
5-4
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.
Latest episodes

36 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 3min
Trump v. CASA, Inc.
Dive into the legal battle surrounding an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented parents. Discover the implications of nationwide injunctions and the role of the 14th Amendment in shaping citizenship rights. Explore the contentious relationship between judicial authority and executive power, as well as the potential dangers of statelessness. Finally, reflect on how these legal decisions could shape future governance and civil rights amid complex immigration debates.

24 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 9min
United States v. Skrmetti
The Supreme Court's ruling on a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming care for minors raises serious concerns for trans youth. The discussion criticizes the implications of this decision and its real-life impact on families. Insights into equal protection laws reveal shortcomings in safeguarding marginalized groups. The dialogue also critiques judicial interpretations that conflict with expert medical opinions on trans healthcare. Unexpected shifts in judicial support are examined, highlighting the complexities of navigating legal and political landscapes for trans rights.

18 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 54min
The DOGE Cases
Join Jay Willis, a legal expert from Balls and Strikes, and journalist Josie Duffy Rice as they delve into the controversial Supreme Court decisions surrounding the Department of Government Efficiency's access to Social Security data. They humorously navigate the absurdities of the situation while highlighting serious privacy concerns. The duo critiques the prioritization of government efficiency over democratic values and discusses the urgent need for long-term thinking in data governance. Expect insights and laughs as they unpack the perilous implications of these legal decisions.

21 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 42min
Trump v. Wilcox
The podcast dives into a Supreme Court case that bolster Trump’s authority to fire independent agency leaders, raising eyebrows about civil rights and executive power. It humorously examines the quirkiness of legal education and law reviews. Discussions highlight Justice Kagan's dissent against increasing executive dominance, alongside concerns about the Court's conservative shift and its impact on labor rights. The hosts also critique political strategies and preview upcoming legal battles, including a notable Supreme Court decision on Dogecoin.

Jun 3, 2025 • 5min
Copaganda with Alec Karakatsanis [TEASER]
Despite crime rates hitting historic lows, many people feel increasingly unsafe. This is largely due to the media's portrayal of crime, shaped by corporate and law enforcement interests. A civil rights lawyer dives into these themes in his new book, exploring how narratives are manipulated to influence public perception. The discussion also reflects on the impact of significant events like the George Floyd protests, shedding light on the deep connections between media, policing, and community fear.

6 snips
May 27, 2025 • 43min
Jones v. North Carolina Prisoners' Labor Union
The podcast dives into the pivotal Supreme Court case addressing inmates' rights to unionize. It discusses the origins of prison labor unions and the historical context of prisoner activism, influenced by movements like Black Power. The show critiques political elders' reluctance to share power and examines the implications of denying prisoners' rights based on unfounded fears. It highlights the significance of collective action among incarcerated individuals and their struggle for dignity and autonomy, underscoring hunger strikes as forms of powerful protest.

May 20, 2025 • 5min
No Due Process, Yes Jumbo Plane [TEASER]
The discussion humorously critiques political absurdities under the Trump administration. Topics range from student visa revocations to the struggle for judicial power. By connecting serious issues to fast food, the hosts invite listeners to reflect on the ridiculousness of today's political landscape. Plus, there's a whimsical mention of Trump's jumbo plane, adding an entertaining flair to the heavy themes.

10 snips
May 6, 2025 • 51min
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier
Dive into the contentious world of student free speech rights as the podcast explores the landmark case of Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier. Learn how this Supreme Court ruling allowed schools to censor student newspapers, raising questions about academic freedom. The conversation also touches on the emotional ties formed in radical online communities and their historical counterparts. With childhood anecdotes and a humorous take on language, this discussion highlights the ongoing challenges of censorship in education.

10 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 57min
United States v. Zubaydah
The podcast explores the Supreme Court case about government-sanctioned torture, focusing on the implications of state secrets and national security. It highlights the ethical dilemmas of U.S. counterterrorism measures post-9/11 and critiques the judicial system's handling of Zubaydah's case. The discussion also addresses the failures of the liberal establishment in holding itself accountable, raising concerns about transparency and civil liberties. Humor intersperses serious legal analysis, making complex topics accessible and thought-provoking.

Apr 22, 2025 • 5min
Movie Review: The Firm [TEASER]
In a light-hearted review, the hosts dive into the 1993 thriller starring Tom Cruise, highlighting its startling parallels to today's legal landscape. They explore the film's intriguing plot and complex characters, all while maintaining a humorous and casual tone. This discussion serves as a refreshing escapism from their usual focus on serious topics like the Supreme Court and civil liberties. Prepare for laughs, insights, and a unique take on a classic legal drama!