Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, Justice, and the Courts
Episode: When Unaccountable People Come for Your Vote
Release Date: July 26, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Slate's Amicus, host Dahlia Lithwick engages in a profound conversation with Maya Wiley, President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. The discussion delves into the alarming erosion of civil and voting rights in the United States, highlighting the strategies employed by Donald Trump and his administration to undermine democratic institutions and protections.
The Abuse of Power and Impunity
Dahlia Lithwick opens the conversation by addressing the rampant disregard for rules, norms, and laws by Donald Trump and his allies. She emphasizes that their actions suggest a belief in their own immunity from accountability, particularly at the ballot box.
"They are not behaving like people who believe they will ever face accountability at the ballot box." [02:30]
Maya Wiley concurs, explaining that the core issue revolves around the protection and consolidation of power to the exclusion of the people's rights. She connects the Jeffrey Epstein case to a broader pattern of abusing governmental institutions to serve personal interests.
"At the core of this is an incredible abuse of power." [04:55]
The Role of Conspiracy Theories
The conversation shifts to how conspiracy theories have been weaponized to justify the dismantling of vital civil rights protections. Wiley discusses how narratives around a "deep state" and "Great Replacement" have been leveraged to stoke fear and justify discriminatory policies.
"They're utilizing conspiracy theories to roll back all our rights and to do it with impunity." [07:10]
Lithwick adds that these theories are not just distractions but form the foundation for policies that threaten civil rights.
"Everything is being weaponized... rooted in a conspiracy theory that they are coming to do this." [08:15]
Erosion of the Voting Rights Act
As the episode approaches the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, Wiley provides a historical perspective on its significance and the ongoing battle to protect it. She recounts the Act's origins in the Civil War and its critical role in ensuring equal voting rights across all demographics.
"The Voting Rights Act... is a critical underpinning to what democracy is supposed to do." [13:30]
Wiley highlights the current efforts to dismantle the Act through measures like voter ID laws, reduced polling places, and legal challenges that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
"We're doing it in a way that's going to primarily harm black, brown, Asian, Native American people." [19:20]
The Captured Judiciary
The discussion turns to the judiciary's role in this erosion, with a focus on how the Supreme Court and lower courts have increasingly sided against voting rights protections. Wiley describes the courts as "captured," indicating a systemic bias that undermines civil liberties.
"The court is captured. The Supreme Court is captured." [39:10]
She underscores the importance of grassroots activism and litigation in countering these judicial setbacks, emphasizing that change must come from collective action rather than reliance on the courts alone.
"We have a much larger coalition now and a much more diverse coalition now... that gives us real power even when the institutions are captured." [43:30]
The Importance of Voting and Civic Engagement
Lithwick expresses concern over the integrity of upcoming elections and the feasibility of free and fair voting amidst ongoing suppression efforts. Wiley reassures listeners by stressing the power of civic engagement and the critical role of organizations like the Leadership Conference in mobilizing voters and defending their rights.
"It's not a given because all the forces of federal government right now are being turned against us in terms of our basic ability to just show up and vote." [29:35]
She encourages listeners to recognize their power and the significance of their votes in shaping policies and holding corrupt officials accountable.
"As long as people understand what is happening, they won't allow it." [34:10]
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The episode concludes on a note of cautious optimism. Wiley reflects on historical movements that overcame judicial indifference through persistent activism and unity. She urges listeners to remain engaged, informed, and proactive in defending democracy.
"We have demonstrated that we can rise above these forces." [42:00]
Lithwick echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of grassroots efforts and the resilience of those fighting for civil rights.
"The work now isn't to sit back and wring your hands... It's actually not their call." [44:50]
Notable Quotes
- Dahlia Lithwick: "They are not behaving like people who believe they will ever face accountability at the ballot box." [02:30]
- Maya Wiley: "At the core of this is an incredible abuse of power." [04:55]
- Maya Wiley: "We're doing it in a way that's going to primarily harm black, brown, Asian, Native American people." [19:20]
- Ryan Reynolds: "The court is captured. The Supreme Court is captured." [39:10]
- Maya Wiley: "As long as people understand what is happening, they won't allow it." [34:10]
Final Thoughts
This episode of Amicus serves as a crucial exploration of the current threats to American democracy, particularly focusing on the erosion of civil and voting rights. Through incisive dialogue, Dahlia Lithwick and Maya Wiley shed light on the systemic challenges and underscore the urgency of collective action to preserve democratic institutions and protections.
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