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
20 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.
30 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.
