Allow Me to Retort

by Elie Mystal

First published 2022

Elie Mystal takes aim at Republican interpretations of constitutional law. The commentator and attorney systematically challenges conservative positions on major legal issues. Mystal disputes claims that the First Amendment permits religious discrimination against gay people seeking services. He rejects arguments that the Second Amendment protects private arsenals. The author contests assertions that capital punishment avoids cruel and unusual punishment standards. Mystal argues that legal remedies exist for police violence against communities of color, contrary to Republican claims. He applies his humor and legal knowledge to explain gerrymandering, voter suppression, privacy rights, and substantive due process. The book targets conservative judges and their rulings. Mystal demonstrates how stop-and-frisk violates constitutional protections through racial discrimination. He shows readers how the Fourteenth Amendment historically challenged white supremacist policies and retains that power today. The book provides accessible arguments for readers to counter Republican legal positions in their personal conversations.

Genres: american, political-science, politics, non-fiction, law, academic

Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking

Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, social-commentary

270 pages · Hardcover · The New Press

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