Paul Von Blum: The United States Supreme Court: A Retreat into Darkness

The rise of Donald Trump has created an existential threat to American democracy. In the past few years, the United States Supreme Court, with three extremely conservative justices appointed by Trump, has issued a series of rulings that have had little to do with traditional legal precedent and much more to do with enacting a right-wing ideological agenda. In fact, the Court has largely become little more than the judicial branch of Trump's Republican Party. This presentation will review several of the major "highlights" (lowlights!) of the past two years, from the ruling that eliminated the constitutional right of women to control their reproductive destinies and obtain abortions to the most recent ruling that granted presidents, especially Trump, virtually total immunity from criminal prosecution. I will briefly explain several of the other recent rulings and note their disturbing public policy effects. I will also indicate what remedies, if any, may exist, most of which depend on the results of the presidential election in November.

Paul Von Blum is Senior Lecturer in African American Studies and Communication Studies at UCLA. He has taught at the University of California since 1968. He is the author of six books and numerous articles on art, culture, education, and politics.