
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

5 snips
Jan 23, 2024 • 1h 11min
The Federalist Society, part 1: Immodest Origins
Explore the origins and evolution of the influential right-wing organization, the Federalist Society, its impact on law schools and judge selection. Learn about the rise of conservative legal foundations, the founding of the Federalist Society by law students, their motivation and financial backing. Discover the conservative movement's strategies regarding Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Uncover the factors behind the Federalist Society's success and its influence in judicial nominations.

Dec 22, 2023 • 22min
The 5-4 Giving Guide 2023
Discover organizations to support for social justice, reproductive rights, and more. Learn about coral reef conservation, supporting trans rights, and helping homeless LGBTQ youth. The hosts express gratitude, emphasize civic engagement, and provide updates on legal proceedings.

Dec 21, 2023 • 1h 3min
How to Lose Your Job by Supporting Palestine [UNLOCKED]
Former Big Law professionals Ryna Workman and Jinan Chehade discuss their experiences of being knocked off the course for expressing solidarity with Palestine. They dive into topics such as free speech, diversity in corporate law firms, repression of pro-Palestine expression, discrimination and censorship, illegal questions and accusations, Israel's responsibility, the backlash faced for supporting Palestinians, the importance of critical thinking in law schools, and upcoming projects including a discussion on the Federalist Society.

Dec 19, 2023 • 7min
How to Lose Your Job by Supporting Palestine [TEASER]
Ryna Workman and Jinan Chehade were expelled from a Big Law course for supporting Palestine. They discuss the limitations of free speech in the US and the unequal application of it. They also uncover the ideologies of big law firms and the legal establishment and their response to Nestle's child slave labor controversy.

Dec 12, 2023 • 6min
Epic Fail! Constitutional Amendments That Didn't Make the Grade [TEASER]
Explore failed constitutional amendments including the Equal Rights Amendment and the frustration with the current political climate hindering the amendment process. Delve into the reaction and complex sentiments surrounding the death of a political figure. Discuss the process of amending the constitution, requirements for passing an amendment, and the historical rarity of amendments approved by Congress but not ratified by the states.

Dec 5, 2023 • 56min
Glacier Northwest, Inc. v. International Brotherhood of Teamsters
A concrete company's claim is examined in court. Amy Coney Barrett's language and urgency are explored. The Supreme Court reviews preemption and union behavior. Issues with clarity in the case are discussed. Implications for administrative agencies and the Biden administration are analyzed. Retirement wishes and future hopes are shared.

Nov 28, 2023 • 5min
Abe Fortas: The Justice Who Walked So Clarence Thomas Could Run [TEASER]
The podcast discusses the nomination and resignation of Abe Fortas as Chief Justice, comparing his actions to modern Supreme Court justices.

4 snips
Nov 21, 2023 • 39min
Richardson v. Ramirez
The podcast discusses the case of Richardson v. Ramirez which led to the disenfranchisement of formerly incarcerated individuals and the denial of their right to vote. It explores the 14th Amendment provision and Supreme Court ruling, and analyzes Thurgood Marshall's dissent arguing for voting rights. The podcast also delves into the unenforced provision of the 14th Amendment, voter suppression, collateral consequences of disenfranchisement, and the controversial application of the Equal Protection Clause.

Nov 14, 2023 • 54min
Schenck v. United States
This podcast explores the Supreme Court case Schenck v. United States and its impact on free speech during World War I. It delves into the background of the Espionage Act and the prosecution of socialists distributing anti-draft flyers, examining the implications for free speech and protest today. The podcast also addresses recent attacks by Iran-backed forces, the branding of Palestine activists as endorsers of terrorism, and the suppression of pro-Palestine speech. It discusses the significance of the First Amendment in protecting politically objectionable speech and the chilling effect of punishment on speech and activism.

Nov 7, 2023 • 6min
A Note From Rhiannon
The podcast discusses the urgent call to action for Gaza, emphasizing the devastating effects of the conflict and the need for a ceasefire and international solidarity. It also provides recommendations for updates, news, and education on Palestine, including photographers, journalists, poets, organizations, and legal support for pro-Palestine speech.