Description

From the New York Times bestselling author renowned for his sharp legal analysis and incisive humor comes a powerful critique of ten deeply troubling laws fueling prejudice, racial inequality, injustice, and social division today. An essential and optimistic call to action for our politically charged times, Bad Law shines a revealing spotlight on legislation we continue to uphold that undermines true justice and equality.

Described by Michael Eric Dyson, bestselling author of Tears We Cannot Stop, as “a grassroots legal superhero” gifted at making the complexities of law clearly understandable, Elie Mystal, author of the acclaimed bestseller Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution, presents a compelling new vision of a legal system and society free from bias, corruption, misogyny, and racism. With razor-sharp wit and clear-sighted analysis, Mystal argues that these harmful policies—which he cleverly calls his “Bill of Wrongs”—perpetuate systemic damage and individual suffering, and must be completely abolished.

With biting humor and illuminating insight, Bad Law exposes the flawed logic and foundations behind problematic laws, tackling pressing issues including:

– Abortion access and the Hyde Amendment, highlighting how withholding federal funding actively deprives women of critical reproductive and healthcare choices.

– Immigration policy and illegal reentry statutes, examining the myths promoted around immigration reform and their connection to deep-rooted beliefs on race and privilege.

– Voter registration restrictions, uncovering how basic democratic rights have wrongly been turned into partisan moral questions, ironically threatening our democracy itself.

– Gun control laws, specifically the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, exposing the blatant and dangerous absurdity of providing legal immunity to firearm manufacturers.

Celebrated by TV personality Samantha Bee as “irrepressible and righteously indignant,” and by Bloomberg Opinion’s Matt Levine as “the funniest lawyer in America,” Elie Mystal reminds readers that laws aren’t handed down as permanent mandates—they are created by people and thus can and should be reconsidered, rewritten, or repealed. Engaging, entertaining, and concise, Bad Law speaks clearly and urgently to today’s divisive issues, offering hope and a practical pathway toward a fairer future.