Lawless
By Leah Litman
Publisher: Atria/One Signal
A co-host of the podcast Strict Scrutiny argues that the conservative Supreme Court justices are committed to protecting religious conservatives and Republican officials.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Leah Litman's "Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes" is a scathing indictment of the current state of the United States Supreme Court. Litman, a law professor at the University of Michigan and co-host of the "Strict Scrutiny" podcast, brings her extensive legal expertise and sharp wit to bear on the Court's recent trajectory.
The central thesis of "Lawless" is that the Supreme Court has abandoned its foundational commitment to impartial jurisprudence, instead operating on what Litman terms "vibes"—a nebulous amalgamation of conservative grievances and fringe theories masquerading as legal reasoning. She argues that the Court's conservative majority has consistently prioritized the interests of religious conservatives and Republican officials, often at the expense of broader democratic principles. This perspective is not merely speculative; Litman meticulously dissects recent decisions and behaviors to substantiate her claims.
One of the book's most compelling aspects is its incisive analysis of the Court's decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Litman highlights how the conservative justices exhibited an obsessive "hunt for discrimination against religious and social conservatives" within public health measures, often twisting legal precedents to fit their ideological narratives. This approach, she contends, underscores a broader pattern of the Court's alignment with far-right conspiracy theories and a departure from objective legal analysis.
Litman's writing is both accessible and engaging, deftly weaving pop culture references with rigorous legal scholarship. This stylistic choice not only makes complex legal concepts comprehensible to a general audience but also underscores the absurdity of the Court's recent jurisprudence. For instance, she draws parallels between the Court's reasoning and various cultural phenomena, illustrating how deeply entrenched conservative grievances have permeated its decisions.
Critics have lauded "Lawless" for its clarity and urgency. Publishers Weekly describes it as a "clear-eyed and alarming view of a court captured by far-right conspiracy theories," emphasizing Litman's ability to distill complex legal developments into a compelling narrative. Similarly, Civilian Reader praises the book as "highly engaging and informative," noting that even well-informed readers will find new insights within its pages.
However, some readers may find Litman's tone unapologetically critical, which could be polarizing. Her unflinching critique of the Court's conservative majority leaves little room for counterarguments, potentially alienating those with differing viewpoints. Nonetheless, the book's thorough research and compelling arguments make it a significant contribution to contemporary legal discourse.
In conclusion, "Lawless" is an essential read for anyone concerned about the integrity of the Supreme Court and the future of American democracy. Litman's incisive analysis and engaging prose provide a sobering yet necessary examination of how the highest court in the land has strayed from its foundational principles.
Recommendation: Highly recommended!
written on: 5/22/2025