
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

30 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.

11 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.

53 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!

31 snips
May 26, 2025 • 1h 24min
A Blockbuster Non-Opinion and a Fascism Grab Bag
Noah Rosenblum, an Associate Professor of Law at NYU known for his expertise in legal history, dives into the complex relationship between presidential power and independent agencies. He discusses a significant Supreme Court ruling that permits the president to fire federal commissioners without cause. The conversation touches on historical precedents and the consequences this ruling may have on executive authority. Additionally, the podcast navigates through topics like religious charter schools and the impact of recent legal decisions on civil rights.

19 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 44min
Will the Courts Let Trump End Birthright Citizenship?
In this episode, Elora Mukherjee, a Columbia Law School professor and director of the Immigrants' Rights Clinic, shares her expert insights on the controversial birthright citizenship case currently before the Supreme Court. They delve into the implications of a potential executive order to end citizenship by birth, discussing its challenges under the 14th Amendment. Mukherjee highlights how this could affect vulnerable families and the chaos it may instigate. The conversation also touches on the intersection of judicial independence and executive power.

46 snips
May 12, 2025 • 1h 36min
The Supreme Court’s ‘Lawless’ Era
In this engaging discussion, Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something and author of 'When We're in Charge,' delves into the challenges facing today’s leaders, especially among millennials and Gen Z. She explores the impact of the Supreme Court's recent decisions on democracy and civil rights, emphasizing the need for accountability. Litman also shares insights on sustainable leadership, navigating authenticity in workplace dynamics, and the importance of strategic communication to drive meaningful change. Plus, who knew Taylor Swift could factor into Supreme Court discussions?