In this episode of Passing Judgment, Jessica Levinson previews the Supreme Court’s most anticipated pending cases as the term nears its end. She highlights upcoming decisions on nationwide injunctions, Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, evolving standards in discrimination lawsuits, and major cases involving religious exemptions and parental rights in education. Jessica offers her predictions and insight on how these rulings could shape the law and impact daily life, setting the stage for a dramatic finale to the Supreme Court term.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

Nationwide Injunctions – Trump v. Washington/New Jersey/California: This case tackles whether federal district courts can issue nationwide injunctions blocking federal policies, as opposed to limiting decisions to just the plaintiffs in the case. The backdrop is Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship, which attempts to limit who qualifies as a citizen by birth.

Transgender Rights and Equal Protection – Skrmetti: The Court is considering whether Tennessee’s ban on certain gender-affirming treatments for minors violates the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. The predicted outcome is that the Court may allow such state restrictions, but notes there could be future challenges regarding parental rights under a different part of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Religious Objections in Public Schools – Parental Opt-Outs for LGBTQ-Inclusive Curriculum: A Maryland case considers if public schools must offer opt-outs for parents whose religious beliefs conflict with LGBTQ-inclusive materials and lessons. The prediction: the Court may require such opt-outs under the Free Exercise Clause, but will need to write the opinion carefully to avoid overly broad exemptions.

Follow Our Host and Guest:

@LevinsonJessica

In this episode of Passing Judgment, Jessica Levinson talks with Wall Street Journal tax reporter Richard Rubin to break down the GOP’s "big beautiful" tax bill. Richard explains what’s in the bill—from tax cuts and increases to spending shifts—and who will be most affected if it passes. They discuss how the bill squeaked through the House, the major sticking points, and what’s likely to change as it moves to the Senate. Join us for a clear, accessible look at what’s inside the bill and how it could impact Americans’ wallets and the federal deficit.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

What’s Inside the GOP Tax Bill: The bill primarily extends the 2017 tax cuts, including a higher standard deduction, lower rates, and business relief, while adding temporary cuts like a boosted child tax credit and tip or overtime exemptions. To offset costs, it includes tax hikes, mainly on clean energy and high earners, major cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, and increased spending on border security and defense.

How “Typical” is This GOP Bill?: Richard describes it as a “mishmash”—there are conventional GOP elements (like tax cuts for the affluent), but also some Trump-specific provisions, like the “Trump account” (a new children’s savings account), faster write-offs for American factories, and anti-immigration measures.

The Path Forward in the Senate: Richard explains that the Senate will likely alter the House version, focusing on issues like Medicaid changes and clean energy tax credits.

Follow Our Host and Guest:

@RichardRubinDC

@LevinsonJessica

In this episode of Passing Judgment, we examine the legal controversy over James Comey’s deleted “8647” social media post and the ensuing federal investigation. Host Jessica Levinson analyzes whether Comey’s message amounted to an unlawful threat against former president Trump or was simply protected political speech. She guides listeners through the legal standards for incitement, fighting words, and true threats, concluding that the greater threat may be government efforts to silence political opponents.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

James Comey’s Social Media Post: Jessica Levinson introduces the controversy surrounding former FBI director James Comey, who is under federal investigation for a now-deleted social media post featuring shells arranged as "8647" on the beach. The crux of the issue is whether this was a coded call to "get rid of" (86) President Trump, who is both the 45th and 47th president, or simply a form of political commentary.

The Legal Question: Free Speech vs. True Threats: Levinson dives into the central legal dilemma: Was Comey advocating violence, or exercising his First Amendment right to political speech? She explains the importance of distinguishing between punishable incitement or threats and protected political advocacy.

Historical and Contextual Perspective: The episode puts this controversy in a broader context, mentioning similar uses of "86" by other politicians, notably Matt Gaetz, without triggering federal investigations. Levinson argues that context matters—whether the intent is referencing a metaphorical political ouster or a literal threat.

Follow Our Host:

@LevinsonJessica

In this episode of Passing Judgment, we examine sweeping changes in the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division under the Trump administration. Reporter Sam Levine joins host Jessica Levinson to discuss how the division, long tasked with enforcing voting rights and other protections, has seen over 70% of its attorneys depart amid a shift in priorities toward the president’s agenda. The episode explores what this means for civil rights enforcement, voter protections, and whether former DOJ lawyers can fill the gap by taking their expertise into private practice.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

The Role and Function of the DOJ Civil Rights Division and Voting Section: The conversation starts with an explanation of what the Civil Rights Division within the Department of Justice (DOJ) does. It is tasked with enforcing America’s civil rights laws—including the Voting Rights Act—and consists of 11 sections dealing with various aspects of civil rights (voting, housing, education, anti-discrimination).

Impact of Administrative Changes on DOJ Priorities: A significant theme is how changes in presidential administrations can redirect the focus and priorities of the DOJ and its sections—especially the Voting Section. While career attorneys (not political appointees) do most of the day-to-day work, political appointees set overarching priorities. Normally, shifts happen between administrations, but under the Trump administration, changes were described as “radical departures,” shifting focus to investigate noncitizen voting and prioritizing policies aligned with the president rather than traditional civil rights enforcement.

Dismissal of Civil Servants and Dismantling of the Voting Section: The episode highlights the mass removal of senior civil servants in the Voting Section under Trump’s administration, replacing experienced managers and ordering the dismissal of all active cases. This unprecedented action is portrayed as a clear signal of political influence overriding apolitical legal work—and is said to undermine the department’s ability to fulfill its civil rights mandate.

Follow Our Host and Guest:

@LevinsonJessica

@srl

In this episode of Passing Judgment, host Jessica Levinson speaks with NPR’s Elissa Nadworny to unpack the Trump administration’s efforts to withhold federal funding from colleges and universities over issues like antisemitism and DEI practices. They discuss how these unprecedented moves are impacting not campus life, but vital medical and scientific research nationwide. Elissa explains the legal challenges schools like Harvard are mounting in response, the stakes involved for the entire higher education sector, and the broader implications for public policy.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

Federal Funding as a Lever in Higher Education Policy: The episode opens by surveying recent actions from the Trump administration regarding federal funding for colleges and universities. The administration is using financial levers—pausing, freezing, or cutting funds—to influence policies on campus, particularly tied to issues like DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and antisemitism.

Mechanisms and Legality of Federal Control: The speakers discuss how and why the administration has the power to control this funding. The complexities of federal funding—who controls the purse strings, when Congress vs. the executive branch has authority, and what legal mechanisms are at play—come up. The episode highlights that while presidents can make funding conditional, the legality often hinges on whether proper procedures are followed (Administrative Procedures Act), not just on broad authority.

Who Really Loses When Funds Are Cut: The speakers emphasize that federal research dollars are not just about student amenities—they fund major scientific, medical, and technological research. The implications of large-scale cuts ripple well beyond campuses, potentially hurting national health, technological innovation, and local economies (since universities are major employers and research hubs).

Follow Our Host:

@LevinsonJessica

In this episode of Passing Judgment, Jessica Levinson goes solo to break down the latest in legal and political news. She starts by analyzing fresh polling data on President Trump’s approval ratings at the 100-day mark of his second term, noting significant public disapproval and discussing what drives this administration’s bold use of executive power. Jessica then turns to the Supreme Court’s current docket, spotlighting two major education-related cases: one about the legal standard for disability discrimination in schools, and another questioning whether a religious school can be established as a taxpayer-funded charter school.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

Presidential Approval Down, But Base Remains Loyal: Despite approval ratings hovering around 39–43%, President Trump’s core supporters (about 33–35%) aren’t likely to abandon him, illustrating a growing divide between the general public and a steadfast political base.

Economic Policies & Tariffs Fuel Discontent: Many respondents reported feeling worse off economically since Trump’s reelection and a majority expressing disapproval of new tariffs and federal agency cuts.

Supreme Court Watch—Education and Religious Freedom on the Line: Two major cases could redefine legal standards for disability discrimination in schools and determine whether religious institutions can operate publicly funded charter schools.

Follow Our Host:

@LevinsonJessica

In this episode of Passing Judgment, Jessica talks with USA Today reporter Erin Mansfield about the Trump administration’s efforts to overhaul and reduce the federal workforce. They discuss the administration’s push for greater executive power, the agencies hit hardest by job cuts, and the impact on public services like education and food safety. Erin also explains the legal battles unfolding over these changes, including the significance of the landmark Supreme Court case Humphrey’s Executor and the future independence of federal agencies.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

The Federal Workforce Under the Trump Administration: Trump’s administration is undertaking dramatic efforts to reshape--and notably reduce--the federal workforce, prompting widespread job insecurity, potential displacements, and structural overhauls throughout the government.

Who is Affected by Federal Workforce Reductions: Erin outlines which agencies are most impacted. Socially-oriented agencies—like the Department of Education, Health and Human Services, USDA, and the Environmental Protection Agency—face the brunt of the cutbacks, while national security, law enforcement, and immigration agencies are largely exempt. She clarifies that massive cuts are not equally distributed across all departments.

Real-Life Impacts of Workforce Reduction: Jessica and Erin discuss how these changes might touch everyday Americans. Reductions in the workforce could affect everything from food safety inspections and educational grant administration to public health services and climate research—potentially making certain public services less effective or slower.

Follow Our Host and Guest:

@LevinsonJessica

@_erinmansfield

In this episode of Passing Judgment, host Jessica Levinson sits down with Emily Bazelon to unpack pressing legal issues. They examine two major deportation cases, focusing on a Supreme Court order for the Trump administration to rectify a wrongful deportation, while assessing the broader context of executive authority in immigration. They also delve into President Trump's use of the Impoundment Act, analyzing the balance of power over federal funding. This conversation sheds light on current challenges to constitutional law and American democracy.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

Deportation Cases: The conversation begins with the case of Mister Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported and the legal battle concerning his return to the U.S. Emily Bazelon discusses how the Trump administration is disobeying a court order to bring him back and the broader implications of this defiance on American constitutional law and the rule of law.

Mahmoud Khalil Case: Another deportation case discussed relates to Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, with focus on the broad discretionary powers of the Secretary of State under the Immigration and Nationality Act and potential constitutional issues of free speech and due process.

Impoundment Act and Presidential Powers: The discussion shifts to President Trump's actions regarding federal funding and the constitutional debate over Congress's power of the purse. Emily Bazelon explains how this ties into the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, highlighting the tension between legislative intent and executive authority.

Follow Our Host and Guest:

@LevinsonJessica

Emily Bazelon