Austin, TX – As attacks on democracy escalate across the country, Democracy Forward convened a critical discussion at SXSW 2025 this week, bringing together legal experts, advocates, and community leaders to examine the role of the courts in protecting rights and advancing justice. 

Democracy Forward and our partners have been on the frontlines of holding the Trump-Vance administration accountable in the courts, filing litigation and winning in court on behalf of unions, nonprofit organizations, veterans groups, houses of worship, and more. Since inauguration, more than 85 lawsuits have been filed against Trump administration executive orders and actions, and judges of all stripes have ruled against the administration. At Democracy Forward alone, we have filed more than 25 legal actions since January 20 on behalf of courageous people and communities, securing major protections for the American people. 

The panel, Crisis or Catalyst? Courts, Communities, & Our Democracy, explored how people and organizations can use the law as a tool for progress in the face of extremist efforts to weaponize the judiciary.

Moderated by Skye Perryman, President & CEO of Democracy Forward, the panel featured Mini Timmaraju, President & CEO, Reproductive Freedom for All; LaNita King, Senior Director of Programs, Demand Justice; and Marcus Brown from the National Association of Real Estate Brokers who worked with Democracy Forward to defend Alabama Law ensuring diversity on the State’s Appraisers Board. They discussed the power of the courts, the threats posed by extremist legal strategies, and how communities can mobilize for a democracy that works for all.

“In recent years, many have felt our courts are in crisis as fundamental rights have been rolled back, undermining the principles of justice and equality. But history shows that crises can also be catalysts for real change—moments that demand action, inspire resilience, and drive progress. That’s exactly what the work of everyone here represents: a commitment to defending our democracy, protecting rights, and ensuring that our legal system serves all people, not just the powerful,” said Skye Perryman.

The panelists discussed how extremist legal movements are seeking to upend long-standing precedents and civil rights protections, particularly in reproductive rights, economic equity, and voting access. 

“We are in a historical moment, and we have to take a step back and recognize where we are in the arc. We haven’t had fundamental rights as women in this country, the ability to have no-fault divorce, the ability to get a credit card in our own name, the ability to rent an apartment. My mom didn’t have that when she came to this country in the 70s. We just got these freedoms, so we have to be vigilant,” said Mini Timmaraju. “And the courts are a big piece of this. And we can’t just vote right? We can’t just pass laws. We then have to consistently and aggressively defend them, and they’ve weaponized the courts against us because they do not have the people on their side. So we’ve got to work our way back through it.”

“We understand that it’s not going to be overnight. So our members know that this is a marathon. Lace up your shoes and be ready to fight for it and advocate. And there’s just so much at stake here. So we’ve kind of locked in and said that we have every intention, with the assistance of Democracy Forward, to make sure that we continue that fight,” said Marcus Brown.

“Changes are being made, like we said, but there needs to be a very strong effort to hold judges accountable and to make sure that they’re making decisions not for billionaires, not for their friends, not in terms of whatever interests they have. They have to be making it according to the law and in regards to our democracy and for people,” said LaNita King.

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