David Cole

Legal Affairs Correspondent

@DavidColeACLU

David Cole is The Nation’s legal affairs correspondent, and national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Supreme Court

How Will the Supreme Court Treat Donald Trump? How Will the Supreme Court Treat Donald Trump?

His administration has repeatedly abandoned judicial precedent to please its radical base. Will the Court stand up for the rule of law?

May 10, 2018 / David Cole

Womens March Las Vegas

Could It Happen Here? Donald Trump, Tony Judt, and the Future of American Democracy Could It Happen Here? Donald Trump, Tony Judt, and the Future of American Democracy

Is Trump’s election a step on the road to authoritarianism, or is he an anomaly? That depends—on us.

Mar 6, 2018 / David Cole

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis

Public-Sector Union Fees Don’t Violate the First Amendment Public-Sector Union Fees Don’t Violate the First Amendment

The argument behind Janus v. AFSCME is based on a faulty premise.

Feb 23, 2018 / David Cole and Amanda Shanor

MuslimBan protest

How the Courts Have Stymied Trump How the Courts Have Stymied Trump

Along with citizen activism, they have proven to be an important safeguard of constitutional liberty—but the Supreme Court has yet to weigh in.

Jan 30, 2018 / David Cole

Owen Fiss and the Liberal Legal Tradition

Owen Fiss and the Liberal Legal Tradition Owen Fiss and the Liberal Legal Tradition

The legal theorist’s case for how the Constitution can be a vehicle for civil rights and social justice.

Oct 26, 2017 / Books & the Arts / David Cole

Gorsuch and Trump

Trump’s Election Win Is Already Being Felt on the Supreme Court Trump’s Election Win Is Already Being Felt on the Supreme Court

Neil Gorsuch looks to be just as conservative as Scalia—and if Trump gets to replace Kennedy, the Court will be as conservative as it’s been in a century.

Jun 28, 2017 / David Cole

Trump and Lavrov

How Should We Investigate Trump’s Firing of Comey? How Should We Investigate Trump’s Firing of Comey?

We need a special prosecutor—but an independent commission or select congressional committee would also help.

May 17, 2017 / David Cole

No Muslim Ban

The Most Important Story of Trump’s First 100 Days The Most Important Story of Trump’s First 100 Days

The United States is a constitutional democracy, whether Trump likes it or not.

May 4, 2017 / David Cole

Donald Trump vs. the First Amendment

Donald Trump vs. the First Amendment Donald Trump vs. the First Amendment

Trump is no fan of free speech—which makes speaking out more important than ever.

Jan 18, 2017 / Feature / David Cole

Obama’s Civil Rights Legacy—and Ours

Obama’s Civil Rights Legacy—and Ours Obama’s Civil Rights Legacy—and Ours

Today’s turmoil in race relations may be a testament to the progress his administration made.

Dec 8, 2016 / Feature / David Cole

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