Bad Law

Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America

De: Elie Mystal

Narrado por: Elie Mystal

The New York Times bestselling author brings his trademark legal acumen and passionate snark to offer a brilliant takedown of ten shocking pieces of legislation that continue to perpetuate hate, racial bias, injustice, and inequality today—an urgent yet hopeful story for our current political climate

“Mystal is a grassroots legal superhero, and his superpower is the ability to explain to the masses in clear language the all-too-human forces at play behind the making of our laws.” —Michael Eric Dyson, New York Times bestselling author of Tears We Cannot Stop

In Bad Law, the New York Times bestselling author of Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution reimagines what our legal system, and society at large, could look like if we could move past legislation plagued by racism, misogyny, and corruption. Through accessible yet detailed prose and trenchant wit, Mystal argues that these egregiously awful laws—his “Bill of Wrongs”—continue to cause systematic and individual harm and should be repealed completely.

By exposing the flawed foundations of the rules we live by, and through biting humor and insight, Bad Law offers a crisp, pertinent take on:

• abortion and the Hyde Amendment, and the role federal funding, or lack thereof, has played in depriving women of necessary health and reproductive care
• immigration and illegal reentry, and the illusions that have been sold to us regarding immigration policy, reform, and whiteness at large
• voter registration laws, and how the right to vote has become a moral issue, and ironically, antidemocratic
• gun control and the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, and the extreme yet obvious dangers of granting immunity to gun manufacturers

But, as the man Samantha Bee calls “irrepressible and righteously indignant” and Matt Levine of Bloomberg Opinion calls “the funniest lawyer in America,” points out, these laws do not come to us from on high; we write them, and we can and should unwrite them. In a fierce, funny, and wholly original takedown spanning all the hot-button topics in the country today, one of our most brilliant legal thinkers points the way to a saner tomorrow.

©2025 Elie Mystal (P)2025 Audible, Inc.

my fav

love it, most informative,all blacks should read. why is Clarence Thomas not in jail

love Elie reading his book!!!!

very enlightening book with lots of back story items revealed that I did not know

The clarity and relevance of the arguments

The writer is engaging and unapologetic. The writer is correct in thanking his mother. A mother or father knows your true abilities. As usual, the writer speaks on the thoughts that need to be heard

Language

Loved the effectiveness of the language. I know you said some people would be put off by it but sometimes you just have to say it like it is. Great read

A Must Read!!

this is a great book that makes you think and is entertaining as well! Ellie‘s speaks with convection and you leave the book wanting more.

Bad Law, Good Book

It was really entertaining for a series of legal arguments. I can't disagree with any of his points. Can't wait for his RPG.

Smart & funny in a sad way

Such sharp thinking about things we all should know but mostly don't & that's why our govt gets away with passing laws going against things most of us believe in. We all need constan reminders of this. The humor makes it absorbable & enjoyable.

Witty funny and weighty

Elie Mystal narrates his own work with real passion, blending wit and gravitas in equal measure. His voice conveys both outrage and humor never preachy, but always compelling, with that signature snark that makes you lean in rather than tune out Clear & Accessible Despite tackling weighty subjects, Mystal writes like he’s talking to you at a kitchen table approachable and transparent

a must-read!

Anyone in office, running for office, or thinking about running for office should listen to this book. Elie lists very tangible things that anyone in power can pursue to dramatically improve this country and the lives of everyone living in it. The fact it is narrated by Elie himself should certainly nudge you towards the "purchase" button: it's one thing to read his words, but to hear them in his unique voice is another. I can't imagine ever listening to another Mystal book if he's not the narrator. It's too perfect!

anyways, the book itself is full of great insight and good ideas. Really, if you see yourself in office one day read/listen to this to generate ideas on how you be maximally effective once elected!

Elie's passion for democracy.

I learned a lot about the bad laws in the U.S. and would love to see them changed.