Elie Mystal

Justice Correspondent & Columnist

@ElieNYC

Elie Mystal is The Nation’s justice correspondent and the host of its legal podcast, Contempt of Court. He is also an Alfred Knobler Fellow at the Type Media Center. His first book is the New York Times bestseller Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution, published by The New Press. Elie can be followed @ElieNYC.

Anti-Abortion Politicians Are Now Taking Inspiration From the Fugitive Slave Act

Anti-Abortion Politicians Are Now Taking Inspiration From the Fugitive Slave Act Anti-Abortion Politicians Are Now Taking Inspiration From the Fugitive Slave Act

In a nod to the bad old days, an amendment to a Missouri anti-abortion bill would make it a crime to help a pregnant Missourian get an abortion outside the state.

Mar 11, 2022 / Elie Mystal

When Railing Against Cancel Culture Is About Railing Against Accountability

When Railing Against Cancel Culture Is About Railing Against Accountability When Railing Against Cancel Culture Is About Railing Against Accountability

A speech by Andrew Cuomo and an article by a college student suggest what’s really behind the lamentations about “left-wing censorship.”

Mar 9, 2022 / Elie Mystal

Yes, Black Voters Feel Let Down by Biden

Yes, Black Voters Feel Let Down by Biden Yes, Black Voters Feel Let Down by Biden

From police reform to voting rights, Black voters are still waiting for action from the administration they helped put in power.

Mar 4, 2022 / Column / Elie Mystal

First Texas Came for Pregnant People—Then It Came for Trans Kids

First Texas Came for Pregnant People—Then It Came for Trans Kids First Texas Came for Pregnant People—Then It Came for Trans Kids

The fact that Texas got away with its assault on reproductive rights helped lay the groundwork for its amped-up attack on trans rights.

Mar 1, 2022 / Elie Mystal

Let’s Talk About the Taking of Black Land

Let’s Talk About the Taking of Black Land Let’s Talk About the Taking of Black Land

From Seneca Village to “urban renewal,” the government has claimed Black property—rarely with the “just compensation” promised by the Fifth Amendment.

Feb 28, 2022 / Feature / Elie Mystal

Biden Has Chosen Ketanji Brown Jackson for a Reason

Biden Has Chosen Ketanji Brown Jackson for a Reason Biden Has Chosen Ketanji Brown Jackson for a Reason

Yes, Jackson’s nomination fulfills a historic promise. She’s also a legal superstar who’s long been considered a top contender for the court.

Feb 25, 2022 / Elie Mystal

Don’t Attack Biden’s Supreme Court Nominees for Playing by the Rules

Don’t Attack Biden’s Supreme Court Nominees for Playing by the Rules Don’t Attack Biden’s Supreme Court Nominees for Playing by the Rules

There have historically been few routes to legal-world success for Black women. Is it fair to change the rules on them now?

Feb 16, 2022 / Elie Mystal

Clarence and Ginni Thomas, the Supreme Court’s Unethical “It” Couple

Clarence and Ginni Thomas, the Supreme Court’s Unethical “It” Couple Clarence and Ginni Thomas, the Supreme Court’s Unethical “It” Couple

How the Thomases have been able to get away with their decades long abuse of influence.

Feb 9, 2022 / Elie Mystal

No Attack on Voting Rights Is Too Racist for This Supreme Court

No Attack on Voting Rights Is Too Racist for This Supreme Court No Attack on Voting Rights Is Too Racist for This Supreme Court

The court’s decision to let Alabama’s new redistricting map remain in place opens the door to a season of racist gerrymandering.

Feb 8, 2022 / Elie Mystal

The Many Remarkable Black Women Who Could Replace Stephen Breyer

The Many Remarkable Black Women Who Could Replace Stephen Breyer The Many Remarkable Black Women Who Could Replace Stephen Breyer

Biden has a wealth of choices when it comes to fulfilling his campaign promise to appoint a Black woman to the Supreme Court.

Jan 27, 2022 / Elie Mystal

x