Michele Goodwin

Michele Goodwin is the Linda D. & Timothy J. O'Neill Professor of Constitutional Law and Global Health Policy at Georgetown University and Faculty Director of the O'Neill Institute. She is a recipient of the Polan Fellowship in Constitutional Law and History at the Brennan Center for Justice and author of the award-winning book Policing the Womb: Invisible Women and the Criminalization of Motherhood.

While the Supreme Court’s order eases immediate concerns, the underlying conceit and harm posed by Louisiana’s litigation is devastating and should not be ignored.

Louisiana’s Disregard for Pregnant People and Black Voters Must Not Be Ignored Louisiana’s Disregard for Pregnant People and Black Voters Must Not Be Ignored

The stakes are undeniable when voting rights are diminished and abortion access is on the line.

May 5, 2026 / Michele Goodwin

Black Louisiana voters and civil rights advocates call on the US Supreme Court to uphold a fair and representative congressional map in “Louisiana v. Callais” on March 24, 2025 in Washington, DC.

The Voting Rights Decision Is a Warning About Women’s Political Power The Voting Rights Decision Is a Warning About Women’s Political Power

Voter exclusion was never about men alone. And much is at stake for women in state and federal elections.

Apr 30, 2026 / Michele Goodwin

A banner featuring an image of US President Donald Trump with the slogan “Make America Safe Again” is displayed on the facade of the US Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, DC, on February 20.

The DOJ's Shameful Abuse of Power Must Be Reined In The DOJ's Shameful Abuse of Power Must Be Reined In

The weaponizing of the department to do Trump’s bidding
has dangerously undermined its credibility.

Mar 9, 2026 / Michele Goodwin

On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled against the Trump administration’s “Liberation Day” tariff scheme.

Why the Supreme Court’s Tariff Decision May Be Short-Lived Why the Supreme Court’s Tariff Decision May Be Short-Lived

Within hours of losing the case, President Trump declared a new global tariff under a different statute.

Feb 24, 2026 / Michele Goodwin and Gregory Shaffer

A memorial is seen on the desk of DFL State Representative Melissa Hortman in the House chambers at the Minnesota State Capitol on June 16, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were shot at their home on June 14. DFL State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and hospitalized in a separate incident. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said during a press conference that the shooting “appears to be a politically motivated assassination.”

The Escalating Political Violence Didn't Come From Nowhere The Escalating Political Violence Didn't Come From Nowhere

Donald Trump issued a statement after the Minnesota shootings saying that this violence “will not be tolerated,” but his words ring hollow.

Jun 17, 2025 / Michele Goodwin

An abortion rights activist wears tape on her mouth with the words “Second Class Citizen” while protesting in front of the Supreme Court building following the announcement to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling in Washington, DC.

How “Dobbs” Unleashed a Breathtaking Disregard for Human Rights How “Dobbs” Unleashed a Breathtaking Disregard for Human Rights

In this new era of Jane Crow, the right to choose is not only a question of bodily autonomy in life, but even in death.

Jun 6, 2025 / Michele Goodwin for The Nation

President Donald Trump during an executive order signing ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 4, 2025.

Trump Doesn’t Have the Authority. What Happens When He Does It Anyway? Trump Doesn’t Have the Authority. What Happens When He Does It Anyway?

The American experiment depends on institutional checks on power’s exercise. If there are no checks, then these indeed will be devastating times.

Feb 11, 2025 / Michele Goodwin and Gregory Shaffer

The US Armed Forces recruiting station in Times Square.

Trump’s Transgender Military Ban Doesn’t Make Sense. It Didn’t the First Time Either. Trump’s Transgender Military Ban Doesn’t Make Sense. It Didn’t the First Time Either.

The ban will only serve to create chaos and risk the health and safety of Americans.

Jan 31, 2025 / Michele Goodwin

Brittany Watts, dressed in a warm pink coat and white gloves and a hat, speaking outside at a microphone.

What About Our Right to Life? What About Our Right to Life?

As we’re seeing now in tragic cases, abortion bans violate much more than just privacy rights.

Jan 22, 2024 / Michele Goodwin

Having More Women on the Federal Courts Is Long Overdue

Having More Women on the Federal Courts Is Long Overdue Having More Women on the Federal Courts Is Long Overdue

In a well-functioning democracy, representation matters not only in the legislative and executive branches of government but also in the courts.

Feb 1, 2023 / Michele Goodwin

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