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

John Roberts’ New Year Blame Game

Jan 4, 2025

Sherrilyn Ifill, a renowned civil rights litigator and 14th Amendment expert, dives into critical discussions about the Supreme Court’s legitimacy with Dahlia Lithwick. They dissect Chief Justice John Roberts' year-end report, highlighting the troubling trend of the judiciary equating criticism with threats. Ifill raises concerns over judicial impartiality and accountability, particularly regarding recent controversial decisions. Together, they emphasize the need for constructive feedback to uphold fairness and integrity in the legal landscape.

01:07:01

Episode guests

Sherrilyn Ifill

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Chief Justice John Roberts' recent comments reflect a troubling trend in equating criticism of the judiciary with threats to authority.

Sherrilyn Ifill emphasizes the judiciary's role in upholding public trust, advocating for judges to welcome scrutiny rather than perceive it as disrespect.

The discussion stresses the importance of civic engagement, urging listeners to actively participate in their communities to uphold democracy and accountability.

Deep dives

Ryan Reynolds and Consumer Advocacy

Ryan Reynolds emphasizes the manipulation by big wireless companies regarding price increases, particularly in light of inflation. He highlights a recent experience with Mint Mobile's legal team, which confirmed that raising prices does not pose a violation of two-year contracts. This prompted Reynolds to announce a significant price cut for Mint Unlimited, lowering the monthly rate from $30 to just $15. This move not only showcases consumer advocacy but also challenges the practices of larger firms that often take advantage of consumers during economic hardships.

Intro

2min

Reflections on Justice in the New Year

17min

Therapy and Judicial Impartiality

4min

Judicial Accountability and Public Trust

17min

Upholding Justice and Integrity

9min

Resilience and Accountability in Judicial Responsibility

14min

Navigating Challenges Through Collaboration and Community Engagement

2min

Happy (?) New Year. Amicus is gingerly stepping into 2025 and into the coming onslaught of Trump 2.0 with one of the country’s very best legal, constitutional and human guides –– civil rights litigator and 14th Amendment scholar Sherrilyn Ifill. Together, Sherrilyn and Dahlia navigate some of the most pressing questions facing the law, the legal profession, and those who care about it. In his end of year judicial report, Chief Justice John Roberts chose to claim the mantle of both embattled civil rights champions and also infallible monarchs while blaming pretty much everyone except the court for the high court’s plummeting legitimacy. What does it mean when the most powerful men in the world equate all criticism with threats of violence, and confuse victory with victimhood? What does it mean when Supreme Court justices decide to freelance and freestyle as trial court judges and appellate litigators at high court oral arguments? And what do lawyers and judges need to do to hold the line in the coming year, and the years that will follow?

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