5-4

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!

New from Prologue Projects and Pushkin Industries: it's a new edition of Fiasco: Iran-Contra, widely available for the first time ever. New episodes of Fiasco release Mondays, available wherever you get your podcasts. Pushkin+ subscribers can listen to the full season of Iran-Contra, ad-free, now. Find Pushkin+ on the Fiasco show page in Apple Podcasts or at Pushkin.fm/plus.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the Supreme Court's complex rulings during Trump's presidency, especially regarding the Alien Enemies Act and the deportation of Venezuelan migrants. Delve into the historical and legal nuances of habeas corpus rights in immigration and the wrongful detention of Afghan refugees post-9/11. The discussion reveals how recent rulings obscure genuine due process and argues against viewing these decisions as independent from the political climate. It’s a compelling look at the intersection of law and authoritarianism.

The podcast dives into the complex Supreme Court case involving immigration and marriage rights, spotlighting Sondra Munoz's fight against visa denial. It examines the unexpected impact of a Tesla commercial on public perception and branding, particularly regarding Elon Musk. The discussion unfolds the emotional and legal challenges faced by couples dealing with immigration processes. Also explored are troubling visa denials due to misunderstandings, and the ongoing debate about due process, highlighting risks to fundamental rights in marriage amidst shifting political landscapes.

Explore tactics used to stifle free speech during the Trump administration. The discussion dives into rapid deportations without due process and the implications for vulnerable immigrant populations. It raises questions about the balance of executive power and potential repercussions in the Supreme Court. Tune in for a thought-provoking look at how these actions fit into a broader authoritarian playbook.

Delve into the Supreme Court case involving voter representation and racial discrimination in Mobile, Alabama. The discussion cleverly balances humor with the somber realities of at-large voting and its history. Explore the tension between legal good faith and actual biases that perpetuate inequality. Hear about Justice Marshall’s dissent on protecting voting rights, contrasted with judicial opinions that dilute Black electoral participation. Finally, confront the current erosion of democracy and the need for a radical change in political discourse.

A controversial Supreme Court case digs into San Francisco's battle against the EPA over sewage regulations. The complex legal landscape raises questions about public health and environmental protections. Amidst a wave of political disillusionment, grassroots mobilization is suggested as a beacon of hope. Personal health crises are linked to public safety concerns, emphasizing the role of health agencies. There’s even humor woven in, tackling societal issues of the day with a light touch and a hint at historical legal debates.

Before he was ever a Supreme Court justice, Lewis Powell was an enterprising corporate attorney representing tobacco companies and calling on CEO’s to get off their asses and flood American politics with money.If you're not a 5-4 Premium member, you're not hearing every episode! To hear this and other Premium-only episodes, access to our Slack community, and more, join at fivefourpod.com/support.5-4 is presented by Prologue Projects. This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto. Leon Neyfakh provides editorial support. Our researcher is Jonathan DeBruin, and our website was designed by Peter Murphy. Our artwork is by Teddy Blanks at Chips NY, and our theme song is by Spatial Relations.Follow the show at @fivefourpod on most platforms. On BlueSky, find Peter @notalawyer.bsky.social, Michael @fleerultra.bsky.social, and Rhiannon @aywarhiannon.bsky.social. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Delve into the explosive implications of McCutcheon v. FEC as hosts unpack the intersection of money and free speech in politics. Explore how wealthy donors disrupt election outcomes and skew representation. The conversation critiques the definition of political corruption, questioning the normalization of monetary influence. With a focus on reforms to combat the rise of oligarchy, this discussion emphasizes the urgent need for a revamped democracy that prioritizes equality over cash flow.

Dive into the Supreme Court's controversial ruling favoring crisis pregnancy centers that spread misinformation about healthcare. Explore the clash between reproductive rights and free speech, as well as the implications for informed consent in abortion services. The discussion also critiques the legal inconsistency between abortion providers and these centers. Hear lighthearted speculation about future court cases and the ever-evolving judicial landscape surrounding reproductive rights.