
267 episodes

Passing Judgment Jessica Levinson
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4.8 • 196 Ratings
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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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Juliette Kayyem's Strategies for Personal Preparedness in an Age of Disasters
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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On X formerly known as Twitter: @LevinsonJessica -
The Role of Classified Information and Delayed Deadlines in Trump's Legal Battles
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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On X formerly known as Twitter: @LevinsonJessica -
Supreme Court Adopts Code of Conduct: A Toothless Gesture or Step towards Reform?
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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On X formerly known as Twitter: @LevinsonJessica -
Gun Control: How the Supreme Court's Decision Could Shape Future Laws
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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On X formerly known as Twitter: @LevinsonJessica -
The Ongoing Civil Case: Fraud Allegations, Bias, and Witness Testimonies Against the Former President
In today's episode of the Passing Judgment podcast, we explore the intricacies of the legal realm and examine the most recent developments in the ongoing civil case against the former president. Our guest is Elie Honig, a CNN senior analyst and the bestselling author of 'Hatchet Man.' Together, we delve into the allegations of fraud, witness tampering, and their potential implications for our justice system. From analyzing the judge's ruling to questioning the validity of guilty pleas, this episode leaves no stone unturned. We also delve into the power dynamics, legal strategies, and potential solutions within this captivating case, which could have significant, far-reaching consequences.
Here are three key takeaways from the episode:
1️⃣ The judge's summary judgment ruling in favor of the attorney general has raised concerns about bias and prematurely determining the case's outcome without considering genuine disputes of material facts.
2️⃣ Gag orders can limit speech and expression, but they are important tools to ensure a fair trial. Maybe it's time to rebrand them to be less restrictive while maintaining their purpose.
3️⃣ Powerful individuals often pay for co-defendants' legal representation, making it harder for them to cooperate with authorities. These dynamics can complicate prosecutions, highlighting the need for DOJ policies that discourage such practices.
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On X formerly known as Twitter: @ElieHonig
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On X formerly known as Twitter: @LevinsonJessica -
The Legal Battle: States vs. Meta - Social Media's Impact on Kids' Mental Health
In today's episode of the Passing Judgment podcast, host Jessica Levinson discusses the recent lawsuits filed by over 3 dozen states against Meta for allegedly promoting addictive behavior and pushing harmful content to minors.
Here are three key takeaways from the episode:
1️⃣ Congress's inaction has led to a dangerous vacuum when it comes to protecting children and teens on social media. The absence of federal legislation has prompted states to sue Meta, seeking to hold them accountable for their alleged violations of privacy and consumer protection laws.
2️⃣ Evidence shows a strong link between time spent on social media and increased depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues among kids and teens. Cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content have even been linked to the death of minors. It's crucial that we address these issues and prioritize the mental health of our younger generations.
3️⃣ While Meta has made some reforms and safety improvements, more needs to be done. Content moderation, algorithm changes, and increased privacy protections are essential to mitigate the harm faced by minors. Without federal legislation, lawsuits filed by the states may serve as a means to push for change in the absence of proactive action.
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On X formerly known as Twitter: @LevinsonJessica
Customer Reviews
This is Excellent
Informative. No punditry, just facts. Clearly well-prepared. A joy.
Brilliant, thoughtful, concise, and timely
I never miss an episode!
Great show for learning about constitutional law
This is one of my favorite podcasts. Levinson provides clear insight to cases based on the law, not partisan politics.