Unpacking the Chaos of the Trump Years (with #SistersInLaw Hosts Jill Wine Banks and Kimberly Atkins Stohr)

In this episode, we’re joined by two co-hosts of the Webby Award-winning #SistersInLaw podcast to discuss where our nation stands as we approach the 2024 elections—from the ongoing trials faced by former president Donald Trump, to Nikki Haley, to the Supreme Court’s recent opinions and so much more. Joining us for this episode are two very special guests:

*Jill Wine-Banks
*Kimberly Atkins Stohr

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Immunity, Immunity, Immunity

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to explain the divergent opinions in the SCOTUS immunity decision and its effect on Trump’s trials and the presidency. Then, the #Sisters review the Court’s recent rulings on social media moderation and the impact of having Chevron deference overturned.

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to explain the majority opinion, concurrences, and dissents in the SCOTUS immunity decision, looking at what would have happened if the case had been decided in the Nixon era, the effect on Trump’s trials and the presidency, and the growing risk of despotism.  Then, the #Sisters review recent rulings on social media moderation that kicked the ball back to the lower courts, breaking down the difference between a facial and applied legal challenge.  They also review the impact of Chevron deference being overturned on our safety, health care, and democratic processes.

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Ejusdem Generis

Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the SCOTUS ruling in Fischer, which threw out obstruction charges faced by a J6 rioter, and what to expect in the Court’s immunity decision. Then, the #Sisters cover the overturning of Chevron deference and Julian Assange’s guilty plea.

Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the SCOTUS ruling in Fischer, which threw out obstruction charges faced by a J6 rioter, explain why it should not affect Trump’s case, and look ahead to the Court’s immunity decision. Then, the #Sisters cover the overturning of the Chevron deference doctrine, decode how it will impact our rights and the ability of Congress to enact legislation, and spell out how the decision reinforces the death of stare decisis.  They also examine Julian Assange’s guilty plea to violating the Espionage Act at WikiLeaks, explore the similarities to Trump’s MAL case, and weigh whether Assange’s actions were an act of journalism relatable to publishing the Pentagon Papers.

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Apologia

Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to mourn the 2-year anniversary of Dobbs, alert us to the growing threats to our rights, and tear into Lousiana’s law that puts the 10 Commandments in classrooms.  In the #Sisters analysis, they explain why precedent, the intentions of the Framers, and the Establishment Clause all point to the law’s rejection pending a ruling on the ACLU’s challenge. Then, they discuss the US v. Rahimi SCOTUS decision, why there were so many different opinions despite an 8-1 ruling, and how the decision affects gun laws with an in-depth exploration of how the court operates.  They also settle the current debate over whether Alvin Bragg tried Trump correctly and debunk the disinformation around the validity of the conviction.

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Loose Lips & Secret Trips

Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to examine the validity of Hunter Biden’s conviction and explain what happens next. Then, the #Sisters discuss the SCOTUS rulings on mifepristone and bump stocks and review recent unethical actions by Justices Alito and Thomas.

Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss Hunter Biden’s conviction, the validity of evidence from the laptop, Joe’s response, the sentencing process, and if an appeal might lead to the loosening of gun restrictions.  Then, the #Sisters examine the SCOTUS rulings on mifepristone and bump stocks, looking at why the Justices ruled the way they did and how standing affects which cases come before the court.  They also cover recent recordings of Justice Alito and his wife that point toward a religious bias that might merit future recusal, Justice Thomas’ acceptance of more lavish gifts, and what it will take to bring ethics back to the court.

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Let’s Get This Ex Parte Started

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the status of Trump’s gag order after the guilty verdict and the progress of his criminal trials in Florida and Georgia. Then the #Sisters cover Hunter Biden’s felony gun possession trial and the anti-DEI injunction targeting the Fearless Fund.

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the status of Trump’s gag order after the guilty verdict, Judge Cannon’s consideration of the constitutionality of the special counsel statute and other trial delays, the effect of continuing attacks on Fani Willis, and charges brought in Wisconsin for the fake elector scheme.  Then, the #Sisters examine the felony gun possession trial of Hunter Biden by outlining the legal strategies being used by both sides and weighing the impact of witness testimony.  They also cover the anti-DEI injunction targeting the Fearless Fund’s support of black women business owners and explain why similar grants should be protected by the Constitution.

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Live In Boston: Verdict Day

Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw live in Boston to review the charges in Manhattan that resulted in 34 guilty verdicts against Trump, untangle the five crimes jurors could use to justify their vote, and explain the appeals and sentencing process. Then, the #Sisters expose the flaws in SCOTUS oversight and ethics by laying out the breaches of Justices Alito, Thomas, and their wives, exploring the potential of putting the court on the ballot, term limits, and congressional oversight to restore faith in the institution.  They also discuss Judge Cannon’s denial of Jack Smith’s gag order and her delaying actions in the MAL case before taking questions on everything from election certification to women’s rights after Dobbs.

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That’s Not How A Waiver Works. You Don’t Wave It

Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the threat to voting rights posed by the SCOTUS opinions in a South Carolina gerrymandering case and how Justice Alito’s actions have undermined the credibility of the court’s ethics code.  Then, the #Sisters lay out the end game in Trump’s Manhattan trial, review the guidelines for executing a search warrant, untangle Judge Cannon’s latest delays, and consider Fani Willis’ appeal of dismissed charges in the Fulton County case.  They also explain the DOJ antitrust suit targeting Live Nation’s Ticketmaster monopoly and what a loss would mean for the company.

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Sometimes A Girl Needs A Nap

Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the believability of Michael Cohen’s testimony against Trump, weigh its effectiveness for the prosecution, and lay out the next steps of the trial.  Then, the #Sisters explore the ethical ramifications of Justice Alito flying a flag in support of J6 in front of his home, lay out the case for his recusal in the upcoming presidential immunity trial, and call out the Republican lawmakers defending Trump at the Manhattan courthouse.  They also review the SCOTUS’ decision to issue a stay in a Louisiana gerrymandering case, delineate racial and political gerrymandering, and explain how the Purcell principle applies.

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