Elie Mystal

Justice Correspondent & Columnist

@ElieNYC

Elie Mystal is The Nation’s justice correspondent and a columnist. He is also an Alfred Knobler Fellow at the Type Media Center. He is the author of two books: the New York Times bestseller Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution and Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America, both published by The New Press. You can subscribe to his Nation newsletter Elie v. U.S. here.

All the Awful Supreme Court Rulings You Probably Missed

All the Awful Supreme Court Rulings You Probably Missed All the Awful Supreme Court Rulings You Probably Missed

In this week's Elie v. US, our justice correspondent delves into 7 cases that got overlooked in the end-of-term frenzy.

Jul 3, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Supporters of transgender athletes competing in women's sports gather outside the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court’s Anti-Trans Ruling Goes Well Beyond Sports The Supreme Court’s Anti-Trans Ruling Goes Well Beyond Sports

The ruling is about whether trans people have the same rights as everybody else—and the court said they don’t.

Jul 2, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Supporters of birthright citizenship rally outside the US Supreme Court on April 1, 2026.

Birthright Citizenship Lives to Die Another Day Birthright Citizenship Lives to Die Another Day

The Supreme Court’s decision upholding birthright citizenship is a victory that may contain the seeds of a future defeat.

Jun 30, 2026 / Elie Mystal

US President Donald Trump during a kickoff celebration for the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington.

The Supreme Court Just Gave Trump a Terrifying New Power The Supreme Court Just Gave Trump a Terrifying New Power

In a pair of twin rulings, the court undermined the independence of the key independent agencies—except one.

Jun 29, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Members of the National TPS Alliance rally at the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on April 29, 2026.

The Supreme Court Once Again Endorses Trump’s Racism The Supreme Court Once Again Endorses Trump’s Racism

The court took a look at Trump's obviously bigoted handling of the Temporary Protected Status program and said, “Nothing to see here.”

Jun 25, 2026 / Elie Mystal

The statue “Contemplation of Justice” sits above the west front plaza of the US Supreme Court Building.

The Supreme Court Loves Religious Freedom—Just Not for Rastafarians The Supreme Court Loves Religious Freedom—Just Not for Rastafarians

In a far-reaching ruling, the court violated a man’s constitutional rights—and undermined fundamental civil rights protections.

Jun 24, 2026 / Elie Mystal

The signing of the US Constitution in 1787, in a painting by Junius Brutus Stearns.

Will America Ever Give White-Man Rights to Everyone Else? Will America Ever Give White-Man Rights to Everyone Else?

If we want to make it another 250 years, the Constitution is going to have to do a lot more than protect individual political and civil rights.

Jun 23, 2026 / Feature / Elie Mystal

I Hope Iran Wins at the World Cup

I Hope Iran Wins at the World Cup I Hope Iran Wins at the World Cup

In this week’s Elie v. US, our Justice Correspondent explains why he’s rooting for the Iranian national soccer team. Plus: the DOJ’s scary rollback of gun regulations.

Jun 19, 2026 / Elie Mystal

The statue “Guardian or Authority of Law,” above the west front plaza of the US Supreme Court Building.

The Supreme Court Has Agreed to Protect Drug Users The Supreme Court Has Agreed to Protect Drug Users

As long as they’re packing heat.

Jun 18, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents run out of Delaney Hall Immigration Detention Center on June 7, 2026.

The Trump Administration Is Addicted to Violence The Trump Administration Is Addicted to Violence

In this week’s Elie v. US, our justice correspondent warns of a potential ICE invasion of New York. Plus: The administration escalates its assault on trans rights.

Jun 12, 2026 / Elie Mystal

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