Tuesday, September 19, 6–7 p.m. ET
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As the U.S. Supreme Court retreats from protecting many civil rights, it has opened a vacuum for state courts to fill. State constitutions, which often include rights not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution, have taken on new importance. There has been a flurry of state court activity since the June 2022 ruling in Dobbs ended the federal right to an abortion.

With so much at stake, the Brennan Center has launched State Court Report, offering context and commentary about notable state cases and legal trends. On the State Court Report website and in its newsletter and events, experts take a closer look at state constitutional rights litigation and the consequences for American democracy.

Join us for a live virtual panel exploring the aftermath of Dobbs and its implications for state courts and constitutions.

Speakers: Alicia Bannon, Director, Brennan Center Judiciary Program; Editor in Chief, State Court Report // Cheri Beasley, Former Chief Justice, North Carolina Supreme Court // David Cohen, Professor of Law, Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law // Moderator: Emily Bazelon, Staff Writer, New York Times Magazine; Truman Capote Fellow for Creative Writing and Law, Yale Law School

Tuesday, September 26, 1–2 p.m. ET
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Latino voters have a unique place in U.S. politics. They are both the fastest-growing and the youngest electorate. They boast the highest ratio of first-time voters. And — motivated by issues such as gun control and immigration — they are gearing up for the next presidential election.

Under the banner of the Spanish-language website Brennan en español, the Brennan Center for Justice is excited to announce a panel of changemakers who will speak about the power of young Latino voters. Learn about these pivotal voters’ motivations and priorities going into 2024.

Speakers: María Teresa Kumar, President, CEO, Voto Latino // Alma Hernandez, Arizona State Representative // Santiago Mayer, Executive Director, Voters of Tomorrow // Moderator: Paola Ramos, Correspondent, Vice; Contributor, Telemundo and MSNBC

Thursday, September 28, 1–2 p.m. ET
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If history does repeat itself, it’s worth taking a look at the Supreme Court’s past. Has there ever been a Court as consequential as the one presiding today? Were there justices who had similarly close ties with politicians and donors? A new book argues that the answer is yes — a similar supermajority reigned supreme in the past.

By the summer of 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt had appointed a nearly unprecedented seven of nine justices. This Court was progressive and made decisions that bolstered voting and reproductive rights. But on some occasions, the Court bowed to Roosevelt’s will, even approving the mass internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. The Court at War details the little-known story of how Roosevelt altered the nation’s highest court, as well as the long-lasting consequences.

Join us for a live event to learn about the close ties between Supreme Court justices and their political allies during the Roosevelt era and how this practice continues to this day. Sloan will offer his unique perspective as someone who has served in all three branches of the federal government to guide the conversation from the wartime Court to today’s.

Speaker: Cliff Sloan, Professor, Georgetown Law School; Author, The Court at War