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.
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.
The Narrative of Linda Taylor
The podcast delves into the complex story of Linda Taylor, infamously labeled as 'The Welfare Queen' by Ronald Reagan. It seeks to unravel her multifaceted life, highlighting her as a con artist, kidnapper, and, potentially, a murderer. Through a four-episode exploration, the narrative seeks to illuminate the societal factors that contributed to her actions and the broader implications of her story on perceptions of welfare and poverty. The discussion raises important questions about preconceived biases and the societal narratives that shape public policy.
Judicial Critique and Rule of Law
The conversation turns to the critical stance on how judges perceive criticism directed at the judicial system, exploring the implications for democracy. It suggests that critiques of judicial opinions are not harmful but rather necessary for healthy discourse and reform. A significant concern raised is the claim by some judges that criticism of their decisions constitutes intimidation, which is interpreted as a manipulative tactic to stifle necessary dialogue. This dialogue is essential to uphold the integrity and evolution of the legal system, showing that engagement is a fundamental aspect of democratic accountability.
Civil Rights and Judicial Responsibility
Sherilyn Ifill discusses the responsibilities of judges and the judiciary in fostering public trust and understanding. Emphasizing the importance of judges not equating critique with a lack of respect for the rule of law, she argues that the judiciary should welcome scrutiny. Ifill also reflects on the historical context of civil rights and the judicial role in upholding justice, highlighting how judges have historically faced pressures yet managed to stand firm for what is morally right. The message stresses that judges must remain accountable and reflect the values of justice and fairness in their decisions.
The Importance of Civic Engagement
The episode culminates in a call for renewed civic engagement and activism among listeners. Ifill encourages individuals to be proactive in their communities, emphasizing that maintaining the rule of law is a collective responsibility. She highlights the significance of documenting history and making records for future generations, drawing parallels to past activists who laid the groundwork for civil rights. The discussion instills a sense of urgency for listeners to engage in local efforts to safeguard democracy and continue the work of those who paved the way for progress.
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?
Want more Amicus? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes with exclusive legal analysis. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Amicus show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen.
