
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

Jun 29, 2024 • 1h 6min
The Supreme Court Makes Its Biggest Power Grab in a Generation
The podcast discusses the Supreme Court's major power shift, overturning the Chevron doctrine and impacting regulatory decisions. They also cover criminalizing homelessness, charging January 6th insurrectionists, and controversial statements on abortion. A tough day at 1 First Street indeed.

Jun 28, 2024 • 1h 2min
SCOTUS Dodges the Question of Emergency Abortions
Legal expert Fatima Goss-Graves joins the hosts to dissect SCOTUS dodging the emergency abortion question. They analyze the implications of the Supreme Court's recent decisions on the administrative state, clean air, and big pharma.

Jun 26, 2024 • 40min
SCOTUS Greenlights Government Corruption
The podcast discusses the implications of government corruption rulings, including a case on emergency pregnancy care. They explore Supreme Court decisions favoring corruption, controversies around accepting gifts from billionaires, and Justice Kagan's views on corruption laws. The hosts touch on social media censorship, standing issues in court cases, and the impact of political gifts on conservative interests.

Jun 24, 2024 • 1h 40min
A Very DC Saturday Night
The Second Gentleman and a legal expert discuss SCOTUS decisions, court reform, and domestic violence cases. They play a game, talk about gun regulations, and analyze Court's rulings on liberty interests of non-citizen spouses. Former AG Holder joins in for a lighthearted segment.

Jun 20, 2024 • 33min
SCOTUS's Indefensible Delay in Trump's Immunity Case
The podcast delves into Supreme Court decisions on repatriation taxes, malicious prosecution, federal rules of evidence, and retaliatory arrests. They express concern over the delayed progress on Trump's immunity case and discuss potential implications for shareholders. The hosts also speculate on justices' opinions, tease a live show with special guests, and express gratitude towards an occupational therapist.

Jun 17, 2024 • 1h 17min
Mifepristone Stays on the Market (live from Tribeca!)
New York Magazine journalist Irin Carmon discusses the practical effects of the Supreme Court's ruling on mifepristone in front of a live audience at the Tribeca Festival. The hosts analyze recent court opinions, including the FDA approval of mifepristone for medication abortion and legal battles over abortion pills. They also reflect on accomplishments, set goals for the year, and discuss court agency deference, science, and potential Chevron overruling.

4 snips
Jun 14, 2024 • 43min
The Textualist Case for Mass Shootings
Leah and Melissa discuss the Court's decision on bump stock ban, exploring textualist arguments. They analyze trigger function interpretations, Justice Sotomayor's dissent, and potential effects on gun regulations. The episode delves into Justice Alito's views, Congressional action, and concerns about increased gun violence.

5 snips
Jun 10, 2024 • 1h 10min
Texas Doubles Down on Life-Threatening Abortion Ban
Molly Duane, Lawyer from the Center for Reproductive Rights, discusses the disheartening outcome of the Zurawski case in Texas, highlighting stories of women who testified. The podcast also covers recent Supreme Court decisions on bankruptcy, tax law, and health care for Native American reservations, exploring the tension between tribes and the government.

Jun 3, 2024 • 1h 12min
Flags, Feuds, and Roberts' Rebuff
The podcast discusses the Supreme Court drama, including the Alitos' flag controversy. They analyze federal-state conflicts in banking laws, lack of agency in court reporting, and a feminist twist in a personal letter. The hosts explore women's rights, Justice Alito's perspectives, ethical considerations, emotional preparation for court opinions, and a summer drink recipe called the Martha Rita.

May 31, 2024 • 51min
TRUMP FOUND GUILTY!
CNN Legal Analyst Norm Eisen discusses Donald Trump's guilty verdict on 34 counts in the Manhattan election interference trial. They explore sentencing, possible appeal, and political fallout. The episode covers emotions in the courtroom, impact on voters, and branding Trump as a convicted felon.