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Strict Scrutiny

Strict Scrutiny

By: Strict Scrutiny
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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
  • War Crimes, Christian Nationalism, and the 25th Amendment
    Apr 13 2026

    Even though the Supreme Court took a break from hearing oral arguments, there was still plenty of legal news breaking every day. Katie Phang joins Leah to recap that news, including Trump's threats against Iran, the overt Christian nationalist rhetoric coming from the Secretary of Defense, and a disturbing case that SCOTUS decided not to hear. Then, Emily Amick, joins Leah to talk all things 25th Amendment-- where it came from, why we probably won't see it invoked here and now, and why we should keep talking about it anyways.

    Favorite things:

    • Leah: Democracy in Retrograde by Sami Sage and Emily Amick; “Drunks, Lampposts, and the Birthright Citizenship Case” by Steve Vladeck; Levain Bakery’s carrot cake cookie
    • Katie: her dog Lucky
    • Emily: Strangers by Belle Burden; Smitten Kitchen’s zucchini butter spaghetti; meet-ups with the EYP community

    Get tickets for STRICT SCRUTINY LIVE in New York City on June 20th. Learn more at http://crooked.com/events
    Vote for us in the Webbys!

    Preorder Melissa’s book, The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader

    Preorder a signed paperback of Leah’s book, Lawless, here.

    Follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky
    Join the Empire City Podcast Club from Crooked Ideas: https://crookedideas.org/empirecity/

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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Birthright Citizenship + Bye-Bye, Pamela Jo Bondi
    Apr 6 2026

    Last week saw oral arguments in the birthright citizenship case, Trump v. Barbara, and listeners, it finally happened: a legal argument so outlandish from the Trump administration that even this Court will have to rule against him. Leah and Melissa break down the back-and-forth and explain why this case will give SCOTUS credibility it doesn’t deserve. They also cover the President’s firing of the blonde with the binders, Pamela Jo Bondi–pouring one out for her chaotic, destructive reign at the Department of Justice.

    Favorite things:

    • Leah: The Birthright Con, Jamelle Bouie (NYT); WNBA Players Had an Ace Up Their Sleeve in Pay Negotiations: A Nobel Laureate, Rachel Bachman & Justin Lahart (WSJ)
    • Melissa: Parents as Regulators by Caitlin Millat, forthcoming in UCLA L. Rev.; Harlem Rhapsody, Victoria Christopher Murray; My Boo Buddies; Artemis II

    Vote for us in the Webbys!

    Preorder Melissa’s book, The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader

    Preorder a signed paperback of Leah’s book, Lawless, here.

    Follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky

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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • SCOTUS Not Cool With Colorado Ban on Conversion Therapy
    Mar 31 2026

    Today the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Chiles v. Salazer, the case involving a Colorado ban on conversion therapy. Leah is joined by Shannon Minter, Legal Director at the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, to break it down.

    Preorder Melissa’s book, The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader

    Buy 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
    33 mins
All stars
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Wonderfully detailed and appropriately frustrated. Extremely informative and cathartic listen, I highly recommend this podcast

excellent!!!

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Thank you for your love of constitutional law and for sharing it with us lay persons. You are sublime! Love the podcast!!!❤️

Sublime Ladies

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it's been so great to have actual experts in the field break down the news about the court that I didn't even realize I needed to know. These scholarly sisters of Supreme Court stupidity cover court culture, ridiculous rulings, and circuit court craziness in eli5 ways so simple that even Kavanaugh could understand

The legal eagles to listen go

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This group is both entertaining and informative. I look forward to it on my commute every week.

Excellant podcast.

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What is the ratio of content to advertisements?! Content is good but constantly interrupted by very long and meandering ads.

Waaaay too many commercials!

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