Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick: Opinionpalooza 2025
Slate Podcasts | Release Date: July 11, 2025
Introduction
In the "Opinionpalooza 2025" episode of Amicus, host Dahlia Lithwick delves deep into the tumultuous landscape of the United States Supreme Court's recent decisions. This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the Court's influence on contemporary legal and societal issues, highlighting the profound implications of its rulings under Chief Justice John Roberts.
Supreme Court's Expanding Power
Dahlia Lithwick opens the discussion by addressing the alarming trend of the Supreme Court exerting unprecedented power over critical societal matters. She states:
"When you see videos of masked men tasing brown people in grocery stores or Home Depot parking lots becoming the new ICE enforced Jim Crow zones, it's worth remembering that this, all of this has been delivered to the American people with the John Roberts Supreme Court's assistance" (00:01).
Lithwick emphasizes that recent rulings have played a pivotal role in facilitating actions that undermine democratic principles and civil liberties.
Key Rulings and Their Implications
Over the past six weeks, the Supreme Court has issued several landmark rulings on a diverse array of topics:
-
Defunding Planned Parenthood: The Court's decision to defund Planned Parenthood has sparked significant debate regarding reproductive rights and access to healthcare.
-
Birthright Citizenship: A contentious ruling that challenges the traditional understanding of citizenship by birthright, potentially impacting immigration policies and individual rights.
-
Universal Injunctions: The implementation of universal injunctions has altered the legal landscape, affecting how laws are enforced across different jurisdictions.
Lithwick remarks on the sheer volume and variety of these rulings, noting their collective impact on the legal system and everyday lives of Americans.
Shadow Docket and Executive Oversight
A critical aspect of the discussion revolves around the Supreme Court's use of the shadow docket—the unadvertised, expedited decision-making process outside of regular court schedules. Lithwick observes:
"The Supreme Court has been stepping in to do the Trump administration a solid by overruling federal district courts on its shadow docket" (00:39).
This maneuvering raises concerns about the balance of power between the judiciary and the executive branch, suggesting a trend where the Court may be overstepping its traditional role.
An anonymous speaker adds to this sentiment:
"It really seems to be as straightforward as well, previously it was a Democratic president, and now it's a Republican president" (01:04).
This comment highlights the perception of the Court's decisions being influenced by the political landscape, regardless of the sitting president's affiliation.
Attack on the Legal System
Lithwick categorizes the recent actions of the Supreme Court as a direct assault on the integrity of the legal system. She contends:
"It's an attack, really on the legal system itself in favor of a system that the judges can manipulate to their will" (01:11).
This assertion underscores the fears that the Court is moving towards a judiciary that is less impartial and more susceptible to personal or political biases.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Concluding the episode, Lithwick reiterates the importance of understanding the Supreme Court's role in shaping national policies and the potential long-term consequences of its current trajectory. She encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged with ongoing legal developments.
"We've been breaking down the weedy details of Supreme Court news, giving smart non lawyer people like you the context you need to understand the seismic changes being authored by the highest court in the land" (01:11).
Lithwick also promotes Amicus's offerings, inviting listeners to subscribe to Slate Plus for exclusive content and deeper legal analysis.
Conclusion
"Opinionpalooza 2025" serves as a critical examination of the Supreme Court's recent actions and their broader impact on American democracy and the legal framework. Through insightful analysis and compelling discourse, Dahlia Lithwick provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing the judiciary today.
For those interested in further exploring these topics, Amicus offers a wealth of resources and discussions, available through Slate Plus subscriptions.
Listen to Opinionpalooza on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. For more exclusive content, visit slate.com/amicusplus.
Timestamps
- 00:01 – Introduction to Supreme Court's role in recent societal changes
- 00:32 – Speaker on Court's power assertion
- 00:39 – Overview of recent Supreme Court rulings
- 01:04 – Speaker discusses political influences on Court decisions
- 01:11 – Lithwick's analysis of the legal system's attack and promotion of Amicus
Note: This summary is based on the transcript provided up to 01:11 minutes. For a comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.