Strict Scrutiny
Crooked Media
Strict Scrutiny is a podcast about the United States Supreme Court and the legal culture that surrounds it.
Hosted by three badass constitutional law professors-- Leah Litman, Kate Shaw, and Melissa Murray-- Strict Scrutiny provides in-depth, accessible, and irreverent analysis of the Supreme Court and its cases, culture, and personalities. Each week, Leah, Kate, and Melissa break down the latest headlines and biggest legal questions facing our country, emphasizing what it all means for our daily lives.
Whether you’re a lawyer or law student, or you’re just here for the messy legal drama, Strict Scrutiny has you covered. New episodes out every Monday… plus bonuses whenever SCOTUS takes away another one of our rights.
Hosted by three badass constitutional law professors-- Leah Litman, Kate Shaw, and Melissa Murray-- Strict Scrutiny provides in-depth, accessible, and irreverent analysis of the Supreme Court and its cases, culture, and personalities. Each week, Leah, Kate, and Melissa break down the latest headlines and biggest legal questions facing our country, emphasizing what it all means for our daily lives.
Whether you’re a lawyer or law student, or you’re just here for the messy legal drama, Strict Scrutiny has you covered. New episodes out every Monday… plus bonuses whenever SCOTUS takes away another one of our rights.
Episodes
Mentioned books
19 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 10min
Introducing Runaway Country: Justice Has Left the Building
Anam Raman Petit, a former immigration judge, shares her troubling experiences in immigration courts, highlighting the chilling effects of ICE detentions on due process. She discusses the emotional turmoil faced by judges and families amidst political pressure and mass firings. Andrew Weissmann, former lead prosecutor in Robert Mueller's Special Counsel, analyzes the DOJ's politicization under the Trump administration, revealing the detrimental impact on the rule of law and the demoralization of career staff. Both guests emphasize the urgent need for engagement in protecting democratic norms.
38 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 15min
Our Favorite Things, 2025
Ellen Weintraub, former Federal Election Commission chair, joins to share her insights on agency independence and campaign finance. She critiques current Supreme Court arguments that threaten independent agencies, warning of dire regulatory consequences. Ellen also discusses the complexities of campaign finance, emphasizing misunderstandings in the courts. Amidst her serious topics, she shares her favorite books and travel tips, blending expertise with a personal touch.
10 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 25min
SCOTUS Is About to Turbocharge Presidential Power
The hosts dive into Trump v. Slaughter, exploring how it could reshape the administrative state by giving the president power to fire independent agency heads. They analyze the implications of overruling significant precedents and discuss the legal theatrics of the oral arguments. There's a critical look at the unitary executive theory and its potential to undermine democracy. Additionally, they tackle campaign finance challenges and dissect a contentious death penalty case, all while sharing amusing anecdotes from the courtroom.
31 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 8min
We Need To Talk About Trump’s Maritime Murders
In this discussion, Rebecca Ingber, a law professor and former State Department lawyer, dives into the controversial maritime strikes against alleged narcoterrorists. She highlights the legal ramifications of these actions, labeling them as unauthorized and potentially murderous. Ingber also stresses the gravity of targeting shipwrecked survivors as a violation of the law of war, which could amount to a war crime. The conversation further addresses military obligations under the UCMJ and scrutinizes public and political reactions, calling for accountability.
24 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 36min
SCOTUS Greenlights Racial Gerrymandering in Texas
In a gripping analysis, the hosts dissect the Supreme Court's decision allowing Texas to employ racially skewed district maps for midterms. They explore the implications of Trump’s push for redistricting and the DOJ's controversial involvement. With outrage, they examine how this ruling disregards minority rights and highlights the Court's troubling biases. The discussion also critiques the flawed reasoning behind the stay and the detrimental effect of requiring alternative maps. The hosts call for continued activism in the face of this alarming decision.
35 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 10min
December Preview: SCOTUS Doubles Down on Its BS
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin joins the discussion, bringing insights on the intriguing abortion-related case, First Choice Women's Resource Centers v. Platkin. He elaborates on the investigation's implications for federal jurisdiction and state powers to protect consumers. The conversation dives into the ongoing legal shifts within SCOTUS, touching on cases regarding campaign finance and asylum review. Platkin warns of the potential repercussions if federal courts reverse state investigations, emphasizing the intersection of abortion politics and federalism.
15 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 46min
Boy Math, Boy Law, Man Problems
Jill Hasday, a University of Minnesota law professor and author of 'We the Men', joins the conversation to explore the often-overlooked struggles of women in legal history. She discusses the erasure and distortion of women's contributions and how historical narratives can falsely proclaim equality. Hasday highlights the importance of memorializing women's achievements to influence contemporary politics and advocates for ongoing grassroots resistance. She also sheds light on remarkable unsung fighters like Anne Davideau, who challenged outdated laws.
7 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 17min
The Agonies of Brett Kavanaugh
A thrilling discussion unfolds around the implications of SNAP benefits litigation and the explosive emails linking Jeffrey Epstein to powerful figures. Tension rises as the Supreme Court hears a case on military contractor immunity, highlighting Brett Kavanaugh's dramatic objections. The podcast also addresses the controversial prosecution of Representative LaMonica McIver and examines civil rights violations faced by inmates. The hosts share their favorite cultural picks, merging legal insights with engaging recommendations.
11 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 31min
Will SCOTUS Say No to Trump’s Tariffs?
LaMonica McIver, a member of Congress from New Jersey's 10th District, discusses her controversial oversight visit to an ICE facility and the absurd criminal charges she faces. Legal analyst Steve Vladeck breaks down the complex dynamics of emergency orders, especially regarding SNAP funding disputes, explaining Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's urgent administrative stay. The conversation highlights the intersection of politics, accountability, and judicial processes, all while keeping a light-hearted tone with audience engagement and trivia.
10 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 17min
The Legal Battles Over Trump’s War on Blue Cities
The hosts tackle the legal ramifications of federal actions in cities like Chicago and Portland, focusing on ICE policies and National Guard involvement. They also examine Kim Davis's return to court regarding anti-same-sex marriage rulings. The discussion includes the administration's controversial strikes on boats in South America and questions around Trump's potential third term. Additionally, they preview key upcoming SCOTUS cases, including a challenge to tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
