Main Justice

Long-standing legal norms face challenges from the current Justice Department, particularly around immigration and the Alien Enemies Act. A recent ruling highlighted frustrations in the courts regarding deportation tactics. The National Intelligence Council's findings reveal weak ties between the Venezuelan government and organized crime, complicating the narrative. Additionally, a judge's decision against targeting law firms undercuts governmental overreach and emphasizes First Amendment rights. The hosts engage in discussions on judicial integrity and the tension between national security and civil liberties.

Melissa Murray, an NYU Law Professor renowned for her expertise in legal analysis, joins the conversation to dissect President Trump's first 100 days of his second term. They explore the legal struggles and challenges faced by the administration, particularly around war powers and immigration policies. The discussion sheds light on the judiciary's crucial role in upholding due process amid heated political debates. Murray emphasizes the importance of public engagement in governance to counteract executive overreach and ensure accountability.

As the Trump administration hits its 100th day, themes of intimidation and due process dominate the discussion. The arrest of a judge raises alarms about the judicial branch's independence. There’s a troubling look at the wrongful deportation of U.S. citizen children, highlighting the clash between executive power and legal rights. The hosts also delve into the negative implications of Trump’s media policy changes, questioning their impact on a free press amidst increasing government surveillance.

Andrew and Mary host this week's episode in front of a live audience at Princeton University, starting with the latest in the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case where last Tuesday, Maryland district judge Paula Xinis ordered the Trump administration to provide among other things, “butts in seats” to explain their efforts to get him back. Then they describe what led up to the Supreme Court’s early Saturday decision temporarily blocking the deportation of more Venezuelan migrants, after a flurry of back and forth between the Solicitor General and the ACLU. And being at Andrew’s alma mater, he and Mary hold up the absolute necessity of academic freedom and independence in the wake of Trump’s attempts to defund universities who do not comply with his demands. Last up, they touch on the Supreme Court granting argument in the birthright citizenship cases- not on the merits, but on whether a nationwide injunction is appropriate in this instance.Further reading: HERE is Judge Harvie Wilkinson’s sharply worded opinion, writing for a 3-judge panel in the US Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, rejecting the Trump administrations effort to stop a lower court’s order that the government facilitate Kilmar Abrego Garcia's return.Want to listen to this show without ads? Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts.

The wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia captures attention as the government faces scrutiny over due process violations. Legal challenges abound, highlighting accountability and discrimination in immigration enforcement. The complexities of his return from El Salvador amidst serious allegations raise ethical concerns. Additionally, there's a focus on civil rights inquiries in Alabama, where health disparities are under investigation, and a ruling involving the Associated Press emphasizes the ongoing fight for press freedoms.

The Supreme Court grapples with the crucial question of due process under the Alien Enemies Act. Concerns arise over the Trump administration's handling of a wrongful deportation case involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Spotlighting judicial accountability, the hosts also discuss the impact of a ruling on Trump's January 6 pardons. Additionally, a legal challenge regarding the constitutionality of sweeping tariffs reveals tensions between presidential powers and congressional oversight, sparking important debates on immigration policy and government ethics.

The podcast dives into the intense legal battles surrounding President Trump’s executive orders, including pivotal cases about birthright citizenship and the Alien Enemies Act. The hosts examine the troubling trend of blacklisting law firms and universities, raising alarms over academic freedom. Furthermore, they tackle a controversial executive order aimed at altering U.S. election processes, highlighting potential risks to election integrity. Lastly, they critique the lack of accountability in issues like Signalgate, questioning leadership decisions in national security.

The discussion kicks off with a major law firm bending to Trump’s demands, showcasing the chilling effects on legal practices. They explore the implications of the Trump administration defying court orders, especially regarding Venezuelan deportations and due process. The conversation dives into the controversial use of Signal chats for sensitive information, highlighting gross negligence in national defense. Legal ethics and the balance of secrecy in national security are examined, along with the risks of mishandling classified materials.

Last Friday, President Trump spoke before a gathering at the Department of Justice to lay out what was seen largely as a grievance fest, singling out individuals and media organizations he perceives as his enemies. Main Justice hosts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord lay plain the unorthodox nature of a speech like this, especially before a department that is meant to maintain independence from the executive branch. But that was just the start of a wild weekend, after Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport hundreds of Venezuelan migrants, just as a court order blocking their removal was filed. So, Andrew and Mary tackle the latest developments in several buckets before breaking down the Supreme Court’s consideration of the request by the president to lift the pause on his birthright citizenship executive action.Want to listen to this show without ads? Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts.

After news this weekend that Columbia student and permanent legal resident Mahmoud Khalil was arrested by ICE agents, hosts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord explain the petition filed from his lawyer and the significance of his case as a harbinger of things to come, as a hearing is set over the effort to deport him. Then, they shift focus to the Trump administration’s continued attacks on law firms and universities themselves, after the president cut federal funding to Columbia, and Georgetown was rebuked by the DC US Attorney for teaching principles related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Last up, Andrew and Mary review the latest in the Eric Adams case, with a shocking court filing containing texts from prosecutors, and they break down a few cases making their way through the courts right now: some of which have been touched by SCOTUS, others likely on their way to the High Court.Want to listen to this show without ads? Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts.