Episode notes
Barb McQuaid and Jill Wine-Banks answer listener questions on everything from ICE accountability to vacated convictions, and more. They discuss why courts cannot independently prosecute federal agents who overstep the law, immunity barriers in civil suits, where to find pro bono immigration help, how probate works when there is no will, the green card process in marriages, the legal line between credentialed election monitors and intimidation, and how vacating a conviction differs from a pardon or expungement in clearing the public record without automatically restoring all rights. Freshen…
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#SistersInLaw
Politicon brings the brilliant team of political and legal masterminds together for Politicon's #SistersInLaw. Joyce Vance, Jill Wine-Banks, Barb McQuade, and Kimberly Atkins Stohr will pull back the curtain on how our government actually works, take on the corrupt, share their wisdom and give us
More from #SistersInLaw All episodes →
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E342 · 26 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
342: You Hurt My Feelings
Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss Trump’s war on media organizations following the stripping of credentials to respected organizations, how his actions butt up against the 1st Amendment, and the judicial response. Then, the #Sisters examine the U.S. immigration policy of 3rd country removals, the legal challenges to it, and the ongoing human rights concerns. They also review the legality of Trump API, whether it constitutes insider trading, and the ethical concerns it raises. Remember to send in audio questions to [email protected] for the #Sisters to answer on…
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E341 · 23 Sep 2026 · 26 min
341: Big Brother Is Watching!
Joyce Vance and Kimberly Atkins Stohr answer listener questions on everything from Judge Mehta’s January 6 ruling to Apple devices listening in two-party consent states, and more. They discuss why the judge followed Rule 48 and the separation of powers even while criticizing the DOJ, how Citizens United can only be undone by a new Court majority or a constitutional amendment and why Democrats should campaign on that idea, Delta’s maps still showing Lake Ontario, why a future Democratic White House and Congress would not instantly flip Supreme Court outcomes, why lying to voters is not a…
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E340 · 19 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 14 min
340: Demolition Man
Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the SCOTUS ruling shutting down Trump’s executive order limiting mail-in voting, what it means for the upcoming midterm elections, who dissented and why, and what it means for future challenges to voting rights. Then, the #Sisters highlight legal concerns over Trump’s ongoing attempt to take control of the Kennedy Center, explain Congress's role, and explore public reactions. They also update listeners on the current status of the Epstein Transparency Act, Judge Sullivan’s orders seeking DOJ compliance, and the contempt of Congress case against…
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E339 · 16 Sep 2026 · 25 min
339: Don’t Take The Polygraph!
Joyce Vance and Barb McQuade answer listener questions on everything from Trump’s White House ballroom to the insanity defense, and more. They discuss the Supreme Court’s halt of construction without deciding its legality, Congress’s unused power of the purse, limits of presidential immunity and the political risks of impeachment, why private carriers cannot replace the Postal Service for ballots, why Congress and voters are the key to restoring the rule of law, Trump’s technical eligibility to serve as Speaker after leaving office, whether polygraphs are effective, and the two-part test for…
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E338 · 12 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
338: Follow The Money
Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss Trump’s unusual payments to his staff and his promise of $5,000 to voters if they vote for Republicans during the midterm elections. Then, the #Sisters dissect the gerrymandering battle in Missouri, looking at how the SCOTUS ruling impacts the state, the grassroots movements demanding representation, and the challenges posed by election deniers holding key positions in state government. They also explain the legal issues surrounding Trump’s continued attempts to end mail-in voting, and the effect of the limited injunction stopping the…
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E336 · 5 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
336: You’ve Got Mail
Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the recent legal battles over Trump’s attempts to interfere with mail-in voting and the potential legal consequences for presidential election meddling. Then, the #Sisters review the legal issues surrounding another shooting of a civilian by ICE in Minnesota, Governor Abbott’s extradition attempts, and the federal charges filed against the agent. They also explore the mistrial in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, looking at the mental health issues involved, what happens when there is a hung jury, and the nuances in determining criminal responsibility.…
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E335 · 2 Sep 2026 · 17 min
335: Presidents, Lies, & Videotape
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…
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E334 · 29 Aug 2026 · 50 min
334: He’s Like A Little Baby
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…
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E333 · 26 Aug 2026 · 20 min
333: Weekend At Mitch’s
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…
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E332 · 22 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
332: Stars & Stripes
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. Remember to…
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