Elie Mystal shreds far-right Supreme Court: 'They're on a revenge tour'
2Digest
This episode of All In discusses the Supreme Court's increasing role as a right-wing legislature, with conservative justices pushing their agenda and ignoring precedent. The episode highlights several cases, including the abortion pill case, the tax case, and the Louisiana Ten Commandments law, where conservative groups have strategically brought cases before the court to achieve their desired outcomes. The episode also features interviews with legal experts who discuss the court's actions and the implications for the future of democracy. The episode concludes with a discussion of the Mar-a-Lago document case and the role of Judge Aileen Cannon in delaying the trial.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode and its focus on the Supreme Court's increasing role as a right-wing legislature, with conservative justices pushing their agenda and ignoring precedent.
The Supreme Court as a Legislature
This Chapter delves into the Supreme Court's actions, highlighting cases involving abortion, taxes, and the Ten Commandments, where conservative groups have strategically brought cases before the court to achieve their desired outcomes. The chapter also discusses the court's delay in issuing a ruling on Donald Trump's claim of immunity from prosecution.
The Mar-a-Lago Document Case
This Chapter focuses on the Mar-a-Lago document case and the role of Judge Aileen Cannon in delaying the trial. The chapter discusses the allegations that Cannon is biased towards Trump and that she has been urged by more experienced judges to step aside from the case.
The Ten Commandments in Louisiana
This Chapter examines the Louisiana law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. The chapter explores the historical origins of the campaign to get the Ten Commandments into public buildings, tracing it back to a promotional campaign for the Cecil B. DeMille film "The Ten Commandments."
The 2024 Election
This Chapter discusses the 2024 election and the potential for a close race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The chapter also discusses the implications of Trump's conviction in the hush money cover-up trial and the potential for a contested election.
The Gaza Conflict
This Chapter examines the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the lack of progress towards a ceasefire. The chapter features an interview with Masha Gesson, author of a New Yorker article about the Oasis of Peace, a Palestinian-Jewish village in Israel that is attempting to model peaceful coexistence.
Keywords
Supreme Court
The highest federal court in the United States, responsible for interpreting the Constitution and federal laws. The court consists of nine justices, appointed for life by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
Conservative Justices
Justices on the Supreme Court who generally hold conservative views on legal issues, such as originalism, limited government, and judicial restraint. The current conservative majority on the court has been appointed by Republican presidents, including Donald Trump.
Precedent
A legal principle that establishes a rule for future cases based on previous decisions. The Supreme Court is generally bound by precedent, but conservative justices have shown a willingness to overturn precedent in recent years.
Donald Trump
The 45th President of the United States, who has been a controversial figure throughout his career. Trump has been accused of numerous crimes, including obstruction of justice, election interference, and financial fraud.
Mar-a-Lago
The private club and residence of Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Florida. The FBI executed a search warrant at Mar-a-Lago in August 2022 to retrieve classified documents that Trump had allegedly taken from the White House.
Judge Aileen Cannon
A federal judge appointed by Donald Trump who has been overseeing the Mar-a-Lago document case. Cannon has been accused of bias towards Trump and of delaying the trial.
Ten Commandments
A set of religious laws and moral principles that are believed to have been given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Ten Commandments are a central part of Judaism and Christianity.
Louisiana
A state in the southeastern United States. Louisiana has a long history of religious conservatism and has recently passed a law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools.
Oasis of Peace
A Palestinian-Jewish village in Israel that was founded in the early 1970s as a model of peaceful coexistence. The village has been struggling to maintain its sense of harmony in the wake of the recent conflict in Gaza.
Gaza Conflict
An ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls the Gaza Strip. The conflict has been characterized by violence, displacement, and humanitarian suffering.
Q&A
How is the Supreme Court acting like a legislature?
The Supreme Court is increasingly acting like a right-wing legislature by pushing its own agenda and ignoring precedent. Conservative justices are using their power to overturn established legal principles and to advance their political goals.
What are some examples of cases where the Supreme Court has acted like a legislature?
Examples include the abortion pill case, the tax case, and the Louisiana Ten Commandments law. In each of these cases, conservative groups have strategically brought cases before the court to achieve their desired outcomes.
What are the implications of the Supreme Court's actions for the future of democracy?
The Supreme Court's actions raise concerns about the future of democracy. If the court continues to act like a legislature, it could undermine the separation of powers and erode public trust in the judiciary.
What is the Mar-a-Lago document case and why is it significant?
The Mar-a-Lago document case involves allegations that Donald Trump illegally took classified documents from the White House. The case is significant because it could lead to criminal charges against Trump and because it raises questions about the rule of law and the accountability of former presidents.
What is the role of Judge Aileen Cannon in the Mar-a-Lago document case?
Judge Aileen Cannon has been overseeing the Mar-a-Lago document case. She has been accused of bias towards Trump and of delaying the trial. There have been reports that more experienced judges urged her to step aside from the case.
What is the historical context of the Ten Commandments campaign in Louisiana?
The campaign to get the Ten Commandments into public buildings has a long history, dating back to a promotional campaign for the Cecil B. DeMille film "The Ten Commandments." DeMille worked with a group called The Fraternal Order of Eagles to place plaques of the Ten Commandments in strategic locations.
What is the Oasis of Peace and how has it been affected by the Gaza conflict?
The Oasis of Peace is a Palestinian-Jewish village in Israel that was founded as a model of peaceful coexistence. The village has been struggling to maintain its sense of harmony in the wake of the recent conflict in Gaza. The conflict has created a sense of distrust and division between the Palestinian and Jewish residents.
What are the challenges facing the Oasis of Peace?
The Oasis of Peace faces the challenge of maintaining its sense of harmony and hope in the face of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The conflict has created a sense of distrust and division between the Palestinian and Jewish residents, and many residents are losing hope for a peaceful future.
What are the potential implications of Trump's conviction in the hush money cover-up trial for the 2024 election?
Trump's conviction in the hush money cover-up trial could have a significant impact on the 2024 election. It could damage his reputation and make it more difficult for him to win the Republican nomination. However, it is also possible that the conviction could energize his base and make him more appealing to voters.
What are the key issues at stake in the 2024 election?
The 2024 election is likely to be a close race, with a number of key issues at stake, including the economy, immigration, climate change, and the future of democracy. The outcome of the election could have a significant impact on the direction of the country for years to come.
Show Notes
Guests: Harry Litman, Elie Mystal, Mary McCord, Kevin Kruse, Masha Gessen
Seven days from a presidential debate, and justice for Jan. 6 is delayed again. Tonight: how the far-right radical court keeps creating its own law. Then, Judge Aileen Cannon puts Jack Smith's case on trial amid new reporting on the federal judges who asked her to step aside. And Louisiana mandates religion in the classroom.
Want more of Chris? Download and subscribe to his podcast, “Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes podcast” wherever you get your podcasts.
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