Passing Judgment

In this week's episode of Passing Judgment, host Jessica Levinson delves into the aftermath of the recent Supreme Court decision in the Dobbs case, and the upcoming landmark abortion rights case in April. Join us as we discuss the current state of abortion rights, the legal landscape, and the upcoming significant Supreme Court cases that are poised to shape the future of reproductive healthcare in the United States.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

1️⃣ The fallout from the Dobbs decision: The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v Wade and the upcoming case dealing with abortion rights demonstrates a fundamental question about pregnant women's entitlement to full protection under the law.

2️⃣ Legal battle over pregnant women's access to abortions: The Supreme Court will address the conflict between a federal law entitling all people to emergency medical care and state laws in Idaho and Texas that severely restrict abortions, leaving pregnant women with limited options for care.

3️⃣ Impact of judicial appointments on abortion laws: The new makeup of the federal judiciary, particularly lower court judges appointed by President Trump, has had significant effects on abortion rights, leading to near outright bans on abortions in some states.

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In this week's episode of the Passing Judgment podcast, host Jessica Levinson engages in a compelling discussion with guest Dean Baker, co-founder of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, on the state of the economy and associated governance challenges. Join us as we cover a range of crucial economic issues, shedding light on several key takeaways for you listeners.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

1️⃣ Economic Perception vs. Reality: Despite public perception of a negative economy, the data tells a different story. With low unemployment rates, high workplace satisfaction, and real wage gains, the economy is showing positive signs.

2️⃣ The Influence of Pessimism on Economic Behavior: While people may feel negatively about the economy, high levels of consumer spending, particularly on non-essential items, suggest that behavior does not always align with perception.

3️⃣ The Tension Between Expertise and Politics: Issues like combatting global warming, altering prescription drug research financing, implementing a financial transactions tax, and addressing CEO pay are key priorities, but there are structural government challenges hindering progress.

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On X formerly known as Twitter: @DeanBaker13

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In this episode of Passing Judgment, we explore the legal question of whether former President Trump is immune from criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office. With two federal cases pending against Trump, one involving election interference, the stakes are high! Tune in as we navigate the legal landscape surrounding this case and explore the implications of presidential immunity on criminal prosecution.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

1️⃣ Presidential immunity shields the president from civil suits for official actions. This doctrine aims to allow presidents to function without fear of frivolous suits and to protect sensitive discussions involving national security.

2️⃣ The Supreme Court has not definitively ruled on whether a president can be criminally prosecuted for acts taken while in office, but guidance from past cases gives us insight into this complex legal issue.

3️⃣ The recent ruling by district court judge Chutkan states that there is no presidential immunity in Trump's case, as his alleged attempts to interfere with the election were considered nonofficial acts. The case now awaits a decision from the DC Circuit Court.

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In our latest episode of Passing Judgment, host Jessica Levinson breaks down the recent decision by the Colorado Supreme Court regarding the eligibility of former President Donald Trump to appear on the state's 2024 primary election ballot. She delves into the reasons behind her belief that the verdict might be overturned and discusses why she thinks the case will ultimately end up at the US Supreme Court.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

1️⃣ Colorado Supreme Court's Decision: The court relied on section 3 of the 14th Amendment to conclude that Donald Trump is constitutionally barred from appearing on the state's 2024 primary election ballot.

2️⃣ Implications for the US Supreme Court: This case is likely to head to the US Supreme Court for resolution, and the decision could have significant political implications.

3️⃣ Potential Outcome: While the host believes that the US Supreme Court will overturn the Colorado decision, the case presents complex legal and political considerations that will require careful navigation.

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On Threads: @LevinsonJessica

Join us in a thought provoking conversation about the Republican Party's transformation and the potential impacts of court decisions on elections and politics. We're joined by Dr. Norm Ornstein; senior fellow emeritus at the American Enterprise Institute, as he provides eye-opening insights offering a perspective on the potential emergence of a figure with Trump-like views in the party's future.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

1️⃣ The Republican Party's journey from a traditional problem-solving entity to a more right-leaning stance, influenced by historical struggles with authoritarians and tribalism, presents significant implications for the country's political trajectory.

2️⃣ Thought-provoking discussions on the influence of money in politics, ethical concerns within the court system, and the impact of individual decisions on significant outcomes, such as Supreme Court decisions.

3️⃣ The potential scenarios for the next 4 years in the U.S., including the implications of potential executive appointments, structural problems in the Senate, and concerns about the electoral college's impact on the legitimacy of elections.

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On Threads: @NormOrnstein

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On Threads: @LevinsonJessica

Want to know more about the intersection of AI and the law? Check out this week's episode of Passing Judgment podcast with Congressman Ted Lieu. He shares his expertise on the benefits and potential detriments of AI and discusses its implications for healthcare, national security, and the upcoming election season.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

1️⃣ Protecting ourselves from deepfake technology: Congressman Lieu highlights the proliferation of deepfake videos and audios. He emphasized the importance of skepticism, industry-led initiatives for content authority, and legislation for disclosure of social media ads to mitigate the impact of deepfakes on public perception.

2️⃣ Ensuring equitable AI outcomes: We delved into the potential biases in AI algorithms and how the government and private sector can work together to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in AI programs. Congressman Lieu emphasized the importance of auditing, validation, testing, and leveraging existing legal frameworks for addressing discriminatory AI practices, particularly in hiring decisions.

3️⃣ Regulating AI: Congressman Lieu provided insights into the regulatory approach to AI, emphasizing the need for careful scrutiny of AI applications in critical sectors such as transportation and employment, along with the importance of mitigating discriminatory biases in AI programs.

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On X formerly known as Twitter: @TedLieu

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In our latest episode of Passing Judgment, we had the pleasure of hosting Juliette Kayyem, a prominent figure in the fields of homeland security and crisis management. With an extensive background, Juliette brought a wealth of insights about current world events with a focus on the situation in Israel and the implications for disaster management and preparedness.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

1️⃣ Family Unification: In a crisis, prioritize locating your loved ones and ensuring their safety. Educate your children on what to do in an emergency to prepare them for unexpected situations.

2️⃣ Situational Awareness: Stay informed about real-time developments through various sources, such as apps and social media. Being aware of what's happening around you can help you make informed decisions during a crisis.

3️⃣ Personal Preparedness: Take steps to ensure you have the necessary provisions, such as water, food, and medications, to sustain yourself and your family for up to 72 hours. Being self-sufficient in the immediate aftermath of a disaster can bring peace of mind and reduce the strain on public safety resources.

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On X formerly known as Twitter: @JulietteKayyem

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This week's episode of the Passing Judgment podcast we have a riveting discussion with special guest Hugo Lowell, a prominent political investigations reporter for The Guardian. As he joins our host, Jessica Levinson, together they tackle the intriguing and complex case surrounding former President Donald Trump 🤔.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

1️⃣ Judge Eileen Cannon's relationship with prosecutors and deference to the Trump team has raised eyebrows. Her insistence on classified discovery being produced in a skiff in the district where the case is brought and her concerns about potential collisions of criminal cases involving Trump have been questioned. Will the special counsel team challenge her actions?

2️⃣ Trump's legal team seems to be banking on delaying the trials past the 2024 election to avoid criminal liability. The introduction of classified information and the unconventional application of the Classified Information Procedures Act (CEPA) by Judge Cannon are contributing factors.

3️⃣ A separate federal case involving election interference on January 6th highlights a judge with little patience for delay tactics. The obstruction case using the 15/12 statute is strong, and prosecutors do not necessarily have to prove that Trump knew he had lost the election to make their case. Will this federal case have an impact on the overall legal battle?

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On X formerly known as Twitter: @HugoLowell

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This week's episode of the Passing Judgment podcast, host Jessica Levinson, breaks down the significance of the Supreme Court's code of ethics. While it may come as a surprise to some, this is actually the first time in our nation's history that such a code has been implemented for Supreme Court justices. And while the introduction of the code is a step in the right direction, it is important to note that it lacks an enforcement mechanism🧑‍⚖️.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

1️⃣ Code of Ethics: The Supreme Court has adopted a code of ethics for the first time in the nation's history. This code emphasizes the importance of fairness, impartiality, and the proper administration of justice.

2️⃣ Lack of Enforcement: While this code of conduct is a step in the right direction, it is notable that there is no enforcement mechanism in place. This limits its effectiveness in ensuring accountability for ethical violations.

3️⃣ Public Pressure Matters: The adoption of the code of ethics is believed to be a response to ongoing criticism and ethics scandals involving Supreme Court justices. It highlights the significance of public scrutiny and the impact it can have on our judiciary.

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In the latest episode of the Passing Judgment podcast our host, Jessica Levinson delves into a significant Supreme Court case involving gun control. The case, US versus Rahimi, has sparked discussions about the court's position on gun control measures and their constitutionality. Tune in to gain insights into the legal intricacies of this case and the potential implications for future gun control regulations.

Here are three key takeaways from the episode:

1️⃣ The Supreme Court is reevaluating a 2022 landmark decision regarding the constitutionality of gun control measures, indicating potential shifts in the conservative stance.

2️⃣ The case in question, "US versus Rahimi," involves the constitutionality of a law prohibiting individuals under domestic violence restraining orders from possessing guns. This raises complex questions about historical tradition and the Second Amendment.

3️⃣ Justice Sonia Sotomayor's powerful statement highlights the critical role of gun control measures in protecting individuals, especially in cases of domestic violence.

Explore the MSNBC column authored by our host and Loyola Law School professor, Jessica Levinson, for a comprehensive overview of the Supreme Court and its ruling🗣!

https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/supreme-court-gun-control-ruling-rahimi-rcna124289

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