
Case in Point: The Legal Show on the Hottest Legal Cases in Politics and Culture
If the thought of a legal podcast makes you shy away and you’re tired of so-called “legal” experts talking in confusing legal jargon, you’ve come to the right place. The Heritage Foundation’s “Case in Point” talks about the hottest cases affecting politics, culture, and everyone’s daily lives in a way that lawyers and non-lawyers alike can understand.
Host Hans von Spakovsky may work in Washington, D.C., but he grew up in Huntsville, Alabama. He hasn’t lost touch with his roots and hasn’t been captured by the Beltway Insiders. He understands the heart and soul of America, the everyday fol
Latest episodes

Feb 27, 2025 • 32min
Hidden in Plain Sight: Teachers Under Fire for Objecting to School Gender Secrecy Policies
On this week's episode of Case in Point, host Sarah Parshall Perry is joined by Kate Anderson, Senior Counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, and Director of their Center for Parental Rights. They talk religious freedom, free speech, state v. federal claims, and whether objecting teachers who won't toe the line on gender identity are protected by law. Plus, the Supreme Court Justices have been busy, so Sarah covers legal news, oral arguments, and more on this week's episode of Case in Point.

Feb 6, 2025 • 34min
A Threat to Democracy? The Battle to Defeat the National Popular Vote Compact
On this week's episode of Case in Point, host Sarah Parshall Perry talks SCOTUS updates, cert petitions, and the push for the national popular vote interstate compact with Michael Maibach, Distinguished Fellow on American Federalism at the Save Our States. What is the national popular vote compact? Is it - as some have said - a threat to democracy? And how close is it to ratification? All that and more on this week's episode of Case in Point.

Jan 30, 2025 • 51min
Birthright Citizenship? Can President Trump Limit a Misunderstood Portion of the 14th Amendment?
On this week's edition of Case in Point, we address one of President Trump's most controversial executive orders, titled "Protecting The Meaning And Value of American Citizenship" with Heritage Senior Legal Fellow Amy Swearer. The Order moves to end birthright citizenship practice -- something which guarantees that U.S.-born children are citizens regardless of their parents’ status.
The next day, attorneys general from 22 states sued to block the Executive Order by asserting that the President is attempting to eliminate "a well-established and longstanding Constitutional principle" by executive fiat. But is he?
What is the history of the language of the "citizenship clause" in the 14th Amendment? And what does it reveal? What happens next in the litigation? All that and more on this week's edition of "Case in Point"
https://static.heritage.org/legal-and-judicial/birthright-citizenship/Law%20Review%20Final%20Print.pdf

11 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 48min
Is All ‘Speech’ Good Speech? Porn Makes a Trip to the Supreme Court
Giancarlo Canaparo, a Senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation's Meese Legal Center, dives into the complexities of First Amendment rights and obscenity law. The conversation highlights pivotal Supreme Court cases challenging free speech against government regulations on platforms like TikTok. Canaparo discusses the evolving definitions of obscenity and the impact of early exposure to pornography on children's development. He also addresses the delicate balance between protecting minors and upholding constitutional rights in today’s digital landscape.

Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 3min
Deeds Done in the Dark
On this week's episode of Case in Point, Sarah Parshall Perry talks with Ian Prior, Senior advisor to America First Legal about the power of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), AFL's investigations using the FOIA tool to unearth government corruption, and what it's like to fight for the safety, privacy, and free speech rights of school children at the grassroots level. That, and a rundown of three new, high profile cert. grants from the Supreme Court on this week's episode of Case in Point.

Dec 12, 2024 • 41min
Legal News and Religious Views
Keisha Russell, a constitutional attorney at First Liberty Institute and author of the upcoming book "Uncommon Courage," shares her insights on defending religious freedom. She discusses recent Supreme Court cases impacting churches and religious organizations facing government regulations. Keisha emphasizes the increasing cultural hostility towards religious expression and what individuals can do to protect their rights. The conversation also touches on the complexities of legal battles surrounding parental rights and the intersection of faith and law.

Dec 6, 2024 • 57min
#008: Blockbusters, Bans, and the Tennessee Kid: Skrimetti defends state law banning gender interventions for minors at the Supreme Court.
On this special episode of Case in Point, Sarah Parshall Perry is joined by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, the named respondent in the biggest case of the Supreme Court's term: United States v. Skrmetti.
The Attorney General talks about the law at the heart of the case, SB 1, talks about the dangers of "gender affirming" care for minors, gives us his impressions from oral arguments, and discusses what's next for his very busy office.

Nov 21, 2024 • 33min
#007: Abortion in the Dock (And What’s Free Speech Got To Do With It)?
Andy Bath, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at the Thomas More Legal Society, shares his extensive experience in the pro-life movement. He delves into the complexities of the FACE Act and its implications for free speech, especially for pro-life advocates. The conversation touches on the Supreme Court’s potential involvement in abortion cases, highlighting ongoing legal battles and the importance of citizen activism. Bath also reflects on the evolving strategies within the pro-life movement in light of recent legislative changes.

Nov 14, 2024 • 38min
#006: Lame Ducks - And Presidents: What Will They Do Next?
Tom Jipping, a judicial expert and former Senate Judiciary Committee member, shares insights on navigating the political landscape during the lame duck session. He discusses the urgency of judicial nominations and the strategic moves congressional Democrats may make before transitioning power. Jipping also explores the implications of swift cabinet nominations and the historical context of judicial appointments, emphasizing the importance of an impartial judiciary in safeguarding democracy. His expert perspective sheds light on the tension between politics and judicial integrity.

Nov 7, 2024 • 31min
#005: The Little Landslide That Could: Election Integrity and Decision 2024
Hans Von Spakovsky, a senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation and election law expert, shares insights on the 2024 election landscape. He discusses the critical implications of voter ID laws and their relationship to election integrity, as well as recent Supreme Court decisions impacting electoral processes. The conversation also dives into gerrymandering challenges, particularly a significant Louisiana case, and the ongoing legal battles shaping future voting rights. Overall, Hans emphasizes the importance of safeguarding election integrity for all Americans.