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Strict Scrutiny

Strict Scrutiny

By: Crooked Media
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About this listen

 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.© Crooked Media. All Rights Reserved. Philosophy Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • SCOTUS Strengthens Conservative War on Education

    SCOTUS Strengthens Conservative War on Education
    Jun 30 2025

    Leah, Melissa and Kate roll up their sleeves and unpack last Friday’s huge day at the Court, starting with Mahmoud v. Taylor, the case that tested Sam Alito’s ability to comprehend picture books. They also break down the outcomes of cases involving age verification for adult entertainment and the nondelegation doctrine. If you missed last Friday’s emergency episode on the birthright citizenship case, you can find it here.

    Hosts’ favorite things:

    • Melissa: Jackson and Sotomayor dissents (Mahmoud v. Taylor, Trump v. CASA, Inc.); Outrageous (BritBox); Dream Count, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
    • Kate: Green-Wood Cemetery’s Living Dead, Paige Williams (New Yorker); Dying for Sex (FX on Hulu); Chris Hayes’ lecture at the Chautauqua Institution
    • Leah: KBJ and Sotomayor dissents; The 21 Best Croissants in New York City Right Now, Mahira Rivers (NYT); YELLOW, Washington, D.C.

    Get tickets for STRICT SCRUTINY LIVE – The Bad Decisions Tour 2025!

    • 10/4 – Chicago

    Learn more: http://crooked.com/events

    Order your copy of Leah's book, Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes

    Follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • SCOTUS Clears the Way for Trump’s Lawlessness

    SCOTUS Clears the Way for Trump’s Lawlessness
    Jun 27 2025

    In an emergency episode, Leah, Kate, and Melissa break down today’s radical decision in Trump v. CASA, Inc., which gives this administration carte blanche to pursue its heinous agenda by curbing the judiciary’s ability to issue nationwide injunctions.

    Get tickets for STRICT SCRUTINY LIVE – The Bad Decisions Tour 2025!

    • 10/4 – Chicago

    Learn more: http://crooked.com/events

    Order your copy of Leah's book, Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes

    Follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • SCOTUS Deals Massive Blow to Health Care Access

    SCOTUS Deals Massive Blow to Health Care Access
    Jun 26 2025

    In this emergency episode, Melissa, Leah and Kate are joined by Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, to unpack today’s ruling in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. They talk about what this could mean for patients and the devastating ripple effect it will have across the country. Also covered: the rest of today’s opinions and the Court’s cruel shadow docket order on “third country removals.”

    Get tickets for STRICT SCRUTINY LIVE – The Bad Decisions Tour 2025!

    • 10/4 – Chicago

    Learn more: http://crooked.com/events

    Order your copy of Leah's book, Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes

    Follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
All stars
Most relevant  
Melissa Murray, Kate Shaw, and Leah Litman deliver entertaining, accessible analysis of the court. They somehow manage to remain light and playful while delving into the densest subject matter in American government. whatever your background, this podcast is worth your time and attention.

Sharp, incisive, brilliant

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