Legal journalist Dahlia Lithwick joins The Oath and The Office to explore why Trump’s second presidency is even more dangerous than the first—and how courageous lawyers, many of them women, are once again stepping up to defend the rule of law. Drawing on her bestselling book Lady Justice, Lithwick shares powerful stories of resistance, from the travel ban to Charlottesville to the fight for reproductive rights.But first, Corey and John break down this week’s legal flashpoints:

• SCOTUS Shadow Docket: The Supreme Court quietly halts deportations to Venezuela in an emergency ruling—what does this signal about immigration and executive power?
• Contempt Showdown on Hold: Judge Boasberg planned contempt proceedings after Trump defied a federal court order, but an appeals court has paused them—for now. Could criminal charges still be in play?
• NYT v. Sullivan Revisited: Sarah Palin’s libel case reignites debate over press freedom and the future of New York Times v. Sullivan.
• Papal Politics: Pope Francis is increasingly at odds with the far-right as he champions democracy, justice, and global dignity.

This episode is a call to courage in the face of rising authoritarianism—and a powerful reminder that the law can be a tool of resistance. Subscribe to The Oath and The Office on Apple or Spotify for your weekly guide to law, power, and democracy.