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Strict Scrutiny

How to Lose a Democracy in 10 Laws (with Elie Mystal)

Mar 17, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Elie Mystal, a justice correspondent for The Nation and author of "Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America," critiques problematic legislation threatening democracy. He highlights outdated laws, including those affecting immigration and civil rights, and stresses the need for reform to foster inclusivity. They also tackle the implications of deregulation in education and the historical roots of controversial policies like the Immigration and Nationality Act. Mystal's insights shed light on the critical intersection of law and social justice.
01:07:08

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Elie Mystal critiques the Armed Career Criminals Act and emphasizes the need to repeal laws that harm societal well-being instead of merely amending them.
  • The treatment of Mahmoud Khalil underscores how immigration laws can suppress dissent and threaten the rights of lawful residents with differing political views.

Deep dives

Impact of U.S. v. Scrimetti on Transgender Rights

The Supreme Court case, U.S. v. Scrimetti, raises critical concerns regarding the autonomy of transgender individuals over their own bodies. Tennessee is attempting to leverage this case to undermine the rights of transgender people, asserting that the ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade grants them the authority to do so. Such actions not only threaten the principle of equal justice under the law but also negatively impact everyone’s ability to make choices about their own bodies and lives. The case represents a pivotal moment to address the broader implications of presidential actions aimed at restricting individual freedoms.

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