Over the past few years, there has been a growing concern about the power of the executive branch in the United States. From birthright citizenship to reproductive rights, it seems as though the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is continuously dismantling the legal limits that are meant to restrain presidential overreach. This is a trend that has many Americans worried about the state of our democracy. However, one legal expert, Leah Litman, is shedding light on this issue and providing a glimmer of hope for those concerned about executive lawlessness.
In a recent article for The Intercept, titled “Executive Lawlessness: Leah Litman on the Supreme Court Enabling Presidential Overreach”, Litman addresses the concerning actions of the Supreme Court and how they are enabling the current administration’s abuse of executive power. As an assistant professor of law at the University of Michigan, Litman has a deep understanding of constitutional law and the implications of the Supreme Court’s decisions.
At the heart of the issue is the concept of birthright citizenship. This refers to the principle that anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically a citizen, regardless of their parents’ nationality or immigration status. This principle is protected by the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. However, in recent years, there have been attempts to challenge this fundamental right.
In 2018, President Trump announced that he would be signing an executive order to end birthright citizenship, claiming that it was not protected by the Constitution. This sparked a heated debate about the limits of executive power and the role of the Supreme Court in upholding the Constitution. Litman argues that the Supreme Court’s inaction on this issue is allowing the president to overstep his boundaries and undermine the rule of law.
Litman also highlights the recent attacks on reproductive rights and the role of the Supreme Court in enabling them. With the appointment of two conservative justices, the Supreme Court now has a conservative majority. This has led to major decisions, such as the recent Louisiana abortion case, to be decided in favor of limiting access to reproductive healthcare. Litman argues that these decisions are a clear example of the Supreme Court’s complicity in allowing the executive branch to expand its power and ignore the will of the people.
The implications of this enabling of executive power are far-reaching and could have long-lasting consequences for our democracy. It sets a dangerous precedent for future presidents to further abuse their power and disregard the checks and balances put in place by the Constitution. It also undermines the role of the judiciary branch in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of citizens.
However, Litman is not just pointing out the flaws in the system; she is actively working towards finding solutions. As co-founder of Take Care, a legal blog dedicated to analyzing the legal challenges that arise during the current administration, Litman is using her expertise to educate the public and push for accountability. She is also a frequent commentator in the media, providing valuable insights and analysis on the Supreme Court’s decisions.
In these trying times, it is reassuring to know that there are legal experts like Leah Litman fighting for the rule of law and standing up against executive lawlessness. Her work serves as a reminder that the power lies in the hands of the people and that we must remain vigilant and hold our leaders accountable. As Litman aptly puts it, “The court is not going to save us from ourselves. We have to save ourselves.” It is up to us, the citizens, to demand accountability and ensure that our democracy remains intact.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s enabling of executive power is a pressing issue that demands our attention. With Leah Litman’s insightful analysis and advocacy, we can better understand the implications of these actions and work towards holding our leaders accountable. We must continue to push for a fair and just society, where the rule of law is upheld and protected. Only then can we truly say that we are a nation of laws, not men.
