Posts in Sisters In Law
Facilitate, Effectuate: Let's Call The Whole Thing Off

Kimberly 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 More
Tariff Terror

Jill 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 More
User Error 👊🇺🇸🔥

Barb 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 More
Mr. Bright Shiny Thing

Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to call out the Trump administration for its use of the Alien Enemy Act to deport supposed gang members, explain its similarities to other efforts to dehumanize minorities and review the questionable reasoning and due process behind the removals.  Then, the #Sisters expose MAGA’s war on the judges standing up for the Constitution, discuss how the judicial branch acts as a check on the executive, and determine if their attempts at impeachment are valid.  They also tear into the DOD’s effort to remove BIPOC from its history and emphasize the importance of diversity to our civic health and national security.

Read More
Giving Up Is Unforgivable

Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to argue against deporting Mahmoud Khalil, explain habeas corpus and whether the government had the right to detain him, and outline his 1st Amendment rights as a green card holder.  Then, the #Sisters tear into Trump’s executive order targeting law firm Perkins Coie, detail how their rights to association and speech are being violated, and celebrate the lawyers who have stepped up to defend them.  They also discuss the conversion therapy case going to the Supreme Court and what it means for LGBTQ rights at a time when Trump is attempting to subvert our democracy.

Read More
The Best Kind Of Nerd

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the battle to release USAID funds, where the SCOTUS comes down on the issue, and why the separation of powers is essential to maintaining our democracy.  Then, the #Sisters expose the reckless partisanship of AG Pam Bondi and Interim D.C. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin in their quest to fill the DOJ with Trump loyalists and facilitate a MAGA takeover of D.C.’s local government.  They also investigate the legality of Trump’s EOs targeting D.C. law firms, explain what they mean for the future of those firms, and break down how the president continues to undermine the rule of law.

Read More
Other Than That Mrs. Lincoln, How Was The Show?

Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss Trump’s attacks on the 1st Amendment through his invalidation of the historic press corps, how he’s taken control over journalistic access to the White House, and his bizarre edicts attempting to enshrine his policy preferences into the public conversation.  Then, the #Sisters break down his attack on government lawyers, firing off on his assault on Jack Smith’s team and the other lawyers who stood against his authoritarian impulses.  They also examine the excesses of DOGE and if those unjustly targeted have any recourse.

Read More
Reaping The Whirlwind

Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the limitations on Trump’s presidential power using the lens of the Constitution’s Articles 1 and 2, looking at the validity of Unitary Executive Theory, the legality of firings at independent agencies, and the role TROs play in restraining an out of control president.  Then, the #Sisters give us an update on the mayorship of Eric Adams, encourage civil servants targeted by Trump to stay and resist, and expose the dangers posed by his new appointees.  They also explore the ‘reverse discrimination’ case being decided by the SCOTUS and explain how and why it chooses its cases.

Read More
Gobsmackingly Corrupt

Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to examine the propriety of the dismissal of NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ indictment, why he seems to be favored by the Trump administration, and if his future independence is compromised.  Then, the #Sisters discuss Pam Bondi’s initial memos as Attorney General and read the tea leaves to see how she plans on running the DOJ.  They also strategize how to fight back against Trump’s war on the free press and highlight the institutions that are essential to helping defend our democratic institutions.

Read More
Musk & His Minions

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to analyze the legality of DOGE, the capabilities and dangers of the team Elon has brought together, the effectiveness of challenges to it, and what it means for the future of our democracy.  Then, the #Sisters discuss the start of Pam Bondi’s tenure as the U.S. Attorney General, why her swearing-in was so controversial and unique, and how Trump’s buy-out offer affects the DOJ.  They also explore the ramifications of the recent FBI firings, focusing on their impact on the agency, the rule of law, and whether they can be prevented through civil action.

Read More
No Such Thing As Honor Anymore

Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to explore the legality and ramifications of Trump’s firings of J6 prosecutors and over a dozen inspectors general.  Then, the #Sisters discuss the confirmation hearings of prospective cabinet members Kash Patel, RFK Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard by sharing their concerns and doing a deep dive into the nominees' backgrounds, views, and performances.  They also dissect Trump’s latest Executive Orders through the lens of the unitary executive theory and the separation of powers doctrine before explaining the risks of his questionable offer to buy out government workers.

Read More
Serious, Serious Trouble

Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the impact that changes at the DOJ will have as Biden hands off the presidency to Trump, examining the risk of retribution against those who sought to defend our democracy from MAGA.  Then, the #Sisters analyze the legality and effects of Trump’s initial Executive Orders and whether any judges or laws are capable of restraining his acts as the executive.  They also reflect on the universal pardons and commutations he issued for J6’ers, looking at how they hold up in light of precedent and the danger extremism still presents to our rights and freedoms.

Read More
TikTok ticking away

Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to review the SCOTUS decision upholding a US-based TikTok ban unless it divests from its Chinese parent company and explain the balance of free speech and national security concerns taken into account in their ruling.  Then, the #Sisters analyze Pam Bondi’s performance in her confirmation hearings and weigh whether Pete Hegseth has the qualifications or moral certitude to lead the DoD.  They also investigate the future of Jack Smith’s report, how it treats Trump’s actions on J6 in light of the 14th Amendment, and Judge Cannon’s continued interference in its potential release.

Read More
YOLO

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss Trump’s unconditional discharge, the role his election to the presidency had on his treatment by the law, his status as a felon, and the SCOTUS ruling on his appeal.  Then, the #Sisters investigate whether we’ll ever see Jack Smith’s report, the validity of Judge Cannon’s attempt to halt its release, and if Biden can use his new legal immunity to get it out to us.  They also expose Mark Zuckerberg’s war on fact-checkers across Meta’s platforms, the pivot to an X-style community notes system, and the growing risk of misinformation and disinformation throughout the social media landscape.

Read More
25 Cent Word

Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the law enforcement response to the NOLA terror attack, the effect of its designation as terrorism, the protections granted by our civil liberties, and how to combat radicalization.  Then, the #Sisters give their takes on the SCOTUS’ year-end report, calling out the justices for undermining the rule of law by failing to live up to their ethics guidelines and inadequate transparency.  They also investigate whether Section 3 of the 14th Amendment can keep Trump out of the Oval Office and what it would have required from our lawmakers.

Read More
Super Yacht Rock

Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to review the bipartisan House Ethics Committee's report on Matt Gaetz, explain the federal and state statutes he appears to have violated, and determine whether he will face any consequences.  Then, the #Sisters discuss the Senate Judiciary Committee’s ethics report, its recommendations, the refusal of the SCOTUS to accept any oversight from the other branches of government, and how its justices are eroding public confidence in our legal system.  They also break down President Biden’s veto of the JUDGES Act and examine whether it would strengthen the rule of law.

Read More
Minnie Mouse Would Do A Better Job

Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss Fani Willis’ disqualification from prosecuting the case against Trump, his settlement with ABC for defamation, the targeting of pollster Ann Selzer, and if 1st Amendment protections should apply.  Then, the #Sisters cover the state and federal charges against Luigi Mangione, his eligibility for the death penalty, potential mitigating factors in the case, and the deterrent effect of his prosecution.  They also explain the tension between free speech and national security in TikTok’s battle to avoid its upcoming ban in the United States.

Read More
Misprision

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the arrest of Luigi Mangione in the murder of the UHC CEO, looking at the attempt to extradite him, the use of surveillance cameras to catch him, and the legal status of ghost guns similar to the one used in the crime.  Then, the #Sisters explain clemency, contextualize its recent use by President Biden, and weigh its pros and cons.  They also share their takes on Harmeet Dhillon’s appointment to the head of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, the importance of the FBI Director’s 10-year term, and the Inspector General.

Read More