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

Jesse Weber, managing partner at Brown Goldstein and Levy, is a litigator focused on securing equal access for people with disabilities. In this discussion, she dives into the implications of the Supreme Court's ruling on Gilmar Abrego Garcia's wrongful deportation and its relationship with executive power. Jesse also addresses the ethical dilemmas law firms face under political pressure, emphasizing the critical role of integrity in law and the necessity for attorneys to engage in pro bono work to champion social justice.

The Supreme Court's recent rulings present a legal maze for Venezuelan migrants facing deportation. A decision complicates their ability to appeal as they must now file individual petitions instead of a unified class action. Detainees grapple with securing legal representation amid restrictive conditions. Plus, the discussion highlights the legal fallout from the Trump administration's controversial handling of migrant detentions, raising profound questions about due process and the implications of government actions in the realm of immigration law.

In this discussion, lawyer Simon Sandoval-Moschenberg sheds light on the harrowing experience of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a family man wrongfully deported to El Salvador due to a bureaucratic error. As they unravel the complexities of immigration law, Sandoval-Moschenberg reveals the emotional toll on families grappling with such injustices. Additionally, Slate's Mark Joseph Stern dives into the controversial tariffs introduced during the Trump administration, questioning their legality and underscoring the broader implications for American consumers.

Mark Joseph Stern, a legal expert and senior writer at Slate, sheds light on the erosion of judicial patience with Trump’s legal claims. He discusses the complexities surrounding the Alien Enemies Act and the potential for Supreme Court intervention. Meanwhile, Wendy Weiser, a voting rights specialist at the Brennan Center, critiques Trump's executive order on election integrity, which could disenfranchise millions. Together, they explore the risks of new voting regulations and the urgent need to protect democratic processes.

Quinta Jurecic, a governance expert from the Brookings Institution, joins to discuss the troubling shift in how the Trump administration interacts with the judiciary, raising concerns about the rule of law. Meanwhile, lawyer Mimi Marziani shares insights from her recent victory against Elon Musk and DOGE in a high-stakes lawsuit involving USAID workers. The conversation dives into the ethical implications of recent court rulings and highlights the urgent need for civic engagement to defend judicial independence amidst rising executive overreach.

In this urgent extra episode of Amicus,  host Dahlia Lithwick and Slate's senior writer Mark Joseph Stern discuss the unfolding constitutional crisis triggered by the Trump administration's defiance of a court order to halt flights carrying Venezuelan migrants to be delivered to El Salvador’s so-called Terrorism Confinement Center - a vast foreign prison  that could  be described as a labor camp.  Lithwick and Stern explore the timeline of events that unfolded in Federal Court Judge James Boasberg’s court this week, and on planes bound for El Salvador. Next, they try to parse the legal arguments put forth by the Justice Department, claiming apparently boundless power for President Trump to render anyone he deems a gang member. Finally, they discuss why the Trump administration has chosen this particular constitutional hill to die on, and how far Chief Justice John Roberts might be prepared to go along with it. This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock weekly bonus episodes of Amicus—you’ll also 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Preet Bharara, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and an expert on legal ethics, joins the discussion on legal accountability amid political chaos. He delves into the troubling actions of the Trump administration and the vital role of lawyers in upholding the rule of law. Bharara discusses the implications of recent court cases and threats to legal representation, emphasizing the need for integrity in the legal profession. The conversation highlights how political pressures shape judicial decisions and the importance of public engagement in democracy.

In this engaging conversation, Kate Shaw, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, dives into the constitutional chaos surrounding Elon Musk's DOGE initiative. She discusses the murky legality of Musk's actions, government efficiency, and the complexities of executive appointments. Shaw also unpacks the legal labyrinth affecting the Justice Department's approach to Dogecoin, highlighting the critical role of constitutional principles in maintaining accountability during tumultuous times.

On Wednesday morning the Supreme Court dealt a blow to the Trump administration's effort to withhold $2 billion promised for foreign aid work. Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discuss the Court’s decision to reject the Trump administration's request to halt a lower court's order, by a five to four vote, compelling the State Department to resume payments. While Chief Justice John Roberts and Amy Coney Barrett sided with the court's liberal justices, Justice Samuel Alito offered a “stunned” dissent, reacting to the Court’s surprising rebuke to the Trump administration with few facts but plenty of fury. This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock weekly bonus episodes of Amicus—you’ll also 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Asha Rangappa, a former FBI special agent and legal contributor for ABC News, dives into the alarming trend of lawlessness within law enforcement. She discusses the troubling consequences of political appointments and the erosion of justice following January 6th. Asha highlights the risks authoritarianism poses to democracy and the integrity of military and legal institutions. With provocative insights on accountability, she underscores the importance of maintaining a vigilant stance against those who manipulate the law for their own ends.