
Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts
A show about the law and the nine Supreme Court justices who interpret it for the rest of America.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.
Latest episodes

May 31, 2024 • 5min
Opinionpalooza: The Court of King Alito
The podcast delves into the controversial actions of Justice Samuel Alito, focusing on his flag-flying wife and his opinions blending jurisprudence with support for insurrection and christian nationalism. The episode explores Alito's tendencies to bend facts in his opinions without correction, highlighting the implications on legal doctrine.

May 31, 2024 • 27min
SPECIAL: Trump Guilty on All 34 Counts
Jeremy Stahl from Slate discusses former President Trump's historic guilty verdict on 34 felony counts in his hush money trial, explaining the jury's decision, what comes next, and the likelihood of Trump going to jail. The podcast explores the impact of the verdict on accountability, the rule of law, and the upcoming election.

May 25, 2024 • 51min
Opinionpalooza: A Bad June Rising At SCOTUS
Dahlia Lithwick dives into Supreme Court controversies with experts, unraveling decisions like Justice Alito's flag incident and gerrymandering cases. They discuss rushed judgments, lack of transparency, and Chief Justice Roberts' impact, shedding light on the court's turbulent term.

May 23, 2024 • 7min
Opinionpalooza: Justice Alito Flies the Flag for Racial Gerrymanders (Preview)
Legal experts Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discuss the Supreme Court's recent decision on racial gerrymandering, focusing on Justice Alito's opinion and its implications on voting rights. They highlight the closing of doors for plaintiffs seeking justice and democracy through racist maps. The episode explores how the Supreme Court's decisions may impact the future of diverse democracy.

May 22, 2024 • 41min
How Originalism Ate The Law: What We Can Do About It
Justice Todd Eddins and Madiba Dennie discuss the dangers of originalism in the Constitution and advocate for inclusive constitutionalism. They highlight the need for people to reclaim control over interpretation for a more democratic future. The podcast explores the impact of originalism on legal interpretations, the significance of dissenting opinions, and the evolving nature of interpreting the Constitution.

May 18, 2024 • 1h 1min
Alito’s Stars and Gripes
Exploring Justice Alito's flag controversy, comedic front yard drama, implications for Supreme Court legitimacy, and reform discussions with Congressman Jamie Raskin. Unpacking the ethical considerations, implications for democracy, and proposals for Supreme Court reform. Analyzing the constitutional complexities, conflicts of interest, and calls for democratic renewal in the judiciary.

26 snips
May 11, 2024 • 53min
How Originalism Ate The Law: The Trap
Exploring the impact of originalism on the Supreme Court and how it has been used to gut voting rights. The podcast also delves into the challenges faced by lower court judges due to Supreme Court precedent and how originalism has eroded civil rights protections.

May 4, 2024 • 48min
How Originalism Ate the Law: The Trick
Unveiling the rise of originalism in courts and its impact on rights. Exploring its roots, religious ties, and historical milestones. Discussing Heller's influence and a senator's foresight. Revealing the cultural veneration of Constitution's framers and the fusion of Christianity. Tracing back to conservative legal movement's origins and Federalist Society's inception. Delving into Scalia's flawed interpretation of the Second Amendment and the challenges of prioritizing originalism in law.

Apr 27, 2024 • 58min
Democracy Dies at SCOTUS
This podcast episode explores the Supreme Court's focus on the spending clause over emergency healthcare for women, the Capitol insurrection, and Trump's attempts to overturn the election. Legal experts critique the MAGA justices in arguments. Discussions include challenges to presidential prosecution, erosion of democratic principles, and the court's indifference to health crises.

Apr 24, 2024 • 8min
PREVIEW: Abortion Gaslighting is Back at SCOTUS
The podcast discusses the recent court cases on pregnancy care in emergency rooms and presidential immunity. It explores the impact on women's lives, the conflict over abortion laws post Dobbs decision, and denial of emergency abortions in states with strict laws.
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