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.

Congrats, Dems: You Just Let Trump’s Chief Henchman Off the Hook

Congrats, Dems: You Just Let Trump’s Chief Henchman Off the Hook Congrats, Dems: You Just Let Trump’s Chief Henchman Off the Hook

Bill Barr’s long-awaited testimony before Congress should have been a chance for Democrats to hold him accountable. Instead, it was just bad summer theater.

Jul 29, 2020 / Elie Mystal

America Doesn’t Deserve to Have Baseball Back

America Doesn’t Deserve to Have Baseball Back America Doesn’t Deserve to Have Baseball Back

The season has just begun, but Major League Baseball is already struggling with a large and entirely predictable coronavirus outbreak.

Jul 28, 2020 / Elie Mystal

Trump’s Secret Police Have Never Been a Secret to Brown People

Trump’s Secret Police Have Never Been a Secret to Brown People Trump’s Secret Police Have Never Been a Secret to Brown People

The Department of Homeland Security, now menacing Portland, has been terrorizing Muslims, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations since its inception.

Jul 27, 2020 / Elie Mystal

Is Our Generation Ready to Take Up the Torch That John Lewis Lit?

Is Our Generation Ready to Take Up the Torch That John Lewis Lit? Is Our Generation Ready to Take Up the Torch That John Lewis Lit?

As legends like Lewis pass away, I wonder whether we’re prepared to become the new elders. 

Jul 23, 2020 / Column / Elie Mystal

Seriously? John Kasich? What Is the Biden Camp Thinking?

Seriously? John Kasich? What Is the Biden Camp Thinking? Seriously? John Kasich? What Is the Biden Camp Thinking?

The former Ohio governor may convince a handful of disgruntled Trumpers to vote for Biden, but there is no evidence he can win the state for the Democrats.

Jul 21, 2020 / Elie Mystal

A gurney in Oklahoma

The Trump Administration Is on a Capital Punishment Killing Spree The Trump Administration Is on a Capital Punishment Killing Spree

After 17 years, attorney General Bill Barr has resumed federal executions—and the conservatives on the Supreme Court approve.

Jul 17, 2020 / Elie Mystal

There Are Literally No Good Options for Educating Our Kids This Fall

There Are Literally No Good Options for Educating Our Kids This Fall There Are Literally No Good Options for Educating Our Kids This Fall

But the real scandal is that we shouldn’t be in this position in the first place.

Jul 16, 2020 / StudentNation / Elie Mystal

Today’s SCOTUS Ruling Means Trump’s Criminality Will Be Revealed—Someday

Today’s SCOTUS Ruling Means Trump’s Criminality Will Be Revealed—Someday Today’s SCOTUS Ruling Means Trump’s Criminality Will Be Revealed—Someday

The Supreme Court’s two rulings on Trump’s tax returns are a victory for the rule of law—even if the public won’t see the returns before the election.

Jul 9, 2020 / Elie Mystal

John Roberts Is Not Your Friend

John Roberts Is Not Your Friend John Roberts Is Not Your Friend

Despite his recent rulings on abortion, DACA, and LGBTQ rights, Roberts is no moderate. He’s a rock-ribbed Republican playing the long game.

Jun 30, 2020 / Elie Mystal

AG Barr walking with entourage

Here’s How to Stop the Next Bill Barr From Gutting the Rule of Law Here’s How to Stop the Next Bill Barr From Gutting the Rule of Law

Barr has wrecked the DOJ. The solution isn’t to return things to the way they were—it’s to remake the AG appointment process.

Jun 29, 2020 / Column / Elie Mystal

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