Elie Mystal

Elie Mystal, a New York Times bestselling author, made a significant impact with the release of ‘Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution’ in March 2022, a critically acclaimed work that swiftly became a New York Times bestseller in the same month. Mystal is the justice correspondent and a columnist for The Nation, a role he commenced in December 2018, where his focus lies on the courts and the criminal justice system. His professional foundation includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard University, followed by a distinguished legal career as a litigator at Debevoise & Plimpton. Prior to his current tenure at The Nation, Mystal served as an executive editor for the legal news website Above the Law, honing his expertise in legal analysis and commentary.

Building on the success of his debut, Mystal is set to release his next anticipated book, ‘Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America,’ through The New Press in 2025. Mystal consistently provides incisive commentary and criticism regarding the U.S. Constitution and broader legal policy, making him a leading voice in the national conversation on justice and governance. His work not only informs but also challenges prevailing legal paradigms, establishing him as a compelling and influential figure in both media and the legal community.