U.S. Supreme Court News, Justice Kennedy Retires
After 30 years on the high bench, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement this week. A native of Sacramento, Kennedy cast the swing vote on momentous decisions affecting gay marriage, abortion and the Second Amendment. As the court ended its term this week, Kennedy sided with conservatives on two big cases: one involving President Trump’s travel ban and the other regarding whether government workers must pay union dues.
Guests:
- Professor Melissa Murray, UC Berkeley School of Law
- Joshua Patashnik, Munger, Tolles & Olson associate
Political Analysis
The stunning victory of a newcomer and former Bernie Sanders organizer in a New York race may signal a turning point in the direction of the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, California congresswoman Maxine Waters generated controversy when she told supporters at a rally to publicly confront Trump administration officials. Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi condemned her remarks, while President Trump took to Twitter to insult Waters.
Guests:
- Aimee Allison, Democracy in Color president
- Joe Garofoli, San Francisco Chronicle senior political writer
OneJustice CEO Julia Wilson
For more than a decade, OneJustice has provided free legal aid to thousands of low-income Californians. Through their network of staff and pro bono lawyers, they assist immigrants, including children who have been separated from their parents at the border under the Trump administration’s recent zero tolerance immigration policy. Around the state, their Justice Bus Project brings volunteer lawyers and law students to parts of rural California where legal aid is scarce. We hear from CEO and attorney Julia Wilson.