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
21 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 20min
Trump’s DOJ Shakedown
In this engaging discussion, journalist Irin Carmon, author of 'Unbearable: Five Women and the Perils of Pregnancy in America,' delves into how the Dobbs decision has dehumanized pregnant individuals. She highlights the troubling intersections of law, race, and reproductive control, exposing systemic issues in healthcare for expectant mothers. Carmon also tackles the implications of fetal personhood on IVF and the regulatory challenges facing midwifery. Her eye-opening insights reveal the urgent need for reform in pregnancy care and rights.
14 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 46min
Will the Voting Rights Act Survive SCOTUS?
Sam Spital, Associate Director-Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, dives deep into Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, revealing its critical role in combating vote dilution. He highlights how recent partisan requirements threaten its effectiveness. Meanwhile, Joyce Vance, a former U.S. Attorney, discusses her book, sharing insights on why the next election is crucial for democracy and the importance of community engagement in civic action. Their conversation navigates the precarious state of voting rights and the ongoing fight for justice.
14 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 49min
Will SCOTUS Allow Conversion Therapy for Minors?
John Fabian Witt, a Yale historian and law professor, joins to explore his book, The Radical Fund. He uncovers how philanthropist Charles Garland's vision transformed early 20th-century labor and civil rights organizing. Witt discusses the fund's cross-racial democracy efforts and strategies that facilitated industrial unionism. He reveals the importance of financing pivotal NAACP cases, such as Steele v. Louisville, and draws parallels to current changes and challenges in organizing. The conversation offers fresh insights into how philanthropy can drive social progress today.
13 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 33min
Something Wicked This Way Comes: A SCOTUS Term Preview
Juliana Stratton, the Lieutenant Governor of Illinois and a U.S. Senate candidate, digs into important issues like Trump’s National Guard deployment plan and how states can resist federal overreach. She emphasizes the need for local action, including protections for abortion and LGBTQ rights. Stratton also critiques the Supreme Court’s current alignment with authoritarian policies and shares her hopes for sustained civic engagement and grassroots activism. Tune in for her insights on maintaining checks against federal power!
43 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 59min
The Trump Administration's SCOTUS Winning Streak
Sherrilyn Ifill, founding director of the 14th Amendment Center, and Jamelle Bouie, a political commentator for the New York Times, explore the profound connection between Reconstruction-era legal battles and today's Supreme Court. They discuss how the post-Civil War 'Redemption Court' limited the 14th Amendment's reach, drawing parallels to current efforts challenging federal protections. The conversation reveals how historical themes resonate in today's judicial landscape, emphasizing the ongoing fight for civil rights and the importance of public education around the 14th Amendment.
9 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 45min
Looking for Bright Spots in the Courts
Skye Perryman, President & CEO of Democracy Forward, co-hosts a lively discussion on recent legal developments, focusing on the pushback against the shadow docket by lower courts. Former NAACP Legal Defense Fund leader Sherrilyn Ifill joins to highlight Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s impactful tenure on the Supreme Court. The conversation dives into her fearless approach, her ability to engage with complex hypotheticals, and her clash with Justice Thomas, reshaping the narrative around judicial integrity and accountability.
26 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 40min
How SCOTUS is Making Project 2025 a Reality
Symone Sanders Townsend, co-host of MSNBC’s The Weeknight and former senior advisor to President Biden, joins the discussion to unpack the Supreme Court's influence on Project 2025. They explore how recent rulings facilitate government policies impacting immigration and racial profiling. Townsend emphasizes the disconnect between court decisions and the lived realities of marginalized communities. The conversation also delves into the Court's role in shaping educational governance and the implications of Christian nationalism on public rights.
62 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 42min
The Lower Courts Punch Up
Justin Driver, Robert R. Slaughter Professor of Law at Yale and author of 'The Fall of Affirmative Action,' discusses the recent Supreme Court changes affecting education and diversity. He delves into the consequences of abolishing affirmative action, highlighting its impact on Black student experiences and the complexities of racial dynamics in academia. The conversation also explores how universities can maintain diversity without traditional affirmative action, raising questions about the future of equal opportunity in higher education.
26 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 55min
The Shadow Docket Just Won’t Quit
Eli Savit, Washtenaw County Prosecutor and Michigan Attorney General candidate, discusses threats to marriage equality and the pivotal role state attorneys general play in defending LGBTQ rights. Serena Mayeri, a legal expert and author, shares insights from her book on the evolution of marriage laws in the U.S., addressing systemic discrimination and the complexities facing marginalized communities. Together, they explore the legal landscape shaped by recent Supreme Court decisions and the ongoing fight for civil rights amidst shifting societal norms.
42 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 51min
The Dubious Legality of Trump's DC Takeover
Join Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood, and Lisa Beattie Frelinghuysen, founder of Clutch Kit, as they dive into the turbulent aftermath of the Dobbs decision. They discuss the current landscape of reproductive rights, highlighting the challenges women face and the innovative solutions being developed. The conversation also touches on the implications of Trump's attempts at federal intervention in D.C., exploring the balance of power and the urgent need for advocacy to protect health care access.
