Amicus | One Amendment Explains It All

Amicus | One Amendment Explains It All

From Slate Race and Identity by Slate Podcasts

December 13, 2025 · 1h 7m

About this episode

Dahlia Lithwick discusses the significance of the 14th Amendment with civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill amidst ongoing attacks on its protections.

Trump decided this past week that there was no downside to fully embracing the racist “shithole countries” rhetoric he denied seven years ago; but this mask coming fully off is just the latest chapter in a decades-long campaign to gut a very specific part of the constitution: the reconstruction amendments. On this week’s Amicus episode, Dahlia Lithwick talks to civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill about the critical role the 14th Amendment has played in shaping American democracy, and why this full frontal assault on its protections should have everyone on high alert. In a week in which we found ourselves toggling between “the tide is turning!” and “all is lost!” Sherrilyn expertly guides us to an understanding of what winning looks like in this moment, and how the courts can still play a role in renewing America’s commitment to equal justice under the law, even when the Supreme Court is openly hostile to that proposition. Sherrilyn Ifill’s substack newsletter: Is It Too Late? If you want to access that special 50% promotion for Slate Plus membership, go to slate.com/amicusplus and enter promo code AMICUS 50. This offer expires on Dec 31st 2025. Want more Amicus? Join Slate Plus…

People in this episode

Guest: Sherrilyn Ifill

Topics covered

  • 14th Amendment
  • civil rights
  • American democracy
  • Supreme Court
  • equal justice

Keywords

  • Trump
  • racism
  • reconstruction amendments
  • legal analysis

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Amicus, Slate Plus membership, Amicus show page

Books & works: Amicus

Places: America

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