Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts One Amendment Explains It All
41 snips
Dec 13, 2025 
Sherrilyn Ifill, a civil rights lawyer and former NAACP leader, joins the discussion to unpack the vital role of the 14th Amendment in American democracy. She highlights how recent political rhetoric threatens birthright citizenship and civil rights. Ifill draws parallels between past civil rights victories and today's challenges, urging civic engagement and community action. She emphasizes the importance of local courts and grassroots efforts, reminding listeners that visibility and sustained activism are essential for progress in combating systemic racism.
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14th Amendment As The Second Founding
- The 14th Amendment is the post-Civil War refounding that enshrined equality and birthright citizenship.
- Sherrilyn Ifill argues it enabled the possibility of multiracial democracy and is the core target of current attacks.
Civil Rights As Democracy Work
- The civil rights movement was a democracy movement, not just benefits for Black people.
- The resistance was an anti-democracy project that has been cultivated into today's revival of white supremacist politics.
First Amendment Gets More Protection Than Reconstruction Amendments
- First Amendment rhetoric has been weaponized by platforms and elites to avoid responsibility.
- Meanwhile the Reconstruction Amendments get little defense despite facing existential attacks like challenges to birthright citizenship.
