

Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts
Slate Podcasts
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

Apr 20, 2024 • 39min
Twelve Jurors and One Angry Ex-President
Slate's senior legal writer Mark Joseph Stern discusses the challenges and pitfalls of the first criminal trial of a former President. They cover the jury selection process in Manhattan, concerns about armed insurrection, civil rights protections in the workplace, and exclusive SCOTUS analysis for Slate Plus members.

Apr 13, 2024 • 1h 9min
The Jurisprudence of Bleeding Out
The podcast delves into a Supreme Court case challenging EMTALA regulations for pregnant patients in the ER. It also discusses the potential ramifications of the case on abortion care. Additionally, the episode explores the controversy surrounding Justice Sotomayor's retirement and the gendered dynamics of the SCOTUS. Overall, a thought-provoking discussion on healthcare, legal battles, and judicial concerns.

Apr 6, 2024 • 40min
When Gag Orders Become Campaign-Performance Indicators
Legal and national security expert Juliette Kayyem joins the podcast to dissect Trump's impact on legal, national security, and ideological fronts. They discuss Trump's use of threats and intimidation in his campaign, the need for focus and planning for the upcoming months, and the implications for democracy. Kayyem provides insights from a counter-terrorism perspective and preparation for the 2024 elections.

Mar 30, 2024 • 51min
When RAGA Rhymes with MAGA
Lisa Graves from True North Research discusses the influence of the Republican Attorneys General Association, revealing pay-to-play schemes and manipulation in legal and legislative outcomes. The discussion highlights connections to corporate funding, Justice Clarence Thomas, and Leonard Leo's Supreme Court influence. The role of the Rule of Law Defense Fund in election controversy and the impact of state attorneys general on anti-abortion laws are also explored.

9 snips
Mar 23, 2024 • 58min
How The Mifepristone Case Reached SCOTUS
The podcast explores the legal battle over mifepristone, FDA approval, and telemedicine abortion, highlighting the impact on reproductive rights. Carrie N. Baker discusses the potential consequences of restricting access to abortion pills through mail. The show also covers legal challenges against former President Trump and his financial obligations.

Mar 16, 2024 • 45min
Who Gets to Lie Online?
A case at SCOTUS on online censorship by government agencies and social media, affecting election workers' safety. Brennan Center's amicus brief highlights election disinformation concerns. Later, discussion on 5th U.S. Circuit Court and teen contraception access.

Mar 9, 2024 • 55min
The Lies Destroying America
The podcast discusses the prevalence of disinformation in America, focusing on how it affects democracy. They analyze the recent Supreme Court decision involving Trump and explore the challenges of misinformation in politics. Member-exclusive segment covers Biden's SCOTUS statement, Alabama's state supreme court, and liberal justices' concurrence in restoring Trump to the Colorado primary ballot.

Mar 4, 2024 • 8min
Yes, You Can Vote for an Insurrectionist
Supreme Court rules on Trump's eligibility for Colorado ballot despite insurrectionist ties. Conservative justices consolidate power while liberals and Barrett disagree. Analysis of limited accountability post January 6 insurrection. Legal battle over 14th amendment enforcement and state authority to disqualify presidential candidates.