Monday, June 3, 3–4 p.m. ET
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Donald Trump is now the first American president convicted of a crime. The smooth trial process shows — independent of the outcome — that the U.S. justice system can still work, even with a powerful defendant.

But full accountability seems far off. The federal courts, including the Supreme Court, have stalled Trump’s prosecutions for trying to overthrow the 2020 election and for misuse of classified documents and obstruction of justice. His defense in the hush-money trial, including accusations of lies and political motivations, could serve as a blueprint in Trump’s other cases. As loud voices compete to undermine trust in the criminal prosecution of a former president, this moment calls for expert interpretation and explanation.

Join the Brennan Center for Justice virtually to hear leading authorities discuss the trial’s outcome and its implications.

Speakers: Paul Butler, Albert Brick Professor in Law, Georgetown University Law Center; Legal Analyst, MSNBC // Joyce Vance, Former U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Alabama; Distinguished Professor of the Practice of Law, University of Alabama School of Law; Legal Analyst, MSNBC; Senior Fellow, Brennan Center // Michael Waldman, President and CEO, Brennan Center // Moderator: Lauren-Brooke Eisen, Senior Director, Brennan Center Justice Program

Wednesday, June 12, 3–4 p.m. ET
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In a few short years, the Supreme Court has upended American law, pursuing a regressive agenda cloaked as a return to the Constitution’s supposed “original meaning.” The Court’s embrace of originalism poses special risks to women. The 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, exemplifies this threat. The majority failed to fully grapple with how legal and cultural gender norms have shifted since the founding era. A case in the current term, United States v. Rahimi, is built entirely around the fact that domestic violence was not a crime in the 18th century, taking originalism to its logical but absurd end at the expense of American women.

Join us virtually for a panel discussion exploring the potential effects of the 2023–24 Supreme Court term through the lens of what it means for half the population.

Speakers: Madiba K. Dennie, Deputy Editor and Senior Contributor, Balls and Strikes; Author, The Originalism Trap: How Extremists Stole the Constitution and How We the People Can Take It Back // Khiara M. Bridges, Professor of Law, UC Berkeley School of Law // Emily Martin, Chief Program Officer, National Women’s Law Center // Moderator: Alicia Bannon, Director, Brennan Center Judiciary Program; Editor in Chief, State Court Report