How Things Work: The Legal Edition

A new rapid-response project breaking down key legal developments, its impact on civil rights and daily life, and steps to protect our communities.

About

CRSJ, in collaboration with the DEI Center and its entities, the Center for Public Interest Law and its entities, the Young Lawyers Division, and other Section Divisions and Forums, is launching a new rapid-response project that will provide videos, resources, and other information breaking down key legal developments by explaining specific actions the government is taking, the legality of these actions, its impact on civil rights and daily life, and steps attorneys and advocates can take to protect our communities.

On-Demand Episodes View All Section On-Demand Recordings

Attacks on Judges: An Existential Threat?

Attacks on judges since January 2025 threaten judicial independence. Judge Nancy Gertner (Ret.) and Nathan Bruemmer discuss what’s changed, what’s at stake, and how we defend the courts.

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F-1 Student Visa Revocations

Explore the impact of SEVIS changes on international students, with insights from legal and education experts on immigration status, university responses, and ongoing policy challenges.

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Indian Country Advocacy with the Trump Administration

Katie Klass and Geoffrey Strommer discuss the Trump Administration’s impact on Indian Country, lack of Tribal consultation, and strategies to protect sovereignty and strengthen Tribal governance.

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Unraveling Justice: Systemic Inequities, Representation, and the Fight for Civil Rights

Civil rights leaders discuss the Administration's rollback of DEI, police accountability, and equity. Learn how communities can resist regression and protect progress toward justice & inclusion.

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Birthright Citizenship & Native Americans

Discussion on EO 14160’s threat to Native American citizenship with insights from ASU’s Indian Legal Program experts. Covers legal history, civil rights, and current immigration enforcement issues.

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Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling

Explore how “radical indoctrination” narratives impact public schools, curriculum laws, and free speech with Alice O’Brien and Paul D. Henderson in this episode of How Things Work.

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Threat to Military Rule of Law

Defense Secretary Hegseth's removal of senior military lawyers sparks concern over legal independence, military justice, and compliance with civil and international law, say experts Maurer and Ghiotto.

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Birthright Citizenship

Legal experts Mohammad Ali Syed and Stephanie Baez discuss the Birthright Citizenship Executive Order in this rapid-response program. They explore legal challenges, the impact on families and asylum-seekers, and broader civil rights implications.

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Immigrants & Crime Myths

Wendy Wayne and Stephanie Baez discuss myths about noncitizens and crime, the impact of the Laken Riley Act on defense counsel, and strategies for attorneys representing noncitizen clients in criminal court.

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The Legacy of The Laken Riley Act

Discover the impact of the Laken Riley Act as Kevin A. Gregg and Michelle Jacobson examine its effects on judicial discretion, prosecutorial power, and mandatory detention policies.

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Mass Deportation & Expedited Removal

Discover the impact of recent immigration-related Executive Orders as Valeria Gomez and Michelle Jacobson examine enforcement shifts, increased detention, expedited removal, and what these changes mean for noncitizens and communities.

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Guantanamo Bay Detentions

Discover the impact of U.S. migrant detention policies as Dr. Dora Schriro and Michelle Jacobson examine detention at Guantanamo Bay, enforcement standards, and potential civil rights violations that advocates and lawyers should know about.

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The Hyde Amendment

Join Gretchen Borchelt of the National Women’s Law Center and Aracely Muñoz of the ABA CRSJ as they discuss a recent Executive Order on the Hyde Amendment and its impact on federal abortion funding, reproductive rights, and access to healthcare.

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Immigration Registration

Join Valencia Herrera and Adonia Simpson for a discussion on the Trump administration’s directive requiring noncitizens 14+ to register. Learn about its historical context, legal risks, penalties, and how advocates can assist affected individuals.

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Submit Ideas

We welcome topic suggestions that address urgent civil rights concerns, significant legal shifts, and government actions with widespread implications. Whether you’re a legal expert, advocate, or engaged community member, your insights help shape the content of these timely programs. If you have a topic suggestion or would like to contribute expertise to an upcoming video or resource, please submit your ideas.

Submit Your Ideas