About this episode

Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discuss reclaiming constitutional power and the role of ordinary Americans in shaping constitutional meaning.

In the final episode—for now—of our series on reclaiming constitutional power for every American, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern urge you to consider the many ways you can make constitutional meaning in your life, your community, and your profession. Joining us to imagine what that has looked like historically and what it might look like tomorrow is New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie, our former Slate colleague who possesses an uncanny, award-winning knack for applying historical context to modern-day events. He sits down with Dahlia and Mark to give the long view of the modern Supreme Court’s monopoly on constitutional understanding; its gradual (and problematic) professionalization; his own wishlist for structural reform at the high court, and a bracing reminder that there is a tremendous amount to be done to claw back the Framers’ vision of a constitution by the people. We want to hear from you! Tell us what you’re doing in your life to assert ownership of the Constitution. What are you doing to expand fundamental freedoms to you, your loved ones, and your neighbors? Write to us at amicus@slate.com , and we might be in touch with you for a special Amicus event in…

People in this episode

Host: Dahlia Lithwick

Guests: Mark Joseph Stern, Jamelle Bouie

Topics covered

• constitutional power
• Supreme Court
• fundamental freedoms
• historical context
• structural reform

Keywords

• constitution
• Supreme Court
• constitutional meaning
• fundamental freedoms
• historical context
• structural reform

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: New York Times, Slate, Slate Podcasts

More episodes of Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts

• SCOTUS Rewrites the Rules for One Special Boy · September 5, 2026 · 1h 9m
• Becoming Justice Gorsuch | 3. A Lunch Room for Life · August 29, 2026 · 56 min
• Becoming Justice Gorsuch | 2. The Stolen Seat · August 22, 2026 · 47 min
• Becoming Justice Gorsuch | 1. Man With a Plan · August 15, 2026 · 40 min
• By The People | Two Steps Forward, One Step Back · August 1, 2026 · 46 min
• By the People | For the Children · July 25, 2026 · 41 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts podcast page.