Boom! Lawyered

If You’re a Rapper, Your Lyrics Can Send You to Jail

In the latest episode of Boom! Lawyered, Imani Gandy and Jessica Mason Pieklo discuss the case of Jamal Knox, a young rapper who was convicted for terroristic threats and witness intimidation based on the lyrics of his music. When are words “true threats,” and when are they protected free speech? And why do most court cases on speech seem to be decided in whichever direction benefits white Christian patriarchy?

The GOP Is Using the Courts to Do What Congress Couldn’t: Repeal the ACA

In a new filing this week, President Donald Trump's Justice Department declared that it wants the courts to strike down the entirety of the Affordable Care Act as unconstitutional. This comes on the heels of a recent district court decision making the same argument by U.S. District Court Judge and noted malcontent Reed O'Connor. In the latest episode of Boom! Lawyered, Imani Gandy and Jessica Mason Pieklo explain this new strategy, the legal errors underpinning it, and its odds of success in the Era of Kavanaugh.

Mailbag Edition

In the latest episode of Boom! Lawyered, hosts Jessica Mason Pieklo and Imani Gandy answer listener questions across a range of important issues. Where can we find hope for the future of reproductive rights? How soon will people feel the impact of so many recent ultra-conservative judges appointed to the lower courts? And what beverage pairs well with a delicious criminal indictment? Listen and subscribe to find out.

A Dude Is Suing an Alabama Abortion Clinic for ‘Wrongful Death’…of an Embryo

Ryan Magers is suing the Alabama Women's Center for wrongful death because his girlfriend, who was 16 at the time, got an abortion—with the consent of her parents—against Magers's wishes. How is this even possible? And how does this case fit into the ongoing anti-choice campaign for "fetal personhood?" Boom! Lawyered hosts Imani Gandy and Jessica Mason Pieklo have those answers and more. 

Myth-Busting the Anti-Choice ‘Born Alive’ Bills

Anti-choice politicians are pushing a new legislative strategy to demonize their opponents and confuse the public: so-called "Born Alive" bills. In this episode of Boom! Lawyered, Rewire.News legal eagles Imani Gandy and Jessica Mason Pieklo dissect the myths propping up this strategy and give you all the tools you need to combat anti-choice lies about later abortion.

Clarence Thomas Wants to Blow Up Defamation Law

This week, the Supreme Court declined to take up an appeal by Kathrine McKee, a woman who publicly accused Bill Cosby of raping her more than 40 years ago. As part of this decision, Clarence Thomas issued an alarming concurring opinion that may signal the start of a prolonged attack on the First Amendment in the courts.

The John Roberts Abortion Conundrum…Resolved?

Last night, the Supreme Court voted 5-4 to block an anti-choice law in Louisiana from taking effect while it is being challenged in the courts. John Roberts was the deciding vote. Yes, you read that correctly. Is this a one-time thing, or does this signal that Roberts is moving to the middle on abortion? And what's next for abortion rights in Louisiana and around the country?