An Unsealed Brief, Ghost Guns, & Antitrust Law as Social Justice
Oct 7, 2024
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Jonathan Kanter and Doha Mekki from the DOJ's Antitrust Division dive into how antitrust law can drive progressive social change. They discuss the implications of unregulated ghost guns and their impact on public safety. Kanter emphasizes the role of young progressives in advocating for antitrust enforcement as a means to promote equity, touching on its intersections with labor rights and healthcare. The conversation unveils a fascinating perspective on using legal frameworks to address systemic inequalities and empower communities.
The unsealed brief regarding Trump’s election interference illustrates significant evidence of his efforts to undermine democratic processes and threaten officials.
The Garland v. Vanderstock case addresses the rising concerns over ghost guns, challenging ATF regulations amidst increasing violent crime rates associated with them.
The DOJ officials highlight a transformative approach in antitrust law that links enforcement with social justice, advocating for a fairer and more equitable economy.
Deep dives
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Supreme Court Discussions
The episode delves into the upcoming Supreme Court cases for the new term, heads up by guests Melissa Murray, Leah Littman, and Kate Shaw. They highlight breaking news regarding Judge Tanya Chutkan's unsealing of a brief from Special Counsel Jack Smith concerning Donald Trump's potential immunity from prosecution related to election interference. The discussion provides insight into how this brief reveals extensive efforts by Trump and his associates to undermine the election results and illustrates the potential repercussions of the Supreme Court's past immunity ruling. The narrative emphasizes the significant evidence against Trump, including his alleged encouragement of violence against his own vice president.
Examining Election Interference Evidence
The podcast discusses new revelations from the brief that indicate conversations between Trump and various conspirators involved in the plan to overturn the 2020 election. Key insights include Trump's dismissal of threats against Mike Pence and the chilling response from conspirators suggesting they should instigate riots. Further examples are drawn from historical events such as the Brooks Brothers riot, highlighting the lengths to which conspirators would go to disrupt democracy. These accounts illuminate the grave implications for American governance and the judiciary's role in these proceedings.
Ghost Guns as a Legal Issue
A pivotal case to be explored this term is Garland v. Vanderstock, which challenges ATF regulations on ghost guns—firearms that can be assembled from kits without serial numbers. The episode explains the legal background surrounding these regulations, emphasizing the dangers posed by ghost guns, which have increasingly been linked to violent crimes. A stark rise in ghost gun recoveries by law enforcement agencies correlates with the urgency of the ATF's efforts to regulate these firearms under the Gun Control Act. The implications of this case may significantly impact gun control policies across the nation.
Death Penalty Case Overview
The discussion shifts to the case of Glossop v. Oklahoma, which highlights the complexities surrounding the death penalty and potential wrongful convictions. Richard Glossop was convicted of a crime he did not commit based solely on testimony from a drug-addicted co-conspirator, raising concerns about the reliability of his conviction. The importance of evidence disclosure by the state and the ramifications of procedural restrictions come to the forefront, illustrating systemic flaws in the death penalty administration. This case serves as a critical reminder of the stakes involved in capital punishment, especially regarding cases of alleged innocence.
Antitrust Law Developments
In a special segment, the podcast features insights from DOJ officials discussing recent movements in antitrust law, focusing on key victories like the case against Google. Emphasizing a major shift away from the Chicago School of thought, the conversation revolves around the new perspectives driving the DOJ's antitrust agenda under the Biden administration. The discussion highlights the intersection of antitrust law with social justice, reiterating the belief that robust antitrust enforcement promotes a fair economy. The connection between corporate power, consumer rights, and economic security positions antitrust law as a pivotal avenue for ensuring equitable market access.
Leah, Melissa, and Kate kick off with a look at Jack Smith’s unsealed brief on Trump’s election interference case before digging into some cases the court is hearing this week, including one centered around ghost guns–unserialized guns that can be put together from component parts. Then, Melissa and Leah speak with Doha Mekki and Jonathan Kanter of the DOJ’s Antitrust Division about how antitrust law can be a vehicle for progressive social change.
Listen back to our 2023 interview with one of Richard Glossip's lawyers
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