Jill Wine-Banks and Susan Berger discuss the overwhelming nature of current news and the importance of staying informed, particularly regarding democracy and healthcare. They delve into the impact of misinformation on public health, especially concerning vaccines, and highlight the alarming issue of gun violence as a leading cause of childhood deaths. The discussion also touches on the legal implications of recent legislation that could undermine civil rights enforcement.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to castigate Trump for the questionable pardons he’s recently issued, lay out how they might represent a quid pro quo, and explain their potential illegality. Then, the #Sisters expose how MAGA is using the “Big Beautiful Bill” to neuter the judicial system, and discuss why the checks and balances that it steamrolls are integral to our system. They also delve into the latest developments in his administration’s attacks on universities, examining the rights involved, the limits of executive power, and what it means for the future of free thought and democracy.
Read MoreJoyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to share advice for 2025 graduates thinking about law and civic service and break down the country’s current approach to law enforcement and police powers under the current administration. Then, the #Sisters look at the charges against Rep. McIver after she took a stand against deportations, the ramifications of civil disobedience by a sitting M.O.C., and how the system will handle it. They also review how recent SCOTUS rulings affect Trump’s plans to rely on the use of executive powers..
Read MoreBarb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the ethical and national security implications of Qatar gifting Trump a plane, and explain the proper way for public officials to handle foreign gifts to ensure its not a bribe. Then, they break down the arguments ostensibily being made to the SCOTUS concerning birthright citizenship, and why the case increasing seems like its about the legality of the nationwide injunctions acting as a check on Trump’s presidential powers. They also shed light on why Ed Martin is out as the interim U.S. Attorney for D.C. and Fox News Jeanine Pirro has taken his place.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks discusses several pressing political issues, including the controversial gift from Qatar to Donald Trump, the implications of habeas corpus suspension, and the discrimination in refugee policies affecting Afghan and South African individuals. She emphasizes the importance of public protest and civic engagement in protecting democracy and urges federal employees to maintain their moral integrity in the face of political pressure.
Read MoreKimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to dissect the arguments in the SCOTUS decision affirming Trump’s ban on transgender service members in the military, explain the effects that decision has on those trying to serve their country, and castigate its approach to civil rights issues. Then, the #Sisters expose the duplicity in his administration's legal approach to some of the other critical cases challenging his authoritarian overreach and defending our democracy, and call upon the judiciary to assert its independence and stand up for our most important values.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to look at the SCOTUS debate over whether the state can fund St. Isidore Catholic Virtual Online Charter School as a public school, the associated 1st Amendment issues, and if this represents a roll back of the separation of church and state. Then, the #Sisters expose the rot at the DOJ with stark criticism over its apparent abandonment of civil rights protections and Pam Bondi’s failure to prioritize the law over politics. They also highlight the rejection of the Alien Enemies Act by a Trump-appointed Texas judge, and investigate what it means for similar legal challenges.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks and Professor Erwin Chemerinsky discuss the critical role of lawyers in upholding democracy, the unprecedented challenges posed by the Trump administration, and the importance of grassroots activism. They explore the implications of presidential compliance with court orders, the potential need for a new constitution, and the threats to due process and human rights. The discussion also touches on the Equal Rights Amendment and the hope for a future where democracy and the rule of law prevail.
Read MoreBarb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to emphasize the importance of the oath to the Constitution and explain the arrest of a WI judge charged with obstructing federal immigration enforcement in the context of federalism. Then, the #Sisters discuss the status of the ban on trans individuals in the military going through the courts and lay out the danger that exclusion and alienation of the people willing to serve poses for our armed forces. They also review the partial injunction blocking Trump’s EO on voting and delve into how his administration’s war on our democracy puts our most fundamental rights at risk..
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks hosts a panel with Kyle Lukoff, Diane Wachtell & Elizabeth Bird to discuss book banning. They share their literary journeys, the impact of censorship, and its broader implications. The discussion explores motivations, legislative responses, and civil rights aspects of the struggle. It emphasizes diverse voices and community action against censorship. The conversation touches on queer and trans rights in education, the absurdity of opting out of diverse representation, and ongoing legal battles. Speakers emphasize public education for understanding and acceptance, while discussing censorship’s broader societal impacts. They provide insights into children’s literature and advice for aspiring authors navigating this complex environment.
Read MoreJoyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to explain the battle the courts are waging against the Trump administration to defend immigrants' rights, the judicial branch’s essential role in maintaining the rule of law, and why protecting due process in deportation cases is so important. Then, the #Sisters discuss the challenge to birthright citizenship moving through the courts after Trump’s EO banning it, why it is such a critical part of our country’s formation, and how nationwide injunctions can keep the executive in check when it has run amok. They also fire off on MAGA’s war on the freedom of our universities, and look ahead to their fight to stay independent of federal control.
Read MoreKimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to dive into the escalating due process challenges to Trump’s deportations, highlight the cases of people who have been targeted, examine the legality of his use of the Alien Enemies Act, and explain how the SCOTUS is ruling on these cases. Then, the #Sisters discuss the latest outrages sparked by Trump’s EO’s, lay out how his use of presidential power threatens democracy and the free press, and explain the legal challenges to them.. They also review a case concerning critical voting rights in Georgia and investigate whether A.G. Pam Bondi is up to the task of protecting them.
Read MoreJill Wine-Bnaks interviews Elie Mystal, political commentator and author, about his journey from law to journalism. They discuss historical laws’ impact on modern society, personal experiences with discrimination, and legal action against injustices. Mystal’s book ‘Bad Law’ emphasizes critical examination of pre-1965 laws and understanding their context. They also explore persuasion challenges in today’s political climate and the influence of figures like Elon Musk. The conversation touches on unpredictability of political outcomes, labor deregulation, felony murder laws, abortion rights, censorship, and free speech. It highlights the need for awareness and action on pressing social issues.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss Trump’s tariffs, what gives him the power to regulate trade with both our friends and allies, as well as the limits of presidential power. Then, the #Sisters emphasize how nationwide protests are being used to make a statement against the current administration, the implications of the Insurrection Act, and the historical context of the Posse Comitatus Act. They also explain why the 22nd Amendment should prevent Trump from a 3rd term and highlight how we can use the rules of our democracy to prevent tyranny.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks chats with Alison Gill, host of Mueller, She Wrote and The Daily Beans Podcasts. Alison is a true Renaissance woman, having served in the military, made people laugh as a stand up comedian, and fought for what’s right. They talk about some tough stuff, like lawsuits against government agencies, voter suppression, transgender rights in the military, and the importance of getting involved in your community. Alison stresses the importance of taking action, the role of law firms in fighting for justice, and how censorship can stifle creativity. But through it all, they keep the message of hope and resilience alive.
Read MoreBarb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to explain the national security and good governance implications of the SignalGate leak of the Trump Administration's Yemen attack plans, hold his teams to account, and explain why the correct handling of classified information is essential to the safety of our warfighters. Then, the #Sisters review the attempt by Speaker Johnson to limit the influence of federal judges, Trump’s war on law firms, and his pushback against injunctions checking his authoritarian impulses. They also discuss the recent SCOTUS backing of a ban on ghost guns, despite the court’s growing antipathy toward federal agency power.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks interviews presidential historian Jim Robenalt about the newly released documents related to the JFK assassination. They discuss CIA's potential involvement, the implications of Cuba's role, and the connections to Watergate. The conversation also touches on the capture of Lee Harvey Oswald, the aftermath of the assassination, and the need for judicial reform and election integrity.
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