Posts tagged Sisters In Law
Unlawful Orders

Jill Wine-Banks hosts this week’s episode, discussing the tragic shooting of two National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C., the legal and personal impacts of military service, and the investigation into the Afghan refugee accused in the attack, along with the political reactions that may shape what comes next. The Sisters also dig into community safety, recent indictments involving Comey and James, and the controversies around improperly appointed U.S. attorneys, while unpacking a video from former military members in Congress urging service members to defy orders they deem illegal. They explore the uproar surrounding the video, potential responses from the FBI and Defense Department, the limits of congressional speech protections, and the delicate balance between free expression, political pressure, and understanding what truly counts as an illegal order under military law.

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A ComeyD of Errors

Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the flaws in the prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey, looking at failures within the Justice Department that have led to procedural errors and violations of the 4th Amendment and attorney-client privilege.  Then, the #Sisters break down the passage and effects of the Epstein Files bill, as well as the political motivations behind it.  They also examine the increasing level of military operations against Venezuela on the premise of drug trafficking, why the law should apply, and what constitutes a lawful order to our military.

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It's Déjà Vu All Over Again

Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the recent court hearing weighing the disqualification of prosecutor Lindsay Halligan in the pending cases against former FBI Director James Comey and NY AG Letitia James.  Then, the #Sisters examine the corruption within the DOJ, focusing on Todd Blanche’s attack on judges, the resignation of Judge Mark Wolf, and the Epstein files.  They also review Trump’s recent pardons, laying out the case for judicial independence, the role the judiciary plays in checking presidential power, and the need for transparency in government.

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The Earl Of Sandwich

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the merits of the case against the DC sandwich thrower, the relevant jury instructions, the accuracy of the charges, and whether jury nullification played a role in its dismissal.  Then, the #Sisters look at Chicago’s handling of violence and warrantless arrests by ICE agents, the steps the leadership of the city is taking to fight back against federal overreach, and the unethical conditions in local detention centers. They also investigate the ongoing prosecution of former FBI Director Jim Comey, the ethics and facts involved, and what it means for other members of government.

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Oh, SNAP

Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to analyze the power of the president to impose tariffs, its upcoming review by the SCOTUS after challenges by small businesses and numerous states, and the argument for leaving that power in the domain of Congress.  Then, the #Sisters explain the effects of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits, discuss the suit by 25 states over their suspension, and the role AGs play in pushing back against the Federal Government.  They also look at the growing legal war on same-sex marriages ignited by Texas, and whether those rights are at risk going forward.

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Finally, An Episode With Sports

Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to break down the historical context of deploying the National Guard, the potential for judicial review to restrain the administration, how the 1st and 10th Amendments apply to their use on our streets, and what it means when these decisions become federalized. Then, the #Sisters castigate Trump’s harvesting of $230 million of our money, how the Federal Tort Claims Act applies, and the ethical considerations involved.  They also explain the NBA sports betting scandal, looking at how it impacts the integrity of professional sports, and the role of a recent SCOTUS decision on gambling, seeking to prevent corruption.

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Indictments For Everyone

Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to revisit the impact of Louisiana v. Callais on the Voting Rights Act, and explore what it means for the ongoing racial disparities in our elections and the future of our civil rights.  Then, the #Sisters review John Bolton’s indictment by weighing whether the manner in which he handled national security documents is worthy of prosecution in light of precedent and the prior prosecution of Trump.  They also explain why the administration is now targeting Jack Smith, looking at the claims being made against him, and if they constitute a politically motivated attack.

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Unitary Executive Meets Textualism

Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to analyze the merits of the indictment against NY Attorney General Letitia James by examining the challenges of proving mortgage fraud, while skewering Trump’s weaponization of the DOJ under a complicit Pam Bondi..  Then, they dive into the legality of National Guard deployments in our cities, explain what the letter of the law means in 10 USC 12406, and lay out the dangers that these troops pose for the people of Portland, Chicago, and future targets of the administration.   They also break down the voting rights issues confronting the country through the lens of the ongoing gerrymandering case, Louisiana v. Callais, currently before the Supreme Court.

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Military On The Street

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to preview the upcoming SCOTUS term and the cases that will define our future, spanning LGBTQ+ rights, campaign finance, and excessive executive power at a time when the justices have a critical impact on law and policy.  Then, the #Sisters castigate the Trump administration for making government agencies political by sending ICE into our communities, considering the militarization of our cities, and choosing convenient falsehoods over facts.  They also discuss a recent ruling that resoundingly upholds the 1st Amendment for everyone of all backgrounds while in the United States.

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National Lampoon's Watergate

Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to lay out the insanity of the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, decry the politics of revenge, and look at whether the claims have any merit.  Then, the #Sisters explain what ‘AntiFa’ refers to, and why the term has become such a flash point in the age of democratic decline and help us understand the historical framework of domestic terrorism under the law.  They also look at the allegations against Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, regarding his acceptance of $50,000 in cash and explain the challenges of holding people in the administration to account.

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Threat To The First Amendment

Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to examine the recent suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, discuss why it happened, and break down the implications it has for our rights.  Then, the #Sisters analyze what constitutes hate speech under the 1st Amendment and why our laws are the way they are.  They also explain why we have a death penalty, outline what constitutes obstruction of justice, and call out the firing of Maureen Comey while asking whether it was a political move.

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We Are All In This Together

Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to reflect on the murder of Charlie Kirk, the escalation of political violence, and the legal issues involved– from free speech to gun control.  The #Sisters also look at the role of the FBI in investigations like this, and call for unity and to bridge the divides driving us apart from our fellow Americans.  Then, they call out the SCOTUS ruling in favor of racial profiling and look at the implications for all of us, no matter what our language, jobs, or ethnicities.  From there, they explore the recent orders and decisions coming out of the SCOTUS on a number of other critical cases.

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The Rules Of Calvin Ball

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to analyze how recent court decisions impact Trump’s agenda and the rule of law across almost all sectors of society, from academic freedom to tariffs, immigration, and more.  Then, the #Sisters dissect the legality of an attempt in Texas to limit abortion in Blue states, and sound the alarm over similar plans to restrict access to medical abortion drugs.  They also give an update on the president’s war on the Federal Reserve, explain the nuances of the mortgage fraud allegations against Lisa Cook, and expand on the increased danger of MAGA-led witch hunts..

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Nullification

Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to usher in Labor Day with a discussion of Trump’s attack on Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook, her lawsuit against him, and whether either of them has a case.  Then, they break down the assault on the CDC and the healthcare system under RFK Jr.’s tenure, and look ahead to what it means for the future of our national health.  They also use the recent sandwich-throwing incident to explore the use cases of jury nullification, and lay out our rights to free expression in the face of the president’s E.O. targeting flag burning.

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Everything Is Stupid

Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to illuminate the escalating gerrymandering battle led by CA and TX and debate Gavin Newsom’s fresh approach to Trump.  Then, the #Sisters discuss the raid on Bolton with a look at the importance of qualified U.S. Attorneys while delving into an analysis of whether the recent actions of the DOJ live up to their obligations under the Constitution and the law.  They also break down the ruling on the Trump Organization’s civil fraud case and weigh whether it was justified.

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Trump Versus D.C.

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to stand up for women’s rights, fire off on Pete Hegseth for his misogynist comments, and renew the call for an Equal Rights Amendment and greater representation for women in government and the military.  Then, the #Sisters explain the court decision on the Impoundment Control Act and break down what it means for presidential power and congressional authority.  They also discuss the lawsuit filed by the District of Columbia to stop Trump’s takeover of its police force and whether it represents a violation of the separation of powers and the limits on the president’s constitutional authority.

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Texas Hold ‘Em

Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to examine the legality of the proposed effort by Governor Abbott to gerrymander Texas, how the Democrats in the Texas legislature are fighting back, and where things might go from here.  Then, the #Sisters chastise A.G. Bondi for summoning a grand jury to target Trump’s political opponents, and weigh whether she has lived up to the precedent and responsibilities of her office.  They also explain the legal issues that could shut down ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ by looking at the potential civil rights and environmental violations taking place there.

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The Maxwell Saga

Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to dissect Pam Bondi’s judicial complaints targeting Judge Boasberg and if they are legitimate, before linking them to the growing number of violent threats being faced by members of the judiciary trying to uphold the law.  Then, the #Sisters dive deeper into the danger ethical judges face in the current political climate, and emphasize why their independence is so important.  They also further explore the latest developments in the Epstein and Maxwell saga, with a focus on the comments President Trump recently made about his former employee Virginia Giuffre.

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