Supreme Court

Donald Trump in court for his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 23, 2024, in New York City.

The Courts, Trump, and Us: A Q&A With David Cole The Courts, Trump, and Us: A Q&A With David Cole

Last time, the courts were an essential checking force on the Trump administration. This time around, they may again provide a check—if we push.

Dec 10, 2024 / Q&A / Jon Wiener

A transgender rights supporter takes part in a rally outside of the US Supreme Court Building as the high court hears arguments in a case on gender-affirming care on December 4, 2024.

The Supreme Court’s Hearing on Trans Rights Was Bigotry Masquerading as Law The Supreme Court’s Hearing on Trans Rights Was Bigotry Masquerading as Law

The conservative majority spent much of the oral arguments for US v. Skrmetti trying to erase the trans community.

Dec 5, 2024 / Elie Mystal

Activists for and against trans rights protest outside the Supreme Court Building before the start of the United States v. Skrmetti case on December 4, 2024.

Trans Medicine’s “Merchants of Doubt” Trans Medicine’s “Merchants of Doubt”

There is plenty of uncertainty involved in gender-affirming care—as in most aspects of medicine. But the groups behind the Tennessee ban aren’t driven by science—or patient care.

Dec 4, 2024 / Joanna Wuest

Close-up of Gov. Pritzker with his left hand up in a fist.

When Does Power Concede? Thwarting MAGA Will Take More Than Protest and Symbolic Resistance. When Does Power Concede? Thwarting MAGA Will Take More Than Protest and Symbolic Resistance.

If we want to deploy actual power to block Trump’s vicious agenda once he takes control of the federal government, we will have to look to the states.

Nov 19, 2024 / Van Gosse

Donald Trump Is Waging a Shock-and-Awe War Against His Own Senate

Donald Trump Is Waging a Shock-and-Awe War Against His Own Senate Donald Trump Is Waging a Shock-and-Awe War Against His Own Senate

By nominating Matt Gaetz and other dangerous cronies, the president-elect is testing congressional servility.

Nov 14, 2024 / Jeet Heer

US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor during the celebration of Women's Day at the Constitutional Court on March 4, 2024, in Madrid, Spain.

Should Sonia Sotomayor Retire Before January 20? Should Sonia Sotomayor Retire Before January 20?

The difference between what the answer should be—and what it will be—tells you almost everything you need to know about today’s Democratic Party.

Nov 13, 2024 / Elie Mystal

A protester holds a sign reading

Abortion Wins at the Ballot Box, Again—but Republicans Do Too Abortion Wins at the Ballot Box, Again—but Republicans Do Too

Voters in seven states restored, protected, or expanded the right to abortion care in their state. Many of them also voted for the man who ended Roe v. Wade.

Nov 8, 2024 / Danielle Campoamor

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris pauses while speaking during a campaign rally at the Rawhide Event Center on October 10, 2024, in Chandler, Arizona.

The Harris Campaign Needs to Name Other Culprits Besides Donald Trump The Harris Campaign Needs to Name Other Culprits Besides Donald Trump

By not naming those responsible for the economic woes that still plague working Americans, Democrats lack a credible story about what they’re going to change—and who is to blame.

Oct 18, 2024 / Zephyr Teachout

A sign welcoming patients from East Texas is displayed in the waiting area of the Women's Reproductive Clinic, which provides legal medication abortion services, in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

A Plot to Legalize Abortion Travel Bans Takes Root in Texas A Plot to Legalize Abortion Travel Bans Takes Root in Texas

This November, Amarillo will vote on an ordinance that could turn the city into a “sanctuary for the unborn” —and tee up a legal case with the Trumpiest of Trump judges.

Oct 17, 2024 / Elie Mystal

Jack Smith & Donald Trump

Immunity Doesn’t Apply to Trump for January 6 Immunity Doesn’t Apply to Trump for January 6

A new filing by special counsel Jack Smith argues that even in light of the Supreme Court ruling granting immunity to presidents, a seeker of office is liable for criminal activit...

Oct 4, 2024 / Chris Lehmann

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