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
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!
25 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.
25 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 60min
How the GOP is Trying to Steal the 2026 Midterms
Imani Gandy, co-chief content officer at Rewire News Group and co-host of Boom Lawyered, joins Brandon Garrett, Duke Law professor and author of Defending Due Process, to explore pressing political matters. They tackle the GOP's tactical efforts to influence the 2026 midterms, discussing redistricting in Texas and the implications of gerrymandering. The duo also highlights the erosion of due process under recent administrations, dissecting how legal integrity is vital for democracy amidst increasing polarization.
16 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 41min
Stacking the Bench with Creeps & Kooks
Mark Joseph Stern, a senior writer at Slate and co-host of the Amicus podcast, discusses alarming judicial confirmations and the rise of threats against judges. Sociologist Jessica Calarco shares insights from her book on how women became America's safety net, highlighting the burdens of caregiving during the pandemic. The conversation dives into the lack of equitable support for caregivers and critiques historical policies that perpetuate gendered labor divisions. Their dialogue underscores the urgent need for a robust care infrastructure and the evolving role of women in society.
15 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 32min
Can Trump Sue His Way Out of the Epstein Mess?
Erin Delaney, Leverholm Professor of Comparative Constitutional Law at University College London and former clerk for Justice Souter, joins the discussion to unpack Trump’s tumultuous connection to the Epstein case. The conversation dives into Trump’s questionable legal tactics and the implications for media and judicial integrity. Delaney and the hosts reflect on Justice Souter's legacy, emphasizing the importance of humility and connection in law. They also critique how recent judicial decisions could redefine presidential powers and the erosion of legal norms.
