Judicial Branch

Leonard Leo, the executive vice president of the Federalist Society, speaks at the 2017 National Lawyers Convention in Washington, D.C., on November 16, 2017.

How Leonard Leo Weaponized the Courts Against Democracy How Leonard Leo Weaponized the Courts Against Democracy

The Federalist Society uses billionaire funds and right-wing ideology to remake the law.

Oct 13, 2023 / Jeet Heer

Scene from History of the World Part I

Our Supreme Court Reactionaries Still Fear the French Revolution Our Supreme Court Reactionaries Still Fear the French Revolution

In John Roberts’s America, it’s good to be the king.

Jul 3, 2023 / Jeet Heer

Supporters of affirmative action rally outside the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on October 31, 2022.

Affirmative Action Is in the Supreme Court’s Crosshairs Affirmative Action Is in the Supreme Court’s Crosshairs

And the man who got it there is not, as he likes to claim, an iconoclastic one-person organization.

Jun 22, 2023 / Column / Kali Holloway

The Courts’ Legitimacy Crisis Is an Opportunity Democrats Should Seize

The Courts’ Legitimacy Crisis Is an Opportunity Democrats Should Seize The Courts’ Legitimacy Crisis Is an Opportunity Democrats Should Seize

Calling out corrupt judges and reactionary courts is good policy—and good politics.

May 29, 2023 / Column / Jeet Heer

Clarence Thomas Is Protected by Powerful Enablers From Both Parties

Clarence Thomas Is Protected by Powerful Enablers From Both Parties Clarence Thomas Is Protected by Powerful Enablers From Both Parties

Our lawless Supreme Court is shielded by a bipartisan elite ranging from Liz Cheney to Dick Durbin.

May 5, 2023 / Jeet Heer

Kathy Hochul speaks at a press briefing.

New York Governor Hochul Appoints a Chevron Lawyer to the State’s Highest Court New York Governor Hochul Appoints a Chevron Lawyer to the State’s Highest Court

Caitlin Halligan represented the oil giant in its vindictive legal campaign against the environmentalist lawyer Steven Donziger.

Apr 21, 2023 / James North

Signage for Hachette Book Group

When You Buy a Book, You Can Loan It to Anyone. This Judge Says Libraries Can’t. Why Not? When You Buy a Book, You Can Loan It to Anyone. This Judge Says Libraries Can’t. Why Not?

The lawsuit against Controlled Digital Lending is about giving corporations—rather than readers, buyers, borrowers, or authors—control over content.

Apr 20, 2023 / Michelle M. Wu

Packages of mifepristone tablets

The Fifth Circuit’s Abortion Pill Ruling Was All About Sowing Confusion The Fifth Circuit’s Abortion Pill Ruling Was All About Sowing Confusion

While the decision partially overturned an earlier ruling banning the sale of mifepristone, it also reaffirmed some of that ruling’s more troubling and dangerous logic.

Apr 14, 2023 / Elie Mystal

A pro-choice activist during a protest in New York City

The GOP’s Fanatical Judges Are Putting Our Lives in Danger The GOP’s Fanatical Judges Are Putting Our Lives in Danger

Recent rulings on Obamacare and abortion show a judiciary that is willing to imperil the lives of millions in pursuit of its radical agenda.

Apr 13, 2023 / Gregg Gonsalves

Associate US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas poses for the official photo at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on October 7, 2022.

Clarence Thomas Doesn’t Have to Be Bribed to Shred Basic Rights and Democracy Clarence Thomas Doesn’t Have to Be Bribed to Shred Basic Rights and Democracy

Thomas probably didn’t change any of his votes after island-hopping with Harlan Crow, but that doesn’t make the jaunts any less troubling.

Apr 11, 2023 / Elie Mystal

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