Legal analyst Kimberly Atkins Stohr moderates as #SistersInLaw discusses the Trump trial prep, Mayorkas impeachment, SCOTUS discrimination ruling, and more. Insights include jury protection, Sandoval hearings, impeachment criteria, and Title VII case impacts.
Impeachment criteria require specific high crimes or misdemeanors, limiting its application.
Repeated impeachments without convictions undermine the potency of the impeachment process.
Normalizing impeachment as a political tool weakens its function in upholding political accountability.
Deep dives
Impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary - Unconstitutional Basis for Impeachment
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer dismissed the charges of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Ali Mayorkas as unconstitutional due to the lack of evidence of high crimes or misdemeanors in the accusations. The basis for Schumer's move was the legal argument that impeachment requires a specific level of wrongdoing as outlined in the Constitution, which the charges against Mayorkas did not meet. Schumer's action halted the trial in the Senate, preventing a trial on grounds that the accusations did not align with precedents on impeachable offenses.
Impeaching Cabinet Officials - Political Weaponization of Impeachment
The repeated use of impeachment, including instances like Trump's two impeachments, Mayorkas's impeachment, and even an impeachment inquiry of Joe Biden, hints at a potential diminishing impact of impeachment as a tool. While it may appear as an overused political weapon, the impeachment power was significantly weakened by instances like the Trump impeachments, where the proceedings did not result in convictions despite verifiable actions that would constitute high crimes and misdemeanors. This trend could contribute to neutralizing the impact of impeachment as a means of upholding political accountability and integrity.
Diminished Significance of Impeachment - Erosion of the Impeachment Power
The erosion of the impeachment power due to recent instances of impeachment without resulting in convictions has significantly diminished the significance and effectiveness of impeachment as a tool for upholding democracy and accountability. Events like the Trump impeachments, where evidence of serious wrongdoing did not lead to convictions, have played a crucial role in weakening the impeachment process. The normalization of impeachment as a political tool without concrete outcomes of accountability has contributed to the erosion of its impact as a safeguard against serious misconduct in office.
Immigration Challenges and Political Manipulation
The podcast delves into the complexities of immigration challenges in the U.S. and how political agendas often hinder meaningful reform. It discusses a scenario where Republicans prioritize using immigration as a political issue rather than seeking constructive solutions. Despite offers that align with Republican demands, the focus remains on exploiting immigration for electoral gains.
Title VII and the Muldrow Case
The podcast analyzes a significant Title VII case involving employment discrimination based on gender and the ruling's implications. It explains the differing standards in federal courts regarding proving harm in gender discrimination claims. The Supreme Court decision clarifies that discrimination itself is sufficient to state a claim under Title VII, potentially easing the burden of evidence for plaintiffs in similar cases.
With Trump’s election interference case two days away, Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to review the juror selection and the steps being taken to protect them, lay out their expectations for the opening statements, and explain the role of a Sandoval hearing if Donald takes the stand. Then the #Sisters break down the precedent and criteria for the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and argue for alternate avenues of government action on border issues. From there, they game out the effects of the unanimous SCOTUS decision and concurring opinions in the Muldrow v. St. Louis Title VII based employment discrimination case.
#SistersInlaw LIVE:
Get tickets now - politicon.com/tour
May 2 - Chicago - Athenaeum Center
May 9 - Detroit - Royal Oak Music Theatre
May 30 - Boston - Shubert Theatre politicon.com/tour
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