

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

May 19, 2020 • 47min
Tison v. Arizona
Delve into the complexities of felony murder through a haunting 1987 Supreme Court case, highlighting the moral dilemmas of justice and accountability. Discover the dramatic prison escape of the Tyson brothers and the chaos that ensued, questioning the fairness of charging those without intent to kill. Explore the nuances of depraved heart murder versus intent, and critique the arbitrary nature of felony murder laws, especially regarding the death penalty for young defendants. This thought-provoking discussion challenges deep-rooted assumptions within the justice system.

May 12, 2020 • 44min
Clapper v. Amnesty International
Delve into the profound implications of a landmark Supreme Court case challenging NSA surveillance on Americans. The discussion navigates the murky waters of legal standing, emphasizing the obstacles individuals face when claiming harm. Hear critiques on the lack of transparency in governmental oversight and historical context behind the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The complexities of seeking justice in an age of pervasive surveillance are laid bare, shedding light on the disconnect between legal interpretations and real-world impacts.

May 5, 2020 • 55min
The Biden Court
The discussion dives into the potential shifts in the Supreme Court if Biden wins, emphasizing the pressures of his nominations amidst a push for progressive change. The hosts explore the impact of conservative ideologies and the importance of representation, particularly regarding a pledge to nominate a Black woman. They also highlight the often-overlooked role of lower courts and the Federalist Society's influence on judicial appointments. The conversation underscores the stakes for progressive initiatives and the challenges of centrist policies in a polarized landscape.

Apr 28, 2020 • 51min
DC v. Heller
On the eleventh episode of 5-4, Peter (@The_Law_Boy), Rhiannon (@AywaRhiannon), and Michael (@_FleerUltra) discuss the 2008 ruling that granted individuals the right to own guns, breaking with more than a century of precedent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Apr 21, 2020 • 46min
Kelo v. New London
On the tenth episode of 5-4, Peter (@The_Law_Boy), Rhiannon (@AywaRhiannon), and Michael (@_FleerUltra) take aim at the liberals on the Court who ruled that the government can seize people’s land and hand it over to private developers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Apr 14, 2020 • 50min
Castle Rock v. Gonzales
On the ninth episode of 5-4, Peter (@The_Law_Boy), Rhiannon (@AywaRhiannon), and Michael (@_FleerUltra) talk about a domestic violence case in Colorado that led to the death of three children and a Supreme Court ruling that affirmed a broad vision of police discretion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Apr 8, 2020 • 23min
Emergency Episode: RNC v. DNC
On a special episode of 5-4, Peter (@The_Law_Boy), Rhiannon (@AywaRhiannon), and Michael (@_FleerUltra) talk about the Supreme Court’s decision to block the state of Wisconsin from accepting late absentee ballots in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Apr 7, 2020 • 47min
Trump v. Hawaii
On the seventh episode of 5-4, Peter (@The_Law_Boy), Rhiannon (@AywaRhiannon), and Michael (@_FleerUltra) talk about the 2018 travel ban case, which tested the Supreme Court’s willingness to serve as a check on Donald Trump. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Mar 31, 2020 • 52min
NFIB v. Sebelius
On the sixth episode of 5-4, Peter (@The_Law_Boy), Rhiannon (@AywaRhiannon), and Michael (@_FleerUltra) take on the Obamacare ruling in 2012, which isn’t as great as ACA fans might think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Mar 24, 2020 • 60min
Terry v. Ohio
On the fifth episode of 5-4, Peter (@The_Law_Boy), Rhiannon (@AywaRhiannon), and Michael (@_FleerUltra) talk about the 1968 ruling by the Warren Court that that paved the way for stop-and-frisk laws around the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands