Jon Michaels, an author analyzing state actions on democracy, and David Noll, who explores legal and political control intersections, dive into the concerning rise of state-sponsored vigilante activities. They highlight the chilling implications of laws like Texas SB8, discussing how these measures threaten democratic institutions and can manipulate elections. The conversation also addresses the tactics of the MAGA movement and the need for vigilance in protecting civil liberties. Their insights are a warning of the urgent challenges facing democracy today.

Law professors Jon Michaels and David Noll dive into the alarming rise of state-sponsored vigilantism in America. They discuss how MAGA Republicans and Christian nationalists are subverting democracy through tactics like book bans and anti-abortion bounties. The duo examines historical parallels, highlighting how these movements echo the past struggles of the abolitionist and Reconstruction eras. Ultimately, they propose a playbook for action, offering 19 model laws to combat these threats and defend civil rights.