

5-4
Prologue Projects
5-4 is a podcast about how much the Supreme Court sucks. Hosted by Peter Shamshiri, Rhiannon Hamam, and Michael Liroff, it's a progressive and occasionally profane take on the ideological battles at the heart of the Court's most important landmark cases and an irreverent tour of all the ways in which the law is shaped by politics.Subscribe to our premium episodes & much more at fivefourpod.com/support5-4 is a production of Prologue Projects.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 18, 2025 • 45min
Department of Homeland Security v. Thuraissigiam
The discussion dives into the implications of habeas corpus in the context of expedited removals. Thuraissigiam's asylum claim highlights the complexities of the detention process. Alito's originalist interpretation raises eyebrows, while dissenting voices like Sotomayor spotlight significant misinterpretations of precedent. The hosts also tackle the urgency of judicial oversight to prevent unchecked removals and explore how political whims can threaten due process, all underscored by alarming deportation statistics.

10 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 50min
“What’s at Stake is Everything”: The Last Columbia Protester in ICE Detention
In this discussion, attorney Sadaf Hassan sheds light on ICE practices and governmental surveillance, focusing on the targeting of protesters like Leqaa Kordia. Amal Thabate, from The Clear Project, reveals the complexities of habeas and immigration proceedings, and the procedural tactics that keep detainees like Leqaa trapped. They explore Laqa'a's unique story as a Palestinian woman in ICE detention and emphasize the chilling implications of repression on free speech and advocacy. Their call to action highlights the importance of community support in fighting against such injustices.

9 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 46min
Garcetti v. Ceballos
A fascinating analysis of the Garcetti v. Ceballos case reveals the Supreme Court's controversial ruling on public employees' speech rights. The hosts dissect the implications of limiting First Amendment protections for job-related speech and explore whistleblower laws. They critique the court's decisions, highlighting how this can empower bad-faith actors. Ethical duties of prosecutors and real-world examples of retaliation against dissent are also examined, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by public employees today.

6 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 5min
Panic! In The Federal Judiciary [TEASER]
Federal judges are sounding alarms about the chaos stemming from the Supreme Court's emergency docket. Despite these concerns, Amy Coney Barrett insists everything is fine, throwing in some enthusiasm for originalism. The hosts also take a detour to discuss the symbolic demolition of the White House East Wing, sparking intriguing reactions. Tune in for a mix of judicial critiques and unexpected historical tidbits!

23 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 49min
Immigration and Naturalization Service v. Lopez-Mendoza
Delve into the complex world of immigration law and constitutional rights as the hosts unpack the case involving the arrests of two Mexican workers. They explore the Fourth Amendment's implications in deportation proceedings and critique Justice O'Connor's rationale for treating deportation as civil. With passionate discussions on exclusionary rules, systemic incentives, and the long-term effects on immigration enforcement, the engaging analysis reveals the significant gaps in rights protections within immigration courts.

9 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 43min
Rhiannon Interviews Mahmoud Khalil
Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and Palestinian activist, shares his powerful journey after being detained by ICE for over 100 days. He discusses the importance of refusing silence and how his experience connects with the broader Palestinian struggle. Mahmoud reflects on the poignant stories of fellow detainees and the need for solidarity beyond individual movements. He emphasizes sustaining activism beyond immediate crises and the inspiration he draws from literature and collective liberation.

39 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 39min
Department of State v. AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition
This discussion dives into the implications of a Supreme Court ruling that could allow the government to withhold foreign aid, affecting millions. The hosts explore Nixon's legacy of impoundment and dissect how aid cuts could lead to a staggering 14 million deaths. They also critique how USAID creates dependency while serving U.S. geopolitical interests. The conversation highlights the political prioritization of funding cuts versus military support, reflecting a broader conservative legal shift limiting checks on executive power.

Oct 7, 2025 • 5min
Free Speech, Chilled to Perfection [TEASER]
Dive into the heated debates over free speech during the Trump administration. Explore how the government reacted to celebrations of violence and labeled Antifa as a terrorist threat. Discover the tension between the Supreme Court's broad protections and the realities of free speech limits. The hosts analyze the significance of legal nuances and the real consequences for joking about sensitive topics. This engaging discussion showcases why understanding these issues is crucial in today’s political landscape.

48 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 59min
2025-2026 Supreme Court Term Preview
The upcoming Supreme Court term is shaping up to be a fierce battleground. Key topics include two controversial trans athlete cases and challenges to conversion therapy. Voting rights are under threat as the Court examines the Voting Rights Act and mail-in voting regulations. Criminal law faces scrutiny with cases addressing double jeopardy and the death penalty. Additionally, the Court's expanding use of the shadow docket raises concerns about executive power in tariff decisions. Buckle up for a turbulent legal landscape!

35 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 57min
Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo
The discussion delves into the Supreme Court ruling in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, shedding light on racial profiling and its controversial implications for civil liberties under current immigration policies. The tricky dynamics within the Court are dissected, revealing tensions among justices. Critical examination of Fourth Amendment rights during immigration enforcement raises questions about systemic discrimination. Moreover, the podcast scrutinizes the historical roots of authoritarianism in U.S. legal decisions, highlighting the troubling shift in judicial ideology.


