
Strict Scrutiny
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.
Latest episodes

45 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 39min
Hunger Games for Legal Hackery
Katie Phang, an independent journalist and trial lawyer, teams up with Chris Hayes, host of MSNBC's All In, to tackle a whirlwind of legal news. They dissect the Supreme Court's growing support for controversial presidential actions and explore the chaos surrounding potential Trump appointees. Hayes shares insights from his book on the attention economy, equating modern attention struggles with historical exploitation. Expect a lively discussion on the implications of judicial integrity and the power of grassroots activism.

65 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 40min
A Term for the Rich, the Reactionaries, and the Ruthless
The hosts recap an eventful Supreme Court term, spotlighting significant rulings affecting marginalized groups. They discuss the tension between corporate interests and individual rights, diving into the implications of recent decisions. Controversies surrounding Justice Barrett and differing opinions on DEI within the court reveal deep divides. The absurdity of political branding, like Trump fragrances, adds humor to the mix. There’s also a deep dive into wrongful deportations, touching on systemic discrimination and immigration policy.

21 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 2min
SCOTUS Strengthens Conservative War on Education
Dive into the recent Supreme Court rulings and their impact on education, particularly challenges to church-state separation in public schools. The hosts discuss key cases affecting LGBTQ+ rights in curricula and parents’ influence on educational content. They dissect a controversial age verification law for adult entertainment and its implications for free speech. With humor and insightful commentary, they reflect on the consequences of these legal battles for societal values and the future of public education.

41 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 52min
SCOTUS Clears the Way for Trump’s Lawlessness
In a gripping discussion, the hosts unpack a startling Supreme Court decision that empowers the Trump administration to bypass judicial oversight. They highlight how this ruling threatens birthright citizenship and critiques the growing reluctance of courts to intervene in executive actions. The conversation delves into the complexities surrounding class actions and nationwide injunctions, revealing the implications for individual rights. Dissenting voices from Justices Sotomayor and Jackson raise alarms about the erosion of constitutional protections, urging listeners to take action.

21 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 53min
SCOTUS Deals Massive Blow to Health Care Access
Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood, discusses a recent ruling in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and its dire implications for healthcare access nationwide. She and the hosts dive into the ripple effects on patients and the healthcare disparities for vulnerable communities. They also critique the Supreme Court's approach to civil rights and Medicaid, shedding light on how recent decisions threaten reproductive rights and equitable healthcare. It's a powerful mix of important legal analysis with a dash of humor.

23 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 38min
Ketanji Brown Jackson Sounds the Alarm
In a compelling discussion, Steve Vladeck, a Georgetown Law professor and Substack author, Mike Sacks, a former legal journalist and congressional candidate, and Bec Ingber, a legal scholar and ex-counselor on international law, delve into pressing legal issues. They tackle the implications of military intervention and the War Powers Resolution, dissect recent Supreme Court decisions, and highlight Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's vision for the court's future. Their insights on corporate influence and the erosion of judicial integrity shed light on today's legal landscape.

17 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 39min
SCOTUS Upholds Tennessee Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
Chase Strangio, Deputy Director for Transgender Justice at the ACLU, joins the discussion after arguing the pivotal United States v. Skrmetti case. He dives into the Supreme Court's troubling decision to uphold Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors and its extensive implications for LGBTQ+ rights. The conversation explores the legal challenges ahead and critiques the majority’s reasoning. Strangio emphasizes the urgent need for advocacy and cultural narratives to combat misinformation and protect the rights of the transgender community.

7 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 43min
Can Trump Mobilize the Military Without California's Consent?
Chase Strangio, the ACLU’s Deputy Director for Transgender Justice, dives into the pressing threats to trans rights amidst rising authoritarianism under the Trump administration. He reflects on the legal complexities of military involvement in civil unrest and advocates for renewed activism. The conversation also navigates the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings affecting civil liberties, while a lively game about iconic breakups adds a fun twist, blending serious discourse with humor and pop culture.

63 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 33min
9-0, but Make It Complicated
The hosts dive into the complexities of a unanimous Supreme Court decision, touching on cases about reverse discrimination and gun manufacturer liability. They analyze the implications of Trump's travel bans and the lawsuit against North Carolina following a Democrat's win. Kate shares her experience testifying before Congress, highlighting biases faced by women. The lively exchange is spiced with insights on recent rulings affecting healthcare, discrimination, and the intertwining of politics and podcasting, making for an engaging legal discussion with a personal touch.

36 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 34min
It's Officially Bad Decision Season
Join Ambassador Norm Eisen, a key figure in litigation against the Trump administration, and Emily Amick, author of 'Emily in Your Phone,' as they tackle pressing issues surrounding reproductive rights and the current legal battles. They dive into the recent surge of lawsuits against Trump and dissect the implications of these legal challenges. The conversation also touches on the disturbing sexual harassment claims in Texas and how these shape the broader narrative of accountability in politics and law. Insightful, provocative, and utterly engaging!