos
- Ending birthright citizenship nationally would cause legal chaos and confusion across states.
- The court's consideration of nationwide injunctions in this case is an unusual and complex choice.
Court Driven by Grievance and Vibes
- The current Supreme Court acts on conservative grievance, fringe theories, and political 'vibes'.
- These feelings override clear legal principles and reflect broader Republican Party frustrations.
Originalism Undermines Women's Rights
- The originalist approach to constitutional law often excludes women's rights based on 18th-century norms.
- This method aligns with political aims to undermine feminism and women's autonomy.
