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.

DACA-rally-Supreme-Court

The Democrats Are Failing Dreamers, Failing Immigrants The Democrats Are Failing Dreamers, Failing Immigrants

Biden and the Democrats spent four years decrying Trump’s assault on immigrants. Now they’re refunding ICE and falling down on the Dream Act.

Jun 17, 2021 / Elie Mystal

Merrick Garland testimony

Why Is Garland’s DOJ Taking Trump’s Side Against E. Jean Carroll? Why Is Garland’s DOJ Taking Trump’s Side Against E. Jean Carroll?

There is no good reason for the Department of Justice to defend a former president against charges that he defamed a woman he allegedly raped.

Jun 10, 2021 / Elie Mystal

Joe Manchin committee hearing

Joe Manchin Cares More About ‘Bipartisanship’ Than Fighting Jim Crow Joe Manchin Cares More About ‘Bipartisanship’ Than Fighting Jim Crow

The senator says he won’t back a crucial voting rights bill because it’s too “partisan.” What he means is that white conservatives don’t like it.

Jun 8, 2021 / Elie Mystal

Andy Biggs press conf

The Miseducation of White Children The Miseducation of White Children

The attacks on critical race theory are just another attempt to prevent this country from reckoning with its racist past and present—by keeping white kids ignorant.

Jun 3, 2021 / Elie Mystal

It’s Time for Stephen Breyer to Retire From the Supreme Court

It’s Time for Stephen Breyer to Retire From the Supreme Court It’s Time for Stephen Breyer to Retire From the Supreme Court

The associate justice has served admirably on the Court for 27 years. But for the sake of our basic rights, he’s got to step down at the end of this term.

Jun 2, 2021 / Feature / Elie Mystal

The GOP Can’t Be Saved—and Neither Can Paul Ryan

The GOP Can’t Be Saved—and Neither Can Paul Ryan The GOP Can’t Be Saved—and Neither Can Paul Ryan

Ryan has become the latest Republican to urge his party to relinquish Trumpism and return to its principled past. The problem is, that past doesn’t exist.

May 28, 2021 / Elie Mystal

Merrick Garland close-up

Why Is Merrick Garland’s DOJ Carrying Water for Bill Barr? Why Is Merrick Garland’s DOJ Carrying Water for Bill Barr?

One answer is that Garland, like many Biden officials, is an institutionalist, more committed to preserving institutions than fighting hard political fights.

May 26, 2021 / Elie Mystal

Laughing Brett Kavanaugh

Brett Kavanaugh Remains As Incorrigible as Ever Brett Kavanaugh Remains As Incorrigible as Ever

In a recent decision, the man who argued he shouldn’t be judged by his youthful indiscretions had no problem sending young people to prison for life without parole.

May 21, 2021 / Column / Elie Mystal

Andrew Womble DA

This Is How Police Get Away With Murdering Black People This Is How Police Get Away With Murdering Black People

Andrew Brown Jr. was killed by cops last month, but the local prosecutor refuses to bring charges because he says the killing was “justified.”

May 19, 2021 / Elie Mystal

Amy Coney Barrett smiling

The Supreme Court May Have Just Signed Roe v. Wade’s Death Warrant The Supreme Court May Have Just Signed Roe v. Wade’s Death Warrant

The newly ultraconservative court has agreed to hear a direct challenge to the landmark 1973 abortion case—a move that can mean nothing good.

May 18, 2021 / Elie Mystal

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