Afleveringen
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, host Jessica Levinson is joined by Gram Slattery from Reuters to delve into the recent presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. From Harris rattling Trump with strategic jabs to the contentious discussions on key issues like the economy and abortion, this episode unpacks the critical elements that could shape the upcoming election.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Kamala Harris's Strategic Advantage: Harris accomplished her primary goals by setting the tone right from the handshake and taking the initiative, which helped her keep Trump on the defensive through most of the debate.
2️⃣ Trump's Challenges on Economic and Cultural Issues: Despite Trump's perceived strength in economic issues, the discussions on the economy and immigration did not favor him. His diversion to unfounded claims about Haitian immigrants highlighted his inability to stick to impactful topics.
3️⃣ The Impact of Polarization: Despite the consensus that Harris won the debate, the polarized electorate and the scarcity of swing voters suggest that winning debates might not significantly shift the numbers.
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@LevinsonJessica
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, we engage with Maureen Groppe, who delves into the nuanced arena of Supreme Court reporting. Host Jessica Levinson probes into the personal dynamics among justices, leading Maureen to emphasize their professional decorum despite ideological differences. Jessica's students' questions introduce topics like maintaining objectivity and Supreme Court reform, with Maureen discussing the hurdles of simplifying complex legal issues for a general audience. This discussion offers a unique glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of Supreme Court reporting and its impact on public perception.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Court's Collegiality: Groppe shares that justices stress their collegiality, although social interactions are often downplayed by some, like Justice Kagan, who emphasizes professional respect.
2️⃣ Impact of Oral Arguments: Groppe shares the challenge of determining the impact of oral arguments on court decisions, using an emergency abortion case as an example where Justice Barrett's reactions played a crucial role.
3️⃣ Reporting Impartiality: The episode includes a discussion on how reporters like Groppe maintain neutrality when covering Supreme Court cases with significant implications.
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@LevinsonJessica
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, Jessica Levinson is joined by political science and history professor Paul Savoie to break down the intricacies of the US electoral system. They explore the historical roots and ongoing impact of the electoral college, the challenges of polarized politics, and the reliability of modern polling. The conversation examines the potential advantages of reforming the electoral college and delves into the implications for American democracy.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Framers' Intent and the Electoral College: The framers of the Constitution were cautious about giving voters too much power and thus created a bicameral Congress and the Electoral College. The system was designed to balance public influence with a moderated selection process, initially allowing electors to make independent choices but later tying their votes to state popular votes.
2️⃣ Electoral College Impacts and Controversies: The electoral college has led to significant discussions about its impact on the political landscape, particularly regarding scenarios where candidates can win the popular vote but lose the election.
3️⃣ Student Concerns: Students discuss significant current issues like reproductive rights and the Israel-Hamas conflict, reflecting diverse concerns and single-issue voting tendencies.
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@LevinsonJessica
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In this episode of The Passing Judgment, host Jessica Levinson engages in an insightful conversation with USA Today White House Correspondent Joey Garrison, who provides an inside look at the Democratic National Convention. Recorded from his hotel room in Chicago just after the convention, Garrison offers a detailed recount of the key moments, speeches, and political dynamics of the event, including Joe Biden’s farewell address and Michelle Obama’s highly acclaimed speech. This episode provides listeners with a rich perspective on the DNC and what to watch for in the coming weeks of the campaign.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Excitement and Logistics of the Democratic National Convention: Joey Garrison discusses the overwhelming excitement and energy among Democrats during the DNC in Chicago. He highlights the logistical challenges of covering the event, such as security measures and the exhaustion that follows a packed schedule.
2️⃣ Speeches and Messaging: The conversation covers various speeches delivered at the DNC, including critiques and observations on Joe Biden's farewell and Michelle Obama's impactful address.
3️⃣ Kamala Harris’s Campaign Strategy and Challenges: Joey Garrison offers insights into Kamala Harris's speech, her strategic messaging, and the challenges she faces moving forward. He discusses her role in uniting the party and energizing voters, as well as the expectations surrounding her debate performance against Donald Trump.
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@LevinsonJessica
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In this micro episode of The Passing Judgment Podcast, host Jessica Levinson discusses two major legal issues. Firstly, former Republican congress member George Santos pled guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, among other charges, effectively avoiding a federal trial and ensuring some prison time. The second case involves Lisa Finley, who was arrested for attempting to fraudulently foreclose on Elvis Presley's Graceland by claiming that Presley’s late daughter had used it as collateral for a loan, backed by forged documents.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ George Santos Legal Issues: George Santos, a former Republican congress member from New York, has pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, avoiding a public federal trial.
2️⃣ Graceland Foreclosure Attempt: Finley falsely claimed that Lisa Marie Presley had put up Graceland as collateral for a $3.8 million loan, creating a fictitious entity to carry out the scheme.
3️⃣ Common Thread of Aggravated Identity Theft: Both cases are marked by deceptive and fraudulent activities, whether in political campaigns or in attempts to claim ownership of a legendary estate.
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@LevinsonJessica
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, host Jessica Levinson speaks with Perry Stein to gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing legal challenges in former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago case. Stein shares unique insights into the strategies and dynamics at play in the courtroom, highlighting the roles of key figures like Judge Aileen Cannon and special counsel Jack Smith. The discussion explores the intricacies of legal proceedings, the significance of intent in charges, and the impact of procedural delays on the trial's progression.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Courtroom Dynamics and Decision-Making: Perry Stein provides an analysis of Judge Eileen Cannon's distinctive courtroom style and decision-making approach, explaining how these factors influence the legal proceedings and the strategies employed by both the defense and prosecution.
2️⃣ The Role of Intent in Legal Charges: The conversation delves into the importance of intent in the charges being faced by the defendant, exploring how this legal concept plays a critical role in shaping the arguments and potential outcomes of the trial.
3️⃣ Impact of Procedural Delays: Perry Stein discusses the procedural delays that have arisen during the trial and their impact on the timeline and overall dynamics of the case, offering insights into the strategic maneuvers by both sides and the implications for the defendant's legal journey.
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@LevinsonJessica
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, Jessica speaks with Dan Morain, celebrated author of Kamala's Way, to gain a deeper understanding of Kamala Harris' journey to becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. Dan shares his unique insights into Harris' career trajectory, from her early days in California politics to her tenure as vice president. Dan also delves into specific moments that highlight Harris' political savvy and resilience, providing a comprehensive look at a candidate who could become the first female president of the United States.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Kamala Harris' Career Trajectory: Dan Morain traces Kamala Harris' career from being appointed to a state position in 1994 by then-Speaker Willie Brown, to becoming a surrogate for Barack Obama in 2008, and eventually serving as the Attorney General of California and a U.S. Senator.
2️⃣ Presidential Campaigns: Morain discusses Harris' 2019 campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, describing it as poorly managed and fraught with stumbles, leading to her early withdrawal. Conversely, he notes her current campaign as more confident and focused on one primary opponent: Donald Trump.
3️⃣ Public and Media Perception: Harris' public and media perception is explored, with Morain noting how she can be both celebrated and criticized. Her ability to handle media scrutiny and maintain a positive public image is highlighted, demonstrating why she is effective in her role despite the challenges.
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@LevinsonJessica
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, we explore the robust start of Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign. Joined by political reporter Carla Marinucci, we discuss Harris's impressive early achievements, including 170,000 volunteers and $200,000,000 in donations, mostly from first-time donors. Carla provides insights into Harris's newfound confidence, her strategic focus on reproductive rights and environmental justice, and her strong appeal to young voters. We also address concerns about office turnover and the challenges Harris faces as a female candidate of color. Discover how Harris is reshaping her image and what it means for her political future.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Challenges and Media Criticism: Concerns about high turnover rates in Harris’s office and campaigns and how her status as a tough boss and a woman of color might impact public perception.
2️⃣ Electoral and Policy Strategy: Harris's strategy of making critical connections within the Democratic Party helped her win races, including establishing relationships with key donors and mentors.
3️⃣ Future Challenges: Potential hurdles for her presidential campaign include negative ads, criticisms on policy issues like urban crime and immigration, and her ties to Joe Biden’s presidency.
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@LevinsonJessica
@Cmarinucci
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, Jessica delves into the political and legal ripple effects following President Joe Biden's unexpected decision to withdraw from seeking the Democratic nomination. She examines the current political landscape, with Democrats rallying around Vice President Kamala Harris, and discusses the complex legal procedures of picking a new nominee at the convention. Tune in as Jessica navigates this unprecedented moment in American politics and answers the burning questions on everyone's minds.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Political Impact of Biden's Decision: President Joe Biden's announcement not to seek the Democratic nomination is unprecedented and has significant political repercussions.
2️⃣ Role of Delegates: Delegates previously pledged to Biden are now free agents but are likely to support Harris if she garners the necessary backing.
3️⃣ Potential Running Mates for Harris: Kamala Harris is expected to choose a running mate who can strategically enhance the ticket’s chances in crucial swing states.
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@LevinsonJessica
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, we delve into a shocking yet somewhat unsurprising ruling from judge Aileen Cannon on the Mar-a-Lago case against former president Trump. On July 15th, Judge Cannon dismissed all charges related to Trump's unlawful retention of sensitive government documents, citing unconstitutional appointment of special counsel Jack Smith. Host Jessica Levinson takes us through the intricacies of the appointment clause of the constitution, Judge Cannon's legal reasoning, and the likely path forward, including a potential appeal to the 11th Circuit.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Dismissal of the Mar-a-Lago Case Against Trump: Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the federal case against former president Trump involving his retention of sensitive government documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence.
2️⃣ Appointments Clause and Constitutionality: Judge Cannon's decision to dismiss the case was based on her interpretation of the Appointments Clause in the Constitution.
3️⃣ Potential Impact on Other Cases: The ruling could potentially affect the DC election interference case but does not impact state cases. Other federal judges, including Judge Chutkan in the DC case, have not made similar rulings regarding Jack Smith's appointment.
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@LevinsonJessica
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, we delve into the intricacies of the 25th Amendment and the Democratic National Committee's rules concerning presidential succession. Host Jessica Levinson provides a thorough breakdown of what would happen if President Biden steps aside or is declared incapacitated. She explains the history and application of the 25th Amendment, highlighting its various sections and uses. Additionally, she discusses the procedural rules for selecting a new Democratic nominee should President Biden choose not to run.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Historical Context: Several historical instances (e.g., President Harrison's death in 1841, Garfield's incapacitation in 1881, Wilson's stroke in 1919, and Eisenhower's health issues in the 1950s) highlighted the need for clear constitutional guidelines.
2️⃣ The 25th Amendment Section 4: Provides the procedure if the president is deemed unable to discharge duties, which involves the vice president and a majority of the cabinet, and requires a two-thirds vote in both House and Senate for the president to be removed.
3️⃣ Democratic National Committee (DNC) Rules: Discusses the procedural implications if President Biden decides to step aside before or after the Democratic National Convention.
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@LevinsonJessica
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, we delve into the blockbuster Supreme Court case regarding presidential immunity. Host Jessica Levinson takes you through the Court's 6-3 ruling on whether a president or former president enjoys some or absolute immunity from criminal prosecution. This pivotal decision arose from former President Trump's alleged actions related to the January 6 events and the so-called DC election interference case. Tune in as Jessica explains the intricacies of this landmark case, its implications for the future, and what it means for the ongoing legal battles surrounding former President Trump.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Supreme Court Decision on Presidential Immunity: The Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ruling on most issues, with Chief Justice John Roberts writing the majority opinion.
2️⃣ Impact on Legal Proceedings: The case is unlikely to go to trial before the election, which could impact the case if Trump wins.
3️⃣ Practical Implications for Prosecutors: The majority opinion restricts the use of evidence of official conduct to prove private acts, making it harder for prosecutors to prove cases involving presidents or former presidents.
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@LevinsonJessica
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, host Jessica Levinson and Reuters legal correspondent Jack Queen delve into two of the most politically charged trials of our era: those involving Hunter Biden and former President Donald Trump. They dissect the collapse of Hunter Biden's plea deal over the scope of immunity and dive into the trial's contentious debate on firearm purchase forms and drug use. Switching focus, they examine Trump's historic conviction related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Hunter Biden Trial and Plea Deal Miscommunications: The plea deal for Hunter Biden unraveled when the judge questioned the broad scope of immunity it offered.
2️⃣ Donald Trump and the Hush Money Case: The defense requested a mistrial due to the nature of Daniels' testimony, which was denied. Michael Cohen’s cross-examination and David Pecker's damaging testimony were key moments.
3️⃣ Vagueness and Second Amendment Arguments in Biden Trial: Questions about the vagueness of the law and an appeal based on Second Amendment rights. The defense argued that the timing of Biden's drug use at the time of the gun purchase was not adequately proven.
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@LevinsonJessica
@Jackqueen_
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, we delve into the multifaceted challenges of election coverage and the pervasive issue of media polarization. Jessica Levinson hosts senior political reporter Aaron Blake from The Washington Post, as they navigate the treacherous waters of misinformation and its threat to democracy. Highlighting recent headlines, they discuss Hunter Biden's conviction and its potential ripple effects on the 2024 election. Together, they dissect the selective prosecution cases involving Trump and Biden, raising questions about voter perceptions and the prioritization of legal cases.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Hunter Biden's Conviction: The recent conviction of Hunter Biden for lying on a federal form and illegal gun possession is discussed, with Aaron Blake suggesting that this may have limited effect on the political landscape and President Joe Biden’s reputation among the majority of voters.
2️⃣ Potential Running Mates for Trump: Potential vice-presidential picks for former President Trump are discussed with Marco Rubio and Tim Scott highlighted as strong contenders.
3️⃣ Economic Concerns and Inflation: Blake highlights inflation as a primary economic concern that could impact President Biden’s reelection prospects. The challenges the Biden campaign faces in effectively communicating the economic situation to voters are discussed.
Subscribe to the "Campaign Movement" Newsletter and receive Aaron Blake's essential guide to the 2024 Election!
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@LevinsonJessica
@AaronBlake
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, we delve into the controversy surrounding the Netflix series "Baby Reindeer" and the legal battle it has sparked. Host Jessica Levinson breaks down the lawsuit brought by Fiona Harvey, who claims to be the real-life inspiration for a character portrayed as a stalker and abuser in the series. Harvey's suit includes allegations of defamation, emotional distress, and violation of her right of publicity. Jessica examines the balance between First Amendment protections for artists and the privacy rights of individuals, discussing why she believes censorship poses a greater danger than the harms claimed by Harvey.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Right of Publicity vs. First Amendment: The episode explores the balance between an individual's right to privacy and freedom of expression.
2️⃣ Impact of Modern Media and Public Scrutiny: Harvey was quickly identified due to social media, escalating her distress and highlighting the modern challenges of privacy.
3️⃣ Artistic Freedom and Public Interest: The episode delves into the importance of protecting artistic freedom, indicating that censorship can be more harmful than the potential injuries to privacy.
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@LevinsonJessica
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, we delve into the historic conviction of former President Donald Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records. We also discuss the possible ramifications, including whether Trump can vote or run for president as a convicted felon, potential sentencing outcomes, and the likelihood of appeals.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Felony Elevation: Falsification of business records is typically a misdemeanor. It becomes a felony if done to commit or conceal another crime. In this case, the prosecution argued it was to unlawfully interfere with the election by committing federal campaign finance violations, tax fraud, or falsification of other business records.
2️⃣ Sentencing: Trump’s sentencing is set for July 11th. Jessica anticipates probation rather than prison time due to the non-violent nature of the crimes and Trump being a first-time offender.
3️⃣ Impact on Presidential Run: The conviction does not bar Trump from running for or serving as President. The Constitution only precludes those convicted of insurrection from holding office.
Join us as Jessica unpacks the legal intricacies of this unprecedented case and its implications for the future.
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@LevinsonJessica
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, Jessica Levinson sits down with guest Edward Foley to delve into the intricate world of disputed elections, legal challenges, and the evolving landscape of American democracy. Foley shares his insights on the confluence of historical election disputes with current events, the critical role of clear election rules, and the challenges faced in ensuring fair and accurate elections. From discussing his book on the history of disputed elections to shedding light on the nuances of judicial behavior and election administration, this episode offers a deep dive into the complexities and nuances of election law and constitutional principles.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Disputed Elections and Democratic Stability: Foley discusses the confluence of conspiracy theories with disputed elections, emphasizing the need for clear election rules, competent institutions, and a strong civic culture to support democratic governance.
2️⃣ Judicial Behavior and Supreme Court Dynamics: Foley shares insights on the evolution of judicial behavior, noting the increased visibility of judges through various public engagements like social media, book authoring, and public appearances. The discussion raises concerns about Supreme Court justices' extracurricular activities and potential biases, as well as historical parallels in such behaviors.
3️⃣ Election Procedures and "Blue Shift" Phenomenon: The podcast addresses challenges in election procedures, particularly regarding absentee ballots verification procedures. It delves into the concept of the "blue shift" in elections, where Democrats tend to gain ground on late-counted ballots leading to a shift in results favoring the Democratic candidates as more ballots are processed.
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@LevinsonJessica
@Nedfoley
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, Jessica Levinson sits down with Shayna Jacobs, a federal courts and law enforcement reporter for The Washington Post, to delve into the ongoing Trump hush money trial. With the trial moving at an unexpectedly rapid pace, Jessica and Shayna discuss why this case is progressing faster than anticipated and explore the pivotal role of Michael Cohen's testimony. Tune in as Jessica and Shayna navigate the intricate legal landscape of this high-profile trial and speculate on its potential implications for Trump's political future.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Trial Progression and Timeline: The trial moved faster than expected, with significant progress including jury selection, opening arguments, and witness testimonies. Judge Marchand emphasized keeping the trial on track.
2️⃣ Novelty of the Case: This case is unique because it’s uncommon for falsification of business records to be the primary charge. Typically, it's a lesser charge combined with more significant crimes.
3️⃣ Relevance of Stormy Daniels’ Testimony: Although some details of her testimony might not directly relate to the falsification charges, they were used to establish context and motive for Trump's actions.
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@LevinsonJessica
@Shaynajacobs
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, we delve into the intricacies of the MAGA movement with Isaac Arnsdorf, a national political reporter for The Washington Post. Isaac shares insights from his new book, "Finish What We Started: The MAGA Movement's Ground War to End Democracy," examining the evolution of MAGA from its roots in earlier American political ideologies to its transformation post-January 6th. Join us as Isaac explains the movement's shift towards more extreme elements and its strategy to infiltrate the Republican Party from the ground up, as well as discussing potential scenarios for future elections and the ongoing impact on American democracy.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ Historical Continuity and Evolution: The MAGA ideology connects back to older political traditions in America, such as the non-interventionist "America First" ethos of the 1930s and the conservative backlash against the New Deal. This historical perspective helps explain the resurgence and transformation of these ideologies in today's political landscape.
2️⃣ Transformation of the MAGA Movement Post-January 6th: Isaac elaborates on how the MAGA movement became more radicalized and inclusive of extreme right elements post-January 6th. This was driven by grassroots efforts rather than Trump himself, with significant influence from figures like Steve Bannon aiming to deeply integrate the movement within the Republican Party.
3️⃣ Impact and Strategies for Future Elections: Arnsdorf expresses concerns about potential disruptions in future elections, noting preparations for legal strategies that could make elections contentious and the worrying prospect of political violence or disruptive actions at crucial electoral stages.
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@LevinsonJessica
@Iarnsdorf
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In this episode of Passing Judgment, Jessica Levinson dives deep into the legal intricacies surrounding protests on college campuses, specifically addressing First Amendment protections and relevant federal laws. By discussing these themes, Jessica Levinson aims to provide a legal framework for understanding the complexities of First Amendment protections and other related legal aspects in the context of college protests, influenced by ongoing events like the war in Gaza but strictly from a legal perspective, avoiding political discussions. Join us as Jessica provides a thorough legal framework to help us understand these complex dynamics, setting the stage for informed discussions on rights, responsibilities, and the reach of the law in educational settings.
Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:
1️⃣ First Amendment Protections in Protests: The episode delves into how the First Amendment ensures robust protection for speech and expressive conduct during protests.
2️⃣ Limitations on Speech: While the First Amendment offers broad protections, there are permissible limitations. Levinson explains that these restrictions must be content-neutral—applied uniformly regardless of the speaker's identity or viewpoint and should ideally serve a legitimate purpose like ensuring safety, without being a pretext for suppressing undesirable viewpoints.
3️⃣ Federal Laws Impacting Protests: Levinson addresses how the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (particularly Title 6) intersects with campus protests. Actions during protests that discriminate based on race, color, or national origin, or that disrupt educational opportunities for these groups, might constitute violations under Title 6.
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On Threads: @LevinsonJessica
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