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
8 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.
16 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 30min
SCOTUS Enables Government Destruction
In this engaging discussion, Rachel Barkow, NYU Law professor and author of Justice Abandoned, dives into the Supreme Court's troubling role in facilitating mass incarceration and ignoring constitutional rights. She highlights the consequences of recent rulings impacting government authority and civil servant protections. The conversation also touches on the historical context of punitive measures and plea bargaining, revealing the deep injustices within the legal system and the urgent need for reform in American criminal justice.
58 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.
