The Citizen's Guide to the Supreme Court

Latest Episodes:

Sex Offenders and Facebook Dec 04, 2016

Show notes

There is a lot to unpack with the case of Packingham v. North Carolina, a First Amendment case that asks whether or not the government can criminalize a sex offender's use of social media and other popular websites. This week, Brett and Nazim discuss how this plays into general Free Speech Law, Due Process considerations, and ex post facto precedent. This week stays pretty on topic, so the law generally starts at (02:45).

Trans Rights, Bank Fraud and White Collar Crime Nov 27, 2016

Show notes

With topics like this, one would think this would be the most exciting episode of the year; however, that premise ignores the fact that the Supreme Court is a mostly boring institution. This week, Brett and Nazim cover Shaw v. U.S., Salman v. U.S., and Glouchester County School Board v. G.G. to show why most of the what the Supreme Court does is ticky-tacky administrative decisions that do not always affect broader civil rights. The law starts at (04:36), but things generally stay on topic from the beginning until Empire Strikes Back comes up around the twenty-six minute mark.

A Fireside Chat with Brett and Nazim Nov 23, 2016

Show notes

Just in case you're traveling this week, enjoy this mini-episode to pass the time. There is no specific Supreme Court case , but instead Brett and Nazim talk about where they stand with the legal profession, whether they regret going to law school, and whether they would advocate for others to go to law school. Happy Thanksgiving!

Historical Failures Appointing Supreme Court Justices Nov 20, 2016

Show notes

This week's episode looks at the vacant 9th seat to the Supreme Court and the Court's history with Justices who were appointed but never sat on the bench. FULL DISCLOSURE - This episode was recorded in the sweet, innocent time of early September, so there's some sections of this that are moot based on the election. In other words, come for the history, stay to laugh at the bad predictions from a month ago. Technically the law starts at (06:39), but the intro sets the table amidst a few short tangents.

Donald Trump and the Supreme Court Nov 13, 2016

Show notes

However you feel about the election, it is undeniable that the Supreme Court will be changing over the next few years. To help map out some of those changes, Brett and Nazim cover a host of different topics stemming from Donald Trump's most recent win the presidential election; including, will Garland be appointed, will a new Scalia be appointed, and will Roe v. Wade be overturned. No time-stamp because there is generally less nonsense then usual.

What's the Deal with Elena Kagan? Nov 06, 2016

Show notes

Seriously, though. Justice Elena Kagan has the least amount of time on the bench, has been recused from big cases, and rarely writes majority opinions or dissents. Brett and Nazim tackle that question (i.e. "the Deal") by looking at political cases that balance policy and procedure, including AZ Christina School Tuition Organization v. Winn and AZ Free Enterprise Club's Freedom Club PAC v. Bennett (i.e. Arizona v. the Super PACS), and the current case of Bethune Hill v. VI State Board of Elections. Law starts at (07:40).

Big Sam on Free Speech Oct 30, 2016

Show notes

This week's episode covers Justice Samuel Alito, and instead of focusing on his "Scalito" moniker, Brett and Nazim cover three cases regarding free speech that present a more tempered and emotional view of Justice Alito that rarely gets talked about. Those cases include Morse v. Frederick (Bonghitz 4 Jesus), Snyder v. Phelps (Westboro Baptist Church), and Reed v. Town of Gilbert Arizona (Religious Signs). Law starts at (06:26).

How Similar are Kennedy and Sandra Day O'Connor? Oct 23, 2016

Show notes

This week's episode takes a deep dive into Justice Anthony Kennedy, including his background, his famous decisions and how similar he is other noted Republican-but-also-super-liberal Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Brett and Nazim also discuss how his writing on the same marriage cases may affect the transgender rights cases likely to be arriving within the next year. The law false-starts around (04:47) but then goes for real at (07:22).

Sotomayor vs. Police Incompetence Oct 16, 2016

Show notes

Good news and bad news this week. Good news - there's been a new addition to the Citizen's Guide Family. Bad news - the 4th Amendment is getting ground into nothing. This week's spotlight shines on Justice Sotomayor and the case of Manuel v. City of Joliet.

The Creative Lawyering of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Oct 09, 2016

Show notes

Everyone knows Ruth Bader Ginsburg the Justice, but this week takes a look at Ruth Bader Ginsburg the creative ACLU attorney who helped shape intermediate scrutiny through gender disparity cases. These cases, including Fronterio v. Richardson, Weinberger v. Wisenfeld,and Duren v. Missouri, show how equal protection and gender was first developed, often with unexpected methods and angles. Brett and Nazim then cover the case of Lynch v. Morales Santana, which is either a continuation of Ginsburg's jurisprudence, or a totally new path based on immigration. Law starts at (08:55).

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Citizen’s Guide to the Supreme Court

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected