

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 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.

Oct 31, 2023 • 6min
Legally Blonde [TEASER]
Discussion of 'Legally Blonde' film and its impact on the legal profession. Analysis of biases in the legal profession portrayed in the movie. Exploration of the cult following and primary theme of female solidarity among female law students.

Oct 24, 2023 • 55min
Palestine Legal: "The Great Difference a Movement Lawyer Can Make"
Attorneys from Palestine Legal discuss their mission to protect Palestinian activists from harassment and the power of intersectional liberation movements. They cover topics such as challenging efforts to silence activists, sabotage of Palestinian economic activity, discrimination against Palestinian students, backlash faced by ASA professors, a case of targeted investigation, and the importance of legal expertise and organizing.

Oct 17, 2023 • 55min
Geduldig v. Aiello
The podcast discusses the case of Geduldig v. Aiello, exploring discrimination against pregnancy and the exclusion of pregnancy-related disabilities from California's unemployment insurance. They analyze the constitutional implications, discuss tiers of scrutiny in judicial review and flaws in the court's analysis of discrimination laws and equality.

Oct 10, 2023 • 1h
Berghuis v. Thompkins
Exploring the complexities of Miranda rights and the significance of invoking the right to remain silent. Criticizing the Supreme Court's opinion on remaining silent. Analyzing the discrepancy between invoking and waiving the right to remain silent. Understanding the conservative mindset towards the criminal justice system. Emphasizing the importance of clearly stating the decision to remain silent when dealing with the police. Discussing routine violation of constitutional rights and introducing 'Balls and Strikes' website for legal punditry.

Oct 3, 2023 • 7min
The Southern Manifesto [TEASER]
This episode discusses the Southern Manifesto as a response to the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling and its impact on desegregation. It explores the intense struggle between segregationists and anti-segregationists and the influence of historical and sociological context on Supreme Court cases.

4 snips
Sep 26, 2023 • 53min
Hampton v. United States
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the case of Hampton v United States, exploring the practice of entrapment and its impact on marginalized populations. They also reflect on their experiences with troublesome people in school. The hosts analyze the details of the Hampton case, questioning the court's interpretation of entrapment and its implications for modern-day law. They delve into the constitutionality and ambivalence towards sting operations. Additionally, they explore the government's role in creating crime and the Supreme Court's approach to criminality. The episode concludes with a casual conversation about a sexy laser scene in a movie.

Sep 20, 2023 • 1h 14min
2023-2024 Term Preview with Chris Geidner
Legal expert and commentator Chris Geidner joins the hosts to preview the upcoming Supreme Court term, discussing topics such as reproductive rights, LGBT rights, the administrative state, and criminal justice. They also explore controversial cases on bans of gender affirming care for minors and civil asset forfeiture. Additionally, they address ethics concerns surrounding Justice Alito and the controversy surrounding a Supreme Court case on taxing unrealized capital gains.

Sep 12, 2023 • 5min
Your Questions: Jury Nullification, Law School Reform, and More [TEASER]
The hosts answer listener questions and discuss topics like reading opinions, good prosecutors, private jets, and Burning Man in an entertaining Q&A format.

Sep 5, 2023 • 44min
United States v. Sioux Nation with Nick Estes
Nick Estes, an expert on Indigenous sovereignty and land back, joins the podcast to discuss the complexities of the land dispute case between the Sioux Nation and the United States. They explore the violent dispossession of native lands, the failures of the Supreme Court in addressing tribal sovereignty, and the methods of organizing and resistance employed by the Great Sioux Nation to reclaim their land.