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

The Right to Bear Arms and Terrorize Your Partner

Nov 4, 2023

Gun safety advocate Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, discusses the potential consequences of pursuing originalism in gun rights cases, the connection between domestic violence and guns, and the need for evolving gun laws. The podcast also explores the influence of court decisions on gun regulations, the impact of exposing gun lobbying groups, and the correlation between strengthening gun laws and reduced gun violence.

46:29

Episode guests

Shannon Watts

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The Rahimi case before the Supreme Court explores the extent to which domestic violence should be considered in gun regulation, potentially determining whether individuals with a history of domestic violence can obtain firearms.

Relying solely on originalism in interpreting the Second Amendment disregards the evolving nature of society, the increased risk of firearms in domestic violence and mass shootings, and the lived experiences and safety of individuals today.

Deep dives

Rahimi case and the impact on gun rights

The Rahimi case, currently before the Supreme Court, raises concerns about the conservative supermajority's approach to gun rights. The case questions the extent to which domestic violence should be considered in gun regulation. This decision could determine whether individuals with a history of domestic violence can obtain firearms. The outcome of the case may have significant implications for public safety and intimate partner violence.

Introduction

2min

Domestic violence and social media cases

1min

United States vs. Rahimi and the Impact on Gun Rights

11min

Gun Law Advocacy and the Influence of the Gun Lobby

6min

Shining a Light on Gun Lobbying Groups

12min

The Connection Between Domestic Violence and Mass Shootings

4min

The Impact of Court Decisions on Gun Laws and the Need for Reform

11min

Next week, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in one of the most significant—and potentially deadly—cases of the term - United States v Rahimi. The case, a follow on from New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen, has the potential to weaponize the court’s Second Amendment extremism against victims of domestic abuse and protect adjudicated abusers. Dahlia Lithwick is joined by gun safety advocate Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, to find out the potential real life-and-death consequences of pursuing originalism literally back to when women were property and muskets were muzzle-loaded. They also discuss why the right is so keen to pursue gun rights through the courts, rather than through the democratic process.

In this week’s Amicus Plus segment, Dahlia is joined by Jay Willis, editor in chief of Balls and Strikes, to discuss oral arguments in a pair of cases concerning First Amendment concerns when politicians block dissenting voices on social media, the Trump-related trademark t-shirt dispute that is barely SFW, and Justice Clarence Thomas’s personal luxury RV loan forgiveness program.

Dahlia’s book Lady Justice: Women, the Law and the Battle to Save America, is also available as an audiobook, and Amicus listeners can get a 25 percent discount by entering the code “AMICUS” at checkout.

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