Strict Scrutiny
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.
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
15 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 1h 21min
The Illegality and Injustice of ICE’s Minnesota Occupation
Tommy Vietor, Crooked Media commentator and Pod Save the World cohost, joins to break down U.S. foreign policy and international affairs. He skewers Trump's dismissal of international law and the DonRoe posture. They discuss tariffs as coercion, damage to NATO trust, the Venezuela operation, seized Qatari funds, and why claims of ending wars are laughable.
13 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 1h 47min
Will the Court Actually Push Back Against Trump’s Unlawful Firings?
They dig into legal fallout from violent ICE actions in Minnesota and the broader consequences. They break down Trump v. Cook, debating presidential power to remove a Federal Reserve governor. The conversation also covers heated Supreme Court oral arguments on gun rights, a contentious circuit court nominee, and a roundup of major legal headlines.
Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 33min
Will SCOTUS Keep Trans Kids Out of Sports?
A lively discussion kicks off with Minneapolis' constitutional challenges and Trump's pressure on the Federal Reserve. The hosts analyze recent Supreme Court cases banning trans girls from sports, exploring the complexity of constitutional and Title IX arguments. They spotlight a transphobic courtroom atmosphere and ponder the implications of the Court's decisions on sex discrimination. Humorously dissecting justices' hypotheticals, they also predict potential outcomes that could reshape Title IX protections. Their conversation weaves through legal intricacies and cultural critiques, engaging listeners throughout.
26 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 50min
Debunking Trump’s Bullsh*t Legal Arguments for Invading Venezuela
Join Leah, Kate, and Melissa as they chat with Marty Lederman, a Georgetown Law professor and former Deputy Assistant Attorney General. They delve into the administration's shaky legal justifications for its military actions in Venezuela, dissecting the flaws in past legal memoranda from Bill Barr. Marty highlights the perilous implications of the Insurrection Act and the limits of executive power. The conversation also touches on the National Guard's deployment and the ramifications of the Court’s recent shadow docket rulings.
45 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 41min
Can America Pull Back From the Brink of Autocracy?
Rebecca Ingber, a law professor and former State Department counselor, dives into the illegality of the Trump administration's regime change operation in Venezuela. She highlights constitutional issues and the limits of international law. Kim Lane Scheppele, a scholar on autocratic legalism, explains how courts can be manipulated to consolidate power and discusses the dangers of irregular judicial appointments. Josh Orton from Demand Justice raises concerns about Trump 2.0 judicial nominees, emphasizing their alarming stances on crucial issues and the politicization of the judiciary.
24 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 10min
Introducing Runaway Country: Justice Has Left the Building
Anam Raman Petit, a former immigration judge, shares her troubling experiences in immigration courts, highlighting the chilling effects of ICE detentions on due process. She discusses the emotional turmoil faced by judges and families amidst political pressure and mass firings. Andrew Weissmann, former lead prosecutor in Robert Mueller's Special Counsel, analyzes the DOJ's politicization under the Trump administration, revealing the detrimental impact on the rule of law and the demoralization of career staff. Both guests emphasize the urgent need for engagement in protecting democratic norms.
38 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 15min
Our Favorite Things, 2025
Ellen Weintraub, former Federal Election Commission chair, joins to share her insights on agency independence and campaign finance. She critiques current Supreme Court arguments that threaten independent agencies, warning of dire regulatory consequences. Ellen also discusses the complexities of campaign finance, emphasizing misunderstandings in the courts. Amidst her serious topics, she shares her favorite books and travel tips, blending expertise with a personal touch.
10 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 25min
SCOTUS Is About to Turbocharge Presidential Power
The hosts dive into Trump v. Slaughter, exploring how it could reshape the administrative state by giving the president power to fire independent agency heads. They analyze the implications of overruling significant precedents and discuss the legal theatrics of the oral arguments. There's a critical look at the unitary executive theory and its potential to undermine democracy. Additionally, they tackle campaign finance challenges and dissect a contentious death penalty case, all while sharing amusing anecdotes from the courtroom.
32 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 8min
We Need To Talk About Trump’s Maritime Murders
In this discussion, Rebecca Ingber, a law professor and former State Department lawyer, dives into the controversial maritime strikes against alleged narcoterrorists. She highlights the legal ramifications of these actions, labeling them as unauthorized and potentially murderous. Ingber also stresses the gravity of targeting shipwrecked survivors as a violation of the law of war, which could amount to a war crime. The conversation further addresses military obligations under the UCMJ and scrutinizes public and political reactions, calling for accountability.
24 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 36min
SCOTUS Greenlights Racial Gerrymandering in Texas
In a gripping analysis, the hosts dissect the Supreme Court's decision allowing Texas to employ racially skewed district maps for midterms. They explore the implications of Trump’s push for redistricting and the DOJ's controversial involvement. With outrage, they examine how this ruling disregards minority rights and highlights the Court's troubling biases. The discussion also critiques the flawed reasoning behind the stay and the detrimental effect of requiring alternative maps. The hosts call for continued activism in the face of this alarming decision.
