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.

Harvard’s Thrilling—and Pyrrhic—Affirmative Action Victory

Harvard’s Thrilling—and Pyrrhic—Affirmative Action Victory Harvard’s Thrilling—and Pyrrhic—Affirmative Action Victory

Judge Allison Burroughs’s ruling is a sublime defense of affirmative action. It also erases the legitimate concerns of Asian American students.

Oct 2, 2019 / Elie Mystal

Why Would a Whistle-Blower Save This Nation of Cowards?

Why Would a Whistle-Blower Save This Nation of Cowards? Why Would a Whistle-Blower Save This Nation of Cowards?

For nearly three years, none of our leaders have held Trump accountable—yet we expect the Ukraine scandal to be different.

Sep 23, 2019 / Elie Mystal

A Killer Cop Gets Fired, and Somehow the Cops Are Angry

A Killer Cop Gets Fired, and Somehow the Cops Are Angry A Killer Cop Gets Fired, and Somehow the Cops Are Angry

Daniel Pantaleo suffered the absolute minimal consequence for killing Eric Garner. The fact that the police union is throwing a tantrum is sick and outrageous.

Aug 21, 2019 / Elie Mystal

Epstein-mugshot

The Vast Conspiracy Behind Jeffrey Epstein’s Death The Vast Conspiracy Behind Jeffrey Epstein’s Death

No, Epstein was not killed by a cabal of powerful men who wanted to silence him. But his death was part of a larger plot: the US prison system.

Aug 20, 2019 / Elie Mystal

Steve King Is Racist, Misogynist—and Not that Different From Other Republicans

Steve King Is Racist, Misogynist—and Not that Different From Other Republicans Steve King Is Racist, Misogynist—and Not that Different From Other Republicans

He just says the quiet parts loud.

Aug 15, 2019 / Elie Mystal

guns second amendment us capitol

It’s Time to Repeal—and Replace—the Second Amendment It’s Time to Repeal—and Replace—the Second Amendment

The meaning of the amendment has been so badly mangled that our only choice is to start over with something that allows for real gun control.

Aug 7, 2019 / Elie Mystal

Democratic Debates

Every Pundit Urging Moderation Was Wrong in 2016, and They’re Wrong Now Every Pundit Urging Moderation Was Wrong in 2016, and They’re Wrong Now

The difference is that this time, progressives will not negotiate with hostage-takers.

Jul 19, 2019 / Elie Mystal

Donald Trump and the Plot to Take Over the Courts

Donald Trump and the Plot to Take Over the Courts Donald Trump and the Plot to Take Over the Courts

How the 45th president has packed the courts with ultraconservatives—and reshaped the judiciary for a generation.

Jul 15, 2019 / Feature / Elie Mystal

Trump Census

Trump’s Retreat on the Census Question Is Not a Victory Trump’s Retreat on the Census Question Is Not a Victory

It’s a warning for the next time the Supreme Court rules against him.

Jul 12, 2019 / Elie Mystal

Central Park Five in 2012

Linda Fairstein Is Still Trying to Take Down the Central Park Five Linda Fairstein Is Still Trying to Take Down the Central Park Five

She’s using the media instead of the legal system, but her tactics are as corrupt as they were in 1989.

Jun 13, 2019 / Elie Mystal

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