Thursday, May 15

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SCOTUS mulls limiting judges’ authority to block Trump’s power grab 

• SCOTUS heard oral argument in the birthright citizenship case that could greatly limit federal judges' ability to block President Donald Trump from expanding presidential powers. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson described the government's stance as a "catch-me-if-you-can" regime that would make it virtually impossible to use the courts to block government actions.

Trump is trying to control Congress by taking over its library

• Trump’s second term has been marked by continued attempts to take over federal agencies and expand his power. In the past few days, the president has added the Library of Congress and the U.S. Copyright Office to his list of targets. 

With North Carolina elections under GOP control, expect barriers to voting

• While Jefferson Griffin’s concession is great news for voters and fair elections, North Carolina Republicans have gained control of election administration in the state. That could let them take a range of steps to undermine democracy, writes Democracy Docket contributor Billy Corriher.  

Justice Sotomayor’s message to lawyers

• Over the last decade, a rift has developed on the left over the best way to advance democracy in court. One side urges restraint, arguing that courts have become increasingly hostile to civil rights. Led by prominent academics, they caution against bringing cases that could be used to further undermine voting rights.
  
  
• On the other side are those who insist on using every legal tool available to protect democracy now. They acknowledge the ideological makeup of the courts but refuse to let it dictate their litigation strategy. Marc shares in a new piece why he is firmly in this camp. 

Hearings coming up tomorrow 

• Tomorrow, the DC Circuit will hear arguments in two lawsuits challenging the unlawful dismissal of the Merit Systems Protection Board chair and a National Labor Relations Board member. The DC Circuit will also hear arguments in the government's appeal of an order blocking their efforts to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.