Strict Scrutiny Strict Scrutiny

We Need To Talk About Judicial Review

Sep 17, 2026 · 51m

Summary

In this episode of Strict Scrutiny, host Kate Shaw interviews Harvard Law professors Nico Busby and Daphne Renan, authors of the book Supremacy. They discuss the historical origins of judicial review and argue that the Supreme Court’s power to invalidate federal statutes undermines democratic governance. The guests distinguish between horizontal and vertical review, advocating for reforms that limit the Court’s ability to strike down congressional laws while preserving its role in enforcing federal rights against states. They explore various legislative tools, such as jurisdiction stripping…

Topics discussed

Texas 10 Commandments law and Supreme Court fight Introduction to guests and book giveaway Sponsor segments: Zovau, Midas, and M4 Skincare Guests introduce the concept of judicial supremacy Dred Scott and the Reconstruction Congress's response The 'Good Behavior' clause and judicial accountability Origins of the judicial supremacy ideology Lincoln, Reconstruction, and modern echoes in Trump v. Slaughter Sponsor segments: M4 Skincare and 3 Day Blinds Horizontal vs. vertical review and progressive resistance Presidential power and the need for federal law enforcement Addressing concerns about bad laws and political solutions Brown v. Board, the KLAN Act, and democratic constitutionalism Sponsor segment: Lawyerling Without Law podcast Proposed reforms: supermajorities and clear error standards Congressional tools to protect legislation from the Court Benefits of reforms for democracy and judicial legitimacy Limitations of reforms and the role of voters Closing remarks and book promotion Sponsor segment: Crooked on MS NOW
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