Nan D. Hunter

Nan D. Hunter teaches courses on law and social change at Georgetown University Law Center, where she is Scott K. Ginsburg Professor of Law emerita.

In the Attacks on Trans Rights, We’re Seeing the Rise of a New Confederacy

In the Attacks on Trans Rights, We’re Seeing the Rise of a New Confederacy In the Attacks on Trans Rights, We’re Seeing the Rise of a New Confederacy

These legislative assaults constitute the spear tip of a nation within a nation, threatening the foundations of democracy.

Jun 26, 2023 / Feature / Nan D. Hunter

March for Women's Lives protest in 1986

“Roe” Redistributed Power—and Its Supporters Should Champion That “Roe” Redistributed Power—and Its Supporters Should Champion That

The decision was not toxic, unworkable or unpopular. But in fending off these accusations, we’ve forgotten to defend its most important result.

May 10, 2022 / Nan D. Hunter

The Undetermined Legacy of ‘Obergefell v. Hodges’

The Undetermined Legacy of ‘Obergefell v. Hodges’ The Undetermined Legacy of ‘Obergefell v. Hodges’

Beyond legalizing same-sex marriage, Justice Kennedy’s opinion made profound arguments about liberty under the Constitution and advanced a novel jurisprudence of dignity.

Jun 29, 2015 / Nan D. Hunter

It All Comes Down to Justice Kennedy

It All Comes Down to Justice Kennedy It All Comes Down to Justice Kennedy

The man in the middle raised concerns about overturning millennia of tradition, but he also emphasized the dignity legal marriage confers to same-sex couples.

Apr 29, 2015 / Nan D. Hunter

SCOTUS Will Likely Legalize Same-Sex Marriage—but the Fight Over Marriage Is Not Done Yet

SCOTUS Will Likely Legalize Same-Sex Marriage—but the Fight Over Marriage Is Not Done Yet SCOTUS Will Likely Legalize Same-Sex Marriage—but the Fight Over Marriage Is Not Done Yet

A win for LGBT advocates would be historic, but uncertainty over religious exemptions and the status of domestic partnerships and civil unions remains.

Apr 21, 2015 / Nan D. Hunter

Equality Under Law—Now You See It, Now You Don’t

Equality Under Law—Now You See It, Now You Don’t Equality Under Law—Now You See It, Now You Don’t

In the past few days, the Supreme Court has both affirmed and threatened equality in the US.

Jun 26, 2013 / Nan D. Hunter

Will the Supreme Court Punt on Same-Sex Marriage?

Will the Supreme Court Punt on Same-Sex Marriage? Will the Supreme Court Punt on Same-Sex Marriage?

Gay rights advocates were hoping that the Court would issue a broad ruling, but the justices seem most concerned with issues of standing.

Apr 3, 2013 / Nan D. Hunter

Why Today’s Argument Could Decide the Gay Marriage Debate

Why Today’s Argument Could Decide the Gay Marriage Debate Why Today’s Argument Could Decide the Gay Marriage Debate

Hollingsworth v. Perry has a chance of being dismissed without a ruling, leaving a better case to serve as the vehicle for the court's opinion on marriage.

Mar 29, 2013 / Nan D. Hunter

In Oral Argument, Justices Seem Ready to Rule on the Constitutionality of DOMA

In Oral Argument, Justices Seem Ready to Rule on the Constitutionality of DOMA In Oral Argument, Justices Seem Ready to Rule on the Constitutionality of DOMA

If so, there will be a definitive ruling on the constitutionality of the federal law barring recognition of same-sex marriages that are valid under state law. 

Mar 27, 2013 / Nan D. Hunter

The Supreme Court Is Fractured on Prop 8

The Supreme Court Is Fractured on Prop 8 The Supreme Court Is Fractured on Prop 8

By the end, several Justices appeared skeptical at best over whether their decision should reach the merits.

Mar 26, 2013 / Nan D. Hunter

x