Keen On America

Episode 2533: Leah Litman on the Bad Vibes of the Supreme Court

May 14, 2025
Leah Litman, a law professor at the University of Michigan and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, dives into the unsettling climate of today's Supreme Court. She coins the term 'bad vibes' to describe the Court's decisions driven by conservative anxieties over cultural diversity. Litman critiques these rulings as manifestations of a 'vindictive patriarchy' that hinder women's rights and serve elite interests. She emphasizes the legal profession's troubling response to authoritarianism, exposing the fragility of democracy in America.
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INSIGHT

Supreme Court Runs on 'Vibes'

  • The Supreme Court's decisions are driven by conservative feelings and anxieties rather than objective law.
  • This creates "lawless" rulings that enable unchecked presidential actions and conservative agendas.
INSIGHT

Long Republican Court Project

  • The Republican effort to shape the Supreme Court spans decades, dating back to Nixon and Reagan.
  • Today's Court exhibits sharper partisan polarization and minority rule than seen in past eras.
INSIGHT

Court as Republican Arm

  • The Supreme Court now acts as an arm of the Republican Party, reflecting minority views rejected by the majority.
  • Recognizing this helps people understand the Court's role in today's political landscape.
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