Passing Judgment

Jessica Levinson
Passing Judgment

Is the constitution in crisis? This podcast is for people who are curious about politics and the law and how the biggest political and legal issues of the moment affect you. Pull up a chair and join host Jessica Levinson, a professor at LMU’s Loyola Law School, and a rotating cast of experts. Jessica will be joined by journalists, politicians, political scientists, lawyers, and many others. Listen to Jessica and her guests for a wry, and sometimes irreverent take on the most pressing issues of our time. What are the laws of our democracy? How are they changing? And what does that mean for your daily life?

  1. 3 DIC

    The Implications of Trump’s Tariff Proposals and Hunter Biden’s Pardon

    In this episode of Passing Judgment, we delve into the legal complexities of President-Elect Trump's proposed tariffs. Jessica Levinson explores how power over foreign commerce has shifted from Congress to the President, highlighting key laws like the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934 and the Trade Act of 1974. The episode also covers President Biden's controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, examining the constitutional power of presidential pardons, historical precedents, and political implications. Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss: 1️⃣ Congressional Abdication of Trade Powers: Jessica Levinson points out that Congress has gradually ceded its constitutional authority to regulate foreign commerce to the executive branch over the past century. 2️⃣ Legal Hurdles for Trump's Proposed Tariffs: Despite President-elect Trump's promises to impose sweeping tariffs on countries like Mexico, Canada, and China, there are significant legal and procedural hurdles to clear. These include mandatory investigations by the Department of Commerce, and potential court challenges under doctrines like the major questions doctrine and nondelegation doctrine. 3️⃣ Presidential Pardons and Political Implications: The episode delves into President Biden's pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, explaining the broad and exclusive presidential power to grant pardons for federal crimes. Resources Mentioned: Jessica's MSNBC article Follow Our Host:  @LevinsonJessica

    17 min
  2. 19 NOV

    What to Expect from a Second Trump Administration with Josh Gerstein

    In this episode of Passing Judgment, Jessica Levinson is joined by Josh Gerstein from Politico, they explore accusations of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia, recent appeals, and the constitutional questions of prosecuting a sitting president. The episode highlights the Georgia Court of Appeals' decision to pause the case, logistical and legal complexities if Trump were to face jail time, and the broader implications for presidential power. They also discuss the potential impact of a second Trump administration on the DOJ and strategies from the Biden administration to solidify its policies. Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss: 1️⃣ Constitutional and Supreme Court Considerations: There is a discussion on whether a state can prosecute a sitting president, involving constitutional implications and the Supreme Court’s views on presidential power and immunity. Historical cases like Clinton v. Jones are referenced. 2️⃣ Trump's Legal Troubles and Sentencing Complexities: Trump's legal issues are detailed, including complications stemming from his behavior during trials, contempt issues, and potential sentencing challenges, especially given his status as a former president. 3️⃣ Transition Strategies of the Biden Administration: Potential strategic moves by the Biden administration to solidify policies before a Trump reentry, such as issuing pardons and "midnight regulations," are contemplated. Follow Our Host and guest:  @LevinsonJessica @Joshgerstein

    33 min
  3. 30 OCT

    Inside the Supreme Court: Breyer Talks Legislative Intent and Judicial Ethics

    In this episode of Passing Judgment, we engage in a thought-provoking discussion with retired Justice Stephen Breyer. Host Jessica Levinson delves into Breyer's critique of textualism, focusing on whether "costs" in legal contexts should include educational experts. The episode also touches on public trust in the judiciary, the role of the First Amendment, and the complexities of precedent. Breyer's engaging stories and reflections provide a comprehensive perspective on modern judicial challenges. Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss: Critique of Textualism and Originalism: Breyer critiques the methodologies of textualism and originalism, which focus strictly on the text and original meaning of the law. He highlights the limitations of these approaches, given the evolving societal and political contexts since the laws were written.Pragmatism in Constitutional Interpretation: Advocating for a pragmatic approach, Breyer emphasizes the importance of interpreting the Constitution by considering historical context, consequences, and inherent values such as democracy and human rights. Supreme Court's Political Perception: Addressing public concerns about the Supreme Court's political influence, especially with the conservative supermajority appointed by Republican presidents, Breyer contends that legal analysis should be distinct from political thought. Follow Our Host:  @LevinsonJessica

    1 h y 8 min
  4. 22 OCT

    Is Elon Musk Violating Federal Law with His Voting Initiative?

    In this episode of Passing Judgment, Jessica Levinson tackles the controversial actions of Elon Musk, who has set up a lottery system pledging $1,000,000 a day to registered voters in swing states who sign a particular petition. Join us as we delve into the legal complexities and potential impacts of Musk's actions on the integrity of our democratic system. Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss: Electoral Integrity and the Influence of Money: Jessica explores the risks and ethical concerns surrounding the influence of money on elections. She discusses the principle that elections should not be bought and the potential for wealthy individuals like Elon Musk to influence election outcomes through financial incentives. Historical Context of Federal Laws: The discussion includes the historical foundations of federal laws aimed at limiting the impact of money on elections. She references the 1925 federal law and subsequent legislation, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which both aim to prevent monetary inducements related to voting and voter registration. Legal Implications and Ethical Considerations: The episode delves into the legal nuances and potential federal law violations in Musk's actions. Jessica discusses how a judge might interpret these actions and the importance of maintaining the integrity of election systems by avoiding financial incentives that could influence voter behavior. Follow Our Host:  @LevinsonJessica

    8 min
  5. 15 OCT

    Analyzing Harris vs Trump: Policy Insights on Economy, Abortion, and Democracy with Maggie Astor

    In this episode of Passing Judgment, we welcome New York Times reporter Maggie Astor for her first podcast appearance, diving into her comprehensive comparison of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s policy positions. Jessica Levinson and Maggie explore key issues like abortion, climate change, democracy, crime policy, and the economy, highlighting the vast differences in each candidate’s approach. Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss: 1️⃣ Abortion Standpoints: Kamala Harris is pro-choice, a strong supporter of Roe v. Wade, and advocates for protective abortion rights legislation. Donald Trump supports overturning Roe v. Wade, state-level abortion restrictions, and has ambiguous positions on a federal abortion ban. 2️⃣ Democracy: Kamala Harris is committed to upholding the democratic process and respecting election outcomes, while Donald Trump's refusal to accept the 2020 results and unwillingness to acknowledge potential future losses has fueled skepticism about the legitimacy of the electoral process. 3️⃣ Climate Change Policy: Trump opposes major climate change initiatives, having withdrawn from the Paris Agreement and supporting expanded fossil fuel production, including coal and oil. Harris supports the Paris Agreement, advocates for renewable energy, and has backed legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act to combat climate change. Follow Our Host:  @LevinsonJessica

    30 min
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Is the constitution in crisis? This podcast is for people who are curious about politics and the law and how the biggest political and legal issues of the moment affect you. Pull up a chair and join host Jessica Levinson, a professor at LMU’s Loyola Law School, and a rotating cast of experts. Jessica will be joined by journalists, politicians, political scientists, lawyers, and many others. Listen to Jessica and her guests for a wry, and sometimes irreverent take on the most pressing issues of our time. What are the laws of our democracy? How are they changing? And what does that mean for your daily life?

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