#SistersInLaw

Joyce Vance and Jill Wine-Banks answer listener questions on everything from prosecutorial liability to bodily autonomy, and more. They discuss why lying to the public is not a crime and how impeachment or elections are the remedies, why U.S. attorneys carry malpractice insurance and when they can be sued, possible Democratic House investigations into Trump family finances if Democrats regain the majority, courts’ use of pre-Constitution English common law and historical practice as evidence of meaning, the McFall organ-donation ruling and what it means for pregnancy, and why an OLC claim that executive privilege can cover private advisors wo...

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the State Department’s war on immigrants, the revocation of B1 and B2 visas, how it affects asylum seekers, and the legal basis for extradition after being targeted by ICE.  Then, the #Sisters review the legal basis for Trump’s proposed inscription of his name on the Kennedy Center, the issues it raises, and the political motivations involved.  They also explain the legal back-and-forth over Trump’s Executive Order 14399 on mail-in voting, why a judge blocked it, where it sits on the SCOTUS shadow docket, and what it might mean for the midterm election...

Barb McQuade and Kimberly Atkins Stohr answer listener questions on everything from selective prosecution to the origins of the filibuster. They discuss how discrimination claimants can proceed given the current state of the EEOC, the lack of a federal duty to disclose a member of Congress’s death, the distinction between prosecutorial discretion and selective prosecution, how the shadow docket differs from the full merits process, whether a newly convened special grand jury in D.C. might target Anthony Fauci or Jack Smith, and the historical roots of the filibuster rule as an obstructive tool rather than a way to...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the Pentagon’s war on the Constitution, looking at the lawsuit against the so-called Department of War regarding the independence of the military newspaper Stars & Stripes and discrimination in military promotions. Then, the #Sisters explore the effects of social media on our youth in light of the ongoing META trial.  They also examine the role of election monitors and the potentially nefarious voter intimidation that might result from the DOJ’s decision to send 1,000 of them to polling places ahead of the midterm elections.

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Jill Wine-Banks and Kimberly Atkins Stohr answer listener questions on everything from Fifth Amendment protections and contempt of Congress to the lasting effects of presidential pardons. They discuss whether Dr. Anthony Fauci can be held in contempt after pleading the Fifth, the limits on investigating or indicting after a preemptive pardon, the ability to pursue civil suits to recover funds from corruption or fraud after criminal charges were pardoned, the relative harm of Todd Blanche and Bill Barr, whether Democratic campaigning on Supreme Court reforms caninfluence emergency rulings on mail-in voting, and the consent requirements for appointing a new...

Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the recent developments in the fraud case against the SPLC by doing a deep dive into the background of the organization, explaining the charges against it, and highlighting the political motivations for the charges.  Then, the #Sisters expose the issues with Trump’s relase of Truth API, explore possible 1st Amendment challenges, and the ethical dillemas involved.  They also review the DOJ’s dismissal of its case against Harvard University regarding allegations of anti-semitism, the applicable legal framework, and the political machinations involved.

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Barb McQuade and Jill Wine-Banks answer listener questions on everything from the standards for overturning judicial precedent to the relationship between standing and venue. They discuss the four factors courts should weigh before discarding stare decisis, the two E. Jean Carroll judgments against Trump still on appeal, practical ways media consumers can spot AI fakes, greater-than-life sentences, fugitives who flee to non-extradition countries, and the difference between standing and venue.

Freshen up your spring wardrobe!  Get the ReSIStance T-Shirt, Mini Tote, and other #SistersInLaw gear at politicon.com/merch! 

Additional #SistersInLaw Projects

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Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss Jeanine Pirro’s dismissal of the reflecting pool case against David Hearn and the dangers of prosecutorial misconduct.  Then, the #Sisters explain the larger impact of the Justice Department’s motion to vacate convictions related to the J6 insurrection, focusing on the cases of Stuart Rhodes and the Oath Keepers, and calling for accountability for those who attempt to subvert our system of government and the rule of law.  They also review Trump’s recent executive orders on birthright citizenship and immigration, explain what they mean in light of the SCOTUS decision in Trump v...

Barb McQuade and Jill Wine-Banks answer listener questions on everything from completing a FOIA request to Trump’s trademark on MAGA.  They discuss how long FOIA responses can take and the option to sue, First Amendment limits on trademarking political slogans like “Make America Great,” the constitutional ban on foreign emoluments and the Qatar plane gift, why jointly impeaching and convicting Trump and Vance is impractical due to succession rules, the release of Fauci’s government-computer notes and his repeated Fifth Amendment invocations, and the lack of any constitutional requirements to serve as a federal judge.

Freshen up your s...

Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the recent legal developments surrounding the indictment of James Comey, his attempt to dismiss is, the definition of true threats, and the difference between selective and vindictive prosecution.  Then, the #Sisters examine the botched confirmation of Todd Blanche’s appointment to Attorney General, Trump’s influence on the proceedings, and the challenges he would face in the role.  They also review Trump’s executive order eeking to limit mail-in voting, the legal challenges it faces, and MAGA’s broader war on election integrity.

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Barb McQuade and Kimberly Atkins Stohr answer listener questions on everything from privacy protections to Latin legal terms. They discuss the EU’s GDPR as a model for treating personal data as belonging to individuals, whether media outlets face liability for declining to air presidential speeches live, how to respond when people treat “socialism” as a curse word, why Trump’s impeachments cannot be nullified or expunged, the difference between lies, misinformation, and disinformation, and their favorite Latin legal phrases, like res ipsa loquitur and quantum meruit.

Freshen up your spring wardrobe!  Get the ReSIStance T-Shirt, Mini Tote, and...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the NYT’s victory over the DOJ’s attempt to subpoena its reporters to testify about their national security reporting and the effects government actions can have on press freedom and democracy. Then, the #Sisters review the legal allegations Jim Jordan has levied against Jack Smith, the political motivations involved, and the role of the Speech or Debate Clause.  They also explore the legal battle over the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros., why state attorneys general are challenging it, and its implications for the entertainment industry and consumers.

Remem...

In this episode of #SistersInLaw Sidebar, Barb McQuade and Jill Wine-Banks answer listener questions on everything from the Emoluments Clause to restoring trust in the rule of law.  They discuss whether the Qatari plane gift violates the Emoluments Clause and how Congress could enforce it, the filibuster’s role in enabling more extreme judicial nominees, concerns about raids on groups like the League of Women Voters after concerning rhetoric from the Trump administration, balancing belief in survivors with due process, key differences between civil and criminal contempt, and what it will take to restore people’s faith in the DOJ.<...

Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing to become the acting Attorney General, Judge Williams’ opinion on Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS, and the role Senate hearings play in trust and transparency.  Then, the #Sisters review the recent violent incidents involving ICE agents, reflect on the danger the administration’s approach poses to public safety, and call for proper training and accountability.  They also dissect Trump’s speech on election integrity, analyze it in the context of misinformation and disinformation, and examine the impact of false narratives on future elections.

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In this episode of Sisters Sidebar, Barb McQuade and Joyce Vance answer listener questions on everything from how Democrats should wield executive power to a social media ban for minors, and more. They discuss John Brennan’s ability to protect himself from the Trump administration by proactively filing lawsuits, whether a case can be appealed multiple times, what they think of a social media ban for minors, the ability of Congress to create and dissolve independent commissions, how a Democrat president should govern after the SCOTUS rulings strengthening the executive branch, and the value of being an extrovert in th...

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to criticize Blanche for undermining DOJ independence, acting as Trump’s personal lawyer, and purging career officials who worked on Trump or J6 cases. Then, the #Sisters analyze the deadly ICE shooting of longtime Houston resident Lorenzo Salgado Arajo, contrasting official claims with video and witness evidence, and discuss use-of-force violations and due process failures.  They also expose the administration’s efforts to intimidate election officials, send monitors, issue criminal warnings, and fire members of the Election Assistance Commission to undermine trust in the midterms.

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In this episode of Sisters Sidebar, Barb McQuade and Jill Wine-Banks answer listener questions on moving immigration courts to the judicial branch, how to call a constitutional convention, and more. They explain why immigration judges should be independent from the DOJ, discuss the legal effect of pardons on guilt and restitution, push back against attempts to downplay Watergate and rehabilitate Richard Nixon, clarify how a constitutional convention would work under Article V, and strongly advocate for more cameras in courtrooms to increase public trust in the judicial branch.

Freshen up your spring wardrobe!  Get the ReSIStance T-Shirt, M...

Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the recent Supreme Court rulings and how they affect our lives.  They review the implications of the decisions on birthright citizenship, the president’s control over independent agencies, voting rights, transgender participation in sports, and campaign finance.  During it, they analyze the court’s performance, expose its connection to Trump and the MAGA agenda, and call for more protections for the rights of all individuals.  They also delve into how the court makes decisions, expose its inconsistencies, and lay out the trends it seems to be following as it heads into the upcoming term.<...

In this episode of Sisters Sidebar, Kimberly Atkins Stohr and Joyce Vance answer listener questions on de facto versus de jure, navigating a legal career path, jurisdiction over Trump’s arch, and more. They explain why Virginia has no jurisdiction to stop Trump’s arch, detail the procedural twists in his Florida IRS case, offer advice on avoiding conflicts of interest from political involvement, strongly endorse public tax disclosures for transparency, give legal examples of de facto versus de jure issues using voting rights scenarios, and reflect on mentorship, pro bono work, and finding a rewarding path in public serv...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss new developments regarding the Epstein Files Transparency Act following a lawsuit by Katie Phang and the future of the case as it heads to appeal.  Then, the #Sisters review Justice Alito’s recent authorship of immigration rulings affecting TPS and asylum seekers, as well as the dissents by Justices Kagan and Sotomayor.  They also explain the power of dissents against impactful majority decisions, how they can be used as a tool for future change, and the constitutional implications of federal overreach in the states.

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In this episode of Sisters Sidebar, Jill Wine-Banks and Joyce Vance answer listener questions on the Trump-IRS lawsuit settlement, the War Powers Resolution, posthumous prosecutions, and more. They discuss whether Trump’s non-adversarial IRS suit can produce a valid broad tax forgiveness deal for him and his family, congressional checks on potential military action in Iran, Katie Phang’s lawsuit against Todd Blanche, how to safely renew your passport, why the dead cannot be prosecuted, and the process of how the vice president is sworn in after a president resigns or dies.

Freshen up your spring wardrobe!  Get t...

Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss Kash Patel’s premature announcements of arrests in a possible terror plot that could compromise the investigation and an alleged slush fund for FBI agents.  Then, the #Sisters discuss the need for congressional oversight of law enforcement following the FBI’s search of the Ohio Organizing Collective in a move that could jeopardize voting rights and registration efforts.  They also review Hemani v United States, looking at the facts of the case, the intersection of the 2nd Amendment and drug use, and the court’s tendency towards decisions favoring gun rights.

Remember...

In this episode of Sisters Sidebar, Jill Wine-Banks and Kimberly Atkins Stohr answer listener questions on presidential appointments, Trump’s use of the DOJ against political enemies, online threats, and more.  They discuss whether a president’s former personal attorney can serve as Attorney General, the constitution and what citizens can do to strengthen democracy on the country’s 250th birthday, whether national monuments can be renamed or repurposed, if a future DOJ can overturn Trump’s “in perpetuity” tax agreement, how online threats become legally actionable, the ability of Trump’s doctor to invoke the 25th Amendment, and why the DOJ is...

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the latest developments concerning the slush fund for J6 defendants and others, covering court rulings by Judges Leon and Brinkema that halted it and skepticism about the administration’s claims that it was dead.  Then, they examine Ken Paxton’s retaliatory lawsuit against the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue and the partisan congressional hearing that sought to question its CEO.  They also analyze Trump’s push to have Congress pass a resolution expunging his two impeachments from the record, explaining why his plan won’t work and how it weakens existing avenues for government accountabi...

In this episode of Sisters Sidebar, Barb McQuade and Joyce Vance answer listener questions on prosecutor ethics, protest rights, trademark law, and more. They discuss whether state bars can discipline federal prosecutors who follow Trump over the rule of law, the difference between protected peaceful protest and actions that can lead to arrest, whether Patagonia has a strong trademark infringement case against drag performer Pattie Gonia, if Todd Blanche could face disbarment for unethical conduct after leaving the Trump administration, whether the Attorney General is legally required to be a lawyer, and classic legal fiction books.

Freshen...

Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss John Bolton’s plea deal, compare it to the Petraeus case, explore its Biden-era origins, and contrast Bolton’s cooperation with Trump’s obstruction.  Then, the #Sisters dissect Trump’s controversial cabinet picks, particularly the unqualified loyalist Bill Pulte as acting DNI and Todd Blanche for AG, despite his handling of the Epstein files, the slush fund, and other red flags in his confirmation.  They also analyze the SCOTUS shadow docket reversal in Alabama’s Milligan case and the Calais ruling, warning of an open season on racial and political gerrymandering nationwide.

Remember t...

This episode was recorded prior to the news that the Trump Administration has suggested that it will follow court order and not use the Anti-Weaponization slush fund it created. We note that DOJ has not canceled the immunity it granted Trump from investigations and payment of past taxes that might be owed and has not said they will not find and fund an alternative method to pay those convicted of Jan6 crimes. Legal challenges remain ongoing and remain necessary.

In this episode of Sisters Sidebar, Joyce Vance and Jill Wine-Banks answer your questions on Trump’s controversial sl...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the Trump administration's revenge prosecution of E. Jean Carroll, examining the motivations behind the investigation, the allegations against her, and the role of financial backers in her civil suit against the President.  Then, they expose the DOJ's prosecutorial misconduct in the Broadview Six case, review the vindictive prosecution of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and highlight the dangers of politicizing DOJ appointments.  They also explain the recent SCOTUS decision overturning the murder conviction of Terry Pitchford due to racial discrimination in the jury selection process, and the implications of Justice Kavanaugh’s opinion on futu...

In this episode of Sisters Sidebar, Barb McQuade and Kimberly Atkins Stohr answer your questions on everything from nationwide injunctions and the mifepristone ruling to the case against Luigi Mangione, and more. They discuss whether universal injunctions are still allowed after recent Supreme Court decisions, Congress’s limited power over state redistricting and apportionment under the Voting Rights Act, the suppression of evidence in the Luigi Mangione trial, Trump’s audit immunity, whether the statute of limitations is truly a “get out of jail free” card, how the Calais decision shifted Voting Rights Act claims from effect to intent, and if t...

Barb McQuade hosts #SistersinLaw to discuss the DOJ “anti-weaponization” slush fund that uses $1.8 billion in taxpayer money to pay Trump, his allies, and J6 rioters for alleged government “weaponization,” along with a lifetime IRS audit ban for Trump. Then, the #Sisters break down the DOJ Office of Legal Counsel’s memo declaring the Presidential Records Act unconstitutional, the federal court injunction blocking the White House from ignoring the law, and the danger to our system. They also examine the indictment of former Cuban President Raúl Castro, the evidence against him, its questionable timing, and the possibility of military action.

In this episode of Sisters Sidebar, Barb McQuade and Jill Wine-Banks answer your questions on everything from impeaching Trump, Vance, and the cabinet all at once to AI-generated political ads, and more. They discuss whether Article II, Section 4 allows mass removal of the entire executive branch, Congress’s power to set mandatory minimum sentences, the legality of Trump’s picture on U.S. passports, quarantine powers during outbreaks like the Hantavirus, the rights of retired military officers like Pete Hegseth to freely talk on politics, and the legality of Spencer Pratt’s AI ad using the likeness of his politi...

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to explain the D.C. Circuit arguments over Trump’s 2025 executive order punishing elite law firms for representing clients and causes he dislikes, the firms’ lower court wins, the government’s failed arguments, and the court’s skepticism. Then, the #Sisters examine the DOJ subpoena to the Wall Street Journal issued as part of a leak investigation, and discuss its threat to press freedom.  They also review Jamie Raskin’s anti-corruption bills that strengthen emoluments rules, ban pardon payments, and further other good-government reforms.

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In this episode of Sisters Sidebar, Jill Wine-Banks and Kimberly Atkins-Stor answer your questions on everything from the Secretary of Defense’s firing powers to conservatorships, and more. They discuss Pete Hegseth’s removal of the Secretary of the Navy, how the Posse Comitatus Act applies to JAG attorneys prosecuting civilian cases, whether substituting the United States as defendant in the E. Jean Carroll case could reopen presidential immunity, if the Roberts’ Court would have upheld the Voting Rights Act in 1965, using a dictionary definition of 86 to defeat Jim Comey’s indictment, and the process for initiating conservatorships.

Freshe...

Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss Chief Justice Roberts’ defense of the SCOTUS against partisanship accusations, the controversy over its Louisiana v. Callais ruling and the immediate implementation of the decision, and Justice Jackson’s pushback on the court.  Then, the #Sisters break down the escalating gerrymandering war, Trump’s pressure on Republicans to redraw maps mid-decade, and Democrats' possible responses. They also examine the FBI’s seizure of 2020 election records from Fulton County, Georgia, a federal judge’s refusal to return them, and suspicious FBI targeting of a Democratic state senator involved in Virginia redistricting.

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In this episode of #SistersInLaw Sidebar, Joyce Vance and Barb McQuade answer your questions on everything from the powers of the judicial branch to pursuing a case in small claims court, and more.  They discuss whether the indictment of James Comey is a case of selective prosecution, what happens when a district is reconfigured by gerrymandering, how the assets of estates are allocated without a will, whether the judicial or legislative branch makes the ultimate determination on our laws, pursuing a case in small claims court, and the difference between a copyright and a trademark.

Freshen up y...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the SCOTUS ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, looking at the history of district allocation, how it undermines the Voting Rights Act, the significance of Justice Kagan’s dissent, and what it could mean for the country going forward.  Then, the #Sisters explain the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, the legal definition of a true threat, and the protection the 1st Amendment affords political speech.  They also review the criminal charges against the attempted presidential assassin at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and the ethics of using it as leverage for a Whit...

In this special live episode of #SistersInLaw Sidebar, the #Sisters answer your questions in Denver on everything from the intersection of religion to reviving the reputation of the DOJ, and more.  They discuss Maureen Comey’s lawsuit over her firing, the dangers the reinterpretation of the FACE Act poses for reproductive care, the effect of the Tina Peters case on attempts to interfere with elections, exposure of the SCOTUS shadow docket process, how to fight back against encroachments on religious freedom in schools, and how to hold Pam Bondi accountable for her leadership of the DOJ and restore its rep...

#SistersInLaw LIVE show in Denver they kick off by discussing the allegations against Kash Patel that led him to file a defamation lawsuit, the legal standard for defamation, and the potential national security implications.  Then, they review the key SCOTUS cases of 2026, covering the dangers posed by dark money in political contributions and by birthright citizenship.  They also examine the Trump administration’s targeting of the Southern Poverty Law Center and highlight the vital role non-profit organizations have in the fight for justice and civil rights.

Get tickets for the #SistersInLaw live show in Atlanta, Georgia on 5/3/26 at p...

Get tickets for the upcoming #SistersInLaw Live Shows at the Cervantes Masterpiece in Denver, Colorado, on 4/23/26 and the Buckhead Theater in Atlanta, Georgia, on 5/3/26 at politicon.com/tour! 

In this episode of #SistersInLaw Sidebar, Jill Wine-Banks and Joyce Vance answer your questions on everything from war crimes to voter suppression and more. Together, they discuss how to hold unresponsive elected officials accountable, what constitutes a war crime under international and U.S. law, whether provisional ballots remain available if voting is suppressed, the Tina Peters’ 2020 voting records case, the likelihood of Trump getting another Supreme Court pick, and...

Get tickets for the #SistersInLaw live shows in Denver, Colorado, on 4/23/26, and in Atlanta, Georgia on 5/3/26 at politicon.com/tour 

Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to explain the FACE Act, how it’s been used in the past, its politicization by Trump’s DOJ in recent prosecutions, and the erosion of protections granted to reproductive health clinics.  Then, the #Sisters discuss the recent antitrust verdict against Ticketmaster and Live Nation, their monopoly on the live entertainment industry, the origins of the case, the actions being taken by the DOJ and various states, and what it all means for ticket...