As the justices prepare to hear a landmark case about birthright citizenship, their family stories are a reminder that the law has shaped who can be an American.

The state and more than 20 others restrict therapists from trying to change the gender identity or sexual orientation of clients under 18.

© Rachel Woolf for The New York Times

Gao Zhen, who emigrated to the United States years ago, was arrested during a visit to China and now faces up to three years in prison for artwork.

Gao Zhen, who emigrated to the United States years ago, was arrested during a visit to China and now faces up to three years in prison for artwork.

© Shiho Fukada for The New York Times

The Times called him “the world’s most highly regarded forensic criminologist,” but later in his career he faced accusations that he had hidden and fabricated evidence.

© Jessica Hill/Associated Press

Placing too much faith in the law mistakes litigation for resistance.

The consequences would be grave.

On the modes of authoritarian crisis, more of the same and constitutional regime change.