'Appalling!': Historians torch Supreme Court's handling of Trump ballot case

MSNBC2 minutes read

Professor Blight critiques the Supreme Court's historical ignorance, highlighting Justice Thomas' lack of knowledge regarding the Amnesty Act of 1872. The justices' reluctance to apply Section Three of the 14th Amendment is questioned, with Professor Faust noting their shallow engagement with history and Justice Roberts' misunderstanding of the amendment's intent.

Insights

  • Professor Blight criticizes the Supreme Court for lacking historical understanding in their discussions, highlighting the justices' timidity in using Section Three of the 14th Amendment and questioning the potential consequences of its neglect.
  • The justices, including Justice Thomas and Justice Roberts, are shown to have gaps in their knowledge of historical context, with Professor Faust expressing concern over their superficial engagement with history, indicating a disconnect from the framers' intentions and potential dismay over current interpretations.

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Recent questions

  • What criticisms does Professor Blight have about the Supreme Court?

    Lack of historical understanding in discussions.

  • What does Professor Faust find concerning about the justices' engagement with history?

    Superficial engagement with history in arguments.

  • What misunderstanding of the 14th Amendment does Justice Roberts have?

    Purpose to increase federal power.

  • How do the framers of the 14th Amendment feel about current interpretations?

    Dismayed by lack of clarity and understanding.

  • What does Blight criticize about the justices' use of Section Three of the 14th Amendment?

    Timidity in utilizing Section Three.

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Summary

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Supreme Court's Historical Misunderstanding: A Critique

  • Professor Blight criticizes the Supreme Court's lack of historical understanding in today's discussions.
  • Justice Thomas was uninformed about the Amnesty Act of 1872, which explained the lack of use of Section Three post-Reconstruction.
  • Blight notes the justices' timidity in utilizing Section Three of the 14th Amendment and questions the consequences of its potential erasure.
  • Professor Faust finds it unnerving how the justices superficially engage with history in their arguments.
  • Justice Roberts' misunderstanding of the purpose of the 14th Amendment is highlighted, emphasizing the aim to increase federal power.
  • The discussion reflects on how the framers of the 14th Amendment would react to the current interpretations, suggesting they would be dismayed by the lack of clarity and understanding.
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