Is the constitution in crisis? This podcast is for people who are curious about politics and the law and how the biggest political and legal issues of the moment affect you. Pull up a chair and join host Jessica Levinson, a professor at LMU’s Loyola Law School, and a rotating cast of experts. Jessica will be joined by journalists, politicians, political scientists, lawyers, and many others.
Listen to Jessica and her guests for a wry, and sometimes irreverent take on the most pressing issues of our time. What are the laws of our democracy? How are they changing? And what does that mean for your daily life?
43 Subscribers
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Passing Judgment
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43 Subscribers
Reviews
Hamhock96
5 out of 5 stars
This is Excellent
Informative. No punditry, just facts. Clearly well-prepared. A joy.
strokevictim
5 out of 5 stars
A Favorite
Jessica is my favorite wordle-doing law professor (small category). She conducts insightful interviews and always leaves me with things to think about.
curious professor
5 out of 5 stars
Brilliant, thoughtful, concise, and timely
I never miss an episode!
CredibleConspiracyCameron
1 out of 5 stars
Just another liar
What a fraud... this dumb thing pretending to be a journalist isn’t anything more than a partisan hack... a dnc mouthpiece... devoid of fact and common sense... another brain dead liberal who enjoys the perks of being linked to the most corrupt body we have ever seen. The DNC... why did you guys kill Seth Rich?
JLJ2615
5 out of 5 stars
Great show for learning about constitutional law
This is one of my favorite podcasts. Levinson provides clear insight to cases based on the law, not partisan politics.
JRP809
2 out of 5 stars
Too Partisan, Law Too Dumbed-Down
Listened to a few episodes after seeing some positive reviews. Sorry to say I was pretty disappointed. Tagged as a podcast for people who are “curious about politics and the law,” I found it to be rather partisan in its presentation even though the hosts purport to be reasonable and open-minded. More disappointing, the legal analysis is fairly dumbed-down, not much better than what you would hear on cable news. If you’re looking for a truly objective and reasonable podcast with accessible but thoughtful legal analysis, there are much better options out there.
JhollyD
4 out of 5 stars
Trump Investigation
I have relied on you both during this horrible year! You have given me knowledge and some comfort—with your ability to explain the law in a meaningful way. Still greatly appreciate you and Joe in these podcasts— I have listened to every episode! Thank you for your care and effort. I have recommended this podcast to many, many people! Thank you!
skashhswhuwwija
5 out of 5 stars
MUST LISTEN
Great analysis and explanation from a law perspective. They do their best to stay unbiased and explain in-depth topics that are reported and bring light to topics that are not front page news!
DanInTennessee
5 out of 5 stars
Brilliant and concise!
A lot of podcasts these days take an hour and a half to say what Jessica Levinson can say in 25 to 30 minutes.
ecoblin
5 out of 5 stars
Fun and interesting
Jessica and Joe cover interesting topics in each episode, always making it educational and fun. If you like pods like NPR Politics you’ll love this. I look forward to each installment!
bidenitis
1 out of 5 stars
Capital attack
Started before Trump ended his speech ,try to get that straight please!
Reigert
5 out of 5 stars
Very informative!
I’ve been listening since the beginning and look forward to each new episode. Each episode takes a topic and goes in great detail to let us non-legal people understand what is really going on with the topic of the day. I feel that I am better informed about the news each time I listen.
idk98765
5 out of 5 stars
Thank you
I learn something every time I listen!
Squiggly Didley
5 out of 5 stars
Levity, Law & Levinson
I had no idea I needed this podcast and now I look forward to each new episode with joy and anticipation of learning.
bblaine12
5 out of 5 stars
Refreshing
I have shared this podcast and recommend a listen. If you’re looking to learn something about current news from a legal perspective, with the magical benefit of the podcast format via friendly guides... subscribe, listen and enjoy.
jeffinition
5 out of 5 stars
The Legal Eagle Flies Again
Love Jessica’s regular appearances on KCRW w/ Madeline Brand and was thrilled to discover she has her own pod. A true legal eagle, Levinson is sharp, witty, and an indefatigable arbiter of legalese. Let her guide you through these very strange times with a steady hand and sturdy mind.
selizabeth6
5 out of 5 stars
Educational and informative
As an incoming law student, this is currently my favorite podcast. It provides great legal and political analysis of current events. I learn something new every day. Highly recommend !!
hakobyanie
5 out of 5 stars
Interesting and entertaining
Great podcast. Each episode contains valuable information that is explained in a clear and accessible manner. I love every single episode so far and always look forward to more!
allien94
5 out of 5 stars
Objective, informative, fact-driven
I LOVE the pod and look forward to all the episodes. The guests provide unique perspectives that challenge my views and arm me with real information. The hosts work hard to stick to the facts and leave out their own opinions as much as is humanly possible. This is so refreshing and grounding to see in this day and age. Keep it up, guys! Love the show!!!
juli0721
5 out of 5 stars
Can’t Wait For The Next One
In these crazy times it helps to focus on the facts. Jessica and her guests give us a balanced view of what is going on in our country, legally and politically. Keep em coming!
CK19731973
5 out of 5 stars
My new favorite podcast!
Love the content!!!!
The Legal Pigeon
5 out of 5 stars
Smart, timely analysis of hot legal issues of today
If you’re looking for smart, informed analysis of the hottest legal issues hitting the news almost hourly in this climate, Passing Judgment is a can’t-miss podcast.
vuwere
5 out of 5 stars
This Informative Podcast
Soooo informative and good directive
Hapgoodblah
5 out of 5 stars
Great informative podcast
I look forward to every episode for the in-depth analysis on the issues that impact our country the most.
Dana. @hyperbolic6
5 out of 5 stars
Worth it!
Great discussion. Smart! I’m late to this podcast but totally here for it now!
Susan JK
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent podcast!
Though I worked as a legal assistant for most of my career, I never knew much about areas of the law outside of the specialty area in which I worked - and certainly not about the Supreme Court. Everything is so wonderfully explained, and the hosts ask such pertinent questions, that the podcasts leave me wanting more.
L Solomon
5 out of 5 stars
Well Worth the Listen
It didn’t take long for me to look forward to listening to these. Jessica is interesting, knowledgeable, and engaging, and especially good at breaking down the latest legal info. I especially love the casts with Joe, the producer. I love their banter!
Bill Leader
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent podcast
I am a practicing lawyer and find this podcast an excellent way to understand what is going on in our society, the courts, and the justice system. Outstanding. Thank you.
Laur56
5 out of 5 stars
Love this!
I’m a lawyer, but often I get so sucked into my own practice/discipline that I don’t have the time to keep up with or fully understand what’s going on in current political and legal affairs. This podcast is excellent for understanding these issues, and it delivers the information in an enjoyable way. Thank you!
Carla Marinucci
5 out of 5 stars
Legal and political insights
No contest, Jessica Levinson one of the best political and legal analysts in CA..she's widely quoted and a regular source for POLITICO's CA Playbook..and her new podcast is great. Excellent work, Jessica!!
SP docs
5 out of 5 stars
Smart and informative
Breaks down legal and political issues in a concise, informative, and entertaining fashion. Very well done.
Sable4me
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent!
My favorite podcast. For anyone interested in law and policy, this is ice cream and cake. Insightful, clear commentary on issues of the day. Found this just in time for June SCOTUS decisions. Much more fun than law school😊🎉.
rachelthesquid
5 out of 5 stars
brilliant and informative
Truly an excellent show, anyone interested in law and politics should listen!
SarahMayBee
5 out of 5 stars
Like a college lecture but funny and entertaining
Like a free college lecture on the topics that are most current and important to know about. Levinson explains things in a way that is clear but also invites reflection on the part of the listener. I recommend this show to everyone I know.
OrneryOwl
5 out of 5 stars
Well structured and informed conversation
Following the best of the NPR runbook, Passing Judgment takes the time it needs to present a well organized narrative describing current events and layering in context and additional facts. This format never overshadows the natural flow of dialogue between the host and her producer making for a very satisfying experience and an easy recommendation to other listeners. Excited to hear more.
Mewzikm8kr
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent info and well communicated!
Super informative show, magnificently produced! Levinson is a tour de force and an expert in her field to be sure.
mamalonner
5 out of 5 stars
Actually learn while you listen
This podcast really delves into the issues in a way that you walk away smarter for listening. Not only do you understand the headline, but Jessica is able to unwind the details in a way that all of us non-lawyers can then use our knowledge to impress our friends!
NYEX-PAT
5 out of 5 stars
Passing Judgment
I always feel like I’m learning something new while also being entertained listening to Jessica Levinson and her interesting guests. This is a great podcast for those wanting to know more about the law & politics.
Dr.PGB
5 out of 5 stars
Passing Judgment with guests Carla Marinucci
Podcasts, I’m supposed to be educational and entertaining. I was particularly more informed and especially delightfully entertained byThe discussion between Jessica Levinson and Carla. Carla was particularly academic and extremely knowledgeable,And witha delightful sense of humor and manner. But, The best part of this podcast was the marvelous complement of the two of them together. I can’t wait for more OK no I cannot yet.
malloryz
5 out of 5 stars
Entertaining and informative!
Besides the really interesting guests, I really like Jessica’s perspective on these important topics. This is wonderful political & legal podcast - but what it really does is give you resources and information we can all use.
advoc8te
5 out of 5 stars
Seriously Smart with a Twist
Lots of podcasts tackle political topics, but this one is a smart take on the law and politics, with better topics than a run of the mill political podcast, and it is a lot of fun too. It is great to listen and learn something, and even better when it is a little irreverent along the way.
profmsrcy
5 out of 5 stars
Great podcast
Jessica is a pleasure to listen to. She is so knowledgeable. More important she has a wonderful ability to explain things clearly and precisely. Great podcast!!
Hnhein95
5 out of 5 stars
Accessible and INTERESTING!
A political podcast that is educational and entertaining, but doesn’t feel in your face/self righteous. Feels like listening to friendly chats, but if your friends were awesome lawyers and journalists. Can’t wait for more eps!
Dr. VDK
5 out of 5 stars
Great, witty podcast about politics & the law
I love hearing Jessica Levinson & her guests break down the biggest political & legal issues of the week. I feel like I get to listen in to a great dinner party conversation between fun and smart people. Very smart, very accessible.
Podcast information
- Amount of episodes
- 254
- Subscribers
- 43
- Verified
- No
- Website
- Explicit content
- No
- Episode type
- episodic
- Podcast link
- https://podvine.com/link/..
- Last upload date
- April 14, 2023
- Last fetch date
- June 3, 2023 6:40 PM
- Upload range
- WEEKLY
- Author
- Jessica Levinson
- Copyright
- Copyright 2023
susbcribers
- Mifepristone - What Do You Need To Know About The Abortion Pill Litigation?In a nation of complicated legal machinations, the mifepristone situation is especially complicated. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk last week suspended a number of laws regulating the popular and widely-used abortion drug mifepristone. Kacsmaryk’s ruling affected both the Food and Drug Administration's original 2000 approval of mifepristone as well as subsequent updates to laws regulating the drug from 2016 and 2019. Multiple appeals to Kacsmaryk’s ruling followed, and late this week the Supreme Court issued an administrative stay on the lower court’s ruling in the aftermath of a formal request from the Justice Department to block the new restrictions to the drug. Limiting access to mifepristone would have far-reaching implications of the ability of the FDA to approve other drugs, and to further complicate the situation, a ruling out of Washington was issued that could potentially limit Kacsmaryk’s decision. As the story develops in real time, Jessica updates you on the current state of the law surrounding mifepristone, as well as how we got here and where the law is going.0 comments0
- How Strong Is DA Alvin Bragg's Case Against Trump?Depending on what you've heard, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's case against former President Trump is somewhere between frivolous or airtight. And it is likely that one's position depends on the beholder's opinion about Donald Trump himself. In today's episode, Jessica strips away the partisan perspectives and assesses the real world legal nuts and bolts of exactly what the charges are, as well as the obstacles that Bragg faces in proving his case.0 comments0
- Passing Judgment Apr 5 · 8m Everything You Need to Know About the $1.6 billion Dominion v Fox CaseThe biggest defamation case we've seen in decades is about to go to trial. Dominion Voting Systems, a manufacturer of electronic voting machines and associated software, has sued Fox News and Fox Corporation for defamation, based on false claims that Dominion helped rig the 2020 presidential election for President Biden. Jessica talks through exactly what Dominion will have to prove to succeed in its case.0 comments0
- Everything You Need to Know About Trump's IndictmentFormer President Trump will be criminally indicted. This is a historic first. But what does it mean legally and politically? Jessica walks through what we're likely to see in the indictment, what an arraignment will look like, and what the next steps will be.0 comments0
- What is it like to cover the Supreme Court? (Guest - David Savage)Los Angeles Times Supreme Court reporter David Savage joins Jessica on this special episode of Passing Judgment. Savage has been covering the Supreme Court for more than 30 years, a time period that has seen substantial changes in both the composition of the Court as well as the way the Court addresses issues. Jessica recorded this conversation, in part, for her Constitutional Law students at Loyola Law School. We also think it will be fun for you, our Passing Judgment audience, to hear David and Jessica talk about what it has been like to make a career out of covering the Supreme Court. David shares his thoughts on issues related to judicial activism, originalism, Chief Justice John Roberts' judicial philosophy, and what accounted for the rise of the Federalist Society.0 comments0
- Why I'm Worried the New York District Attorney Will Indict TrumpIt looks likely that former President Donald Trump will soon be indicted by New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg for his role in the 2016 hush money payment to adult film performer Stormy Daniels stemming from an alleged affair with then-candidate Trump. Setting aside the time when president Ulysses Grant was arrested for speeding in a horse and buggy in Washington D.C. in 1876, a Trump arrest would make him the only sitting or former president to be arrested for suspected criminal activity. For many people who believe in accountability and the rule of law, this may sound like good news, but there may be legal and political landmines ahead - especially given the other cases in process against Trump and the fact that he as already announced his campaign for 2024. Jessica explains the legal basis for a potential indictment and talks about why she’s nervous this case will go forward.0 comments0
- Will the Supreme Court invalidate Pres. Biden’s student loan program? (Guest - Adam Liptak)Will the Supreme Court conclude that President Biden overstepped his authority when he created a $400 billion student loan forgiveness program? Adam Liptak, the Supreme Court reporter for The New York Times, joins Jessica to discuss how we got here and the likely fate of Biden’s program.0 comments0
- Will the Supreme Court Upend Legal Protections for Tech Companies? (Guest - Michael Macagnone)This week the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that could change the Internet as we know it. Two cases, one case was brought against YouTube by the family of an individual was killed in an ISIS attack in Paris in 2015, and another was filed against Twitter by the family of an individual killed by an ISIS attack in Istanbul in 2017, will ask the high court to interpret the extent that technology companies could face legal liability for content posted on their sites. Jessica discusses both cases and how the eventual decisions by the Court may affect how both tech giants and everyday Americans use the Internet with Michael Macagnone, a legal affairs reporter for CQ Now and Roll Call. Jessica has also written on the cases for MSNBC here.0 comments0
- Passing Judgment Feb 18 · 15m Spy Balloons and UFOs (Guest: Mariana Alfaro)On January 28th of 2023, what appears to be a Chinese surveillance balloon entered U.S. airspace north of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. President Biden ordered the balloon to be shot down. In subsequent weeks, three more unidentified flying objects were shot down by the U.S. military over Alaska, Canada, and Lake Huron. What is going on? How concerning is this string of aerial incidents? Are they related? Mariana Alfaro, The Washington Post's co-anchor of Post Politics Now, The Washington Post's live breaking political news feed, joins Jessica to talk about what is going on and why the origins of these UFOs are more banal than an invasion of little green men from a planet far, far away.0 comments0
- Getting to the Bottom of the SCOTUS Leak. Or Not. (Guest: Steven Mazie)Something rare happened in the Supreme Court last year: News that the decision in the Dobbs case would scuttle nearly half-century-old abortion protections of Roe v Wade leaked before the Court announced it, sending shockwaves through American society. Other branches of our government may leak, intentional or otherwise, but the Supreme Court traditionally ran a tighter ship. The Court just did not leak. And then it did. An investigation held by the Marshal of the Court to determine the source of the leak was inconclusive and it was revealed that the nine justices refused to sign affidavits about the leak that were mandatory for the rest of the clerks and staff. Steven Mazie, Professor of Political Studies at Bard High School Early College-Manhattan and Supreme Court Correspondent for The Economist, joins Jessica to chat about the leak and what it means for the legitimacy of the Court going forward.0 comments0
- Alec Baldwin Is Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter After the Fatal 2021 Rust Shooting (Guest: Joey Dillon)Actor Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were recently charged with involuntary manslaughter stemming from a fatal on-set incident that took place on October 21st of 2021 while the movie Rust was filming in New Mexico. An extensive investigation by New Mexico officials established some facts regarding the tragedy: which are that Baldwin was rehearsing a scene inside a church set with a prop gun given to him by assistant director David Halls. During the rehearsal, the gun discharged and a real bullet struck cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The bullet passed through her chest and also struck the film’s director, Joel Souza, wounding him in the shoulder with a non-fatal injury. Hutchins was pronounced dead later that day. In this episode, Jessica lays out the legal ramifications of the charges and where the trials may lead. And in order to learn a bit about on-set firearms protocols, we invited an expert in this field to talk about how firearms are handled on movie and television productions. Joey Dillon is an armorer, gun trainer, gunfight choreographer, and assistant prop master who has handled prop weapons on movies like the Coen Brothers’ The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and Hail Caesar!, as well as The Call of the Wild, The Harder They Fall and television programs like HBO’s Westworld.0 comments0
- Will the Death of Tyre Nichols Change Policing In America?Jessica and Joe discuss the death of a young man named Tyre Nichols, who died three days after a violent incident at the hands of Memphis police on January 7th, 2023. After a traffic stop, a pair of "confrontations" occurred with video evidence of the incident showing that Nichols was savagely beaten by five or more officers of Memphis' SCORPION street crime unit. Nichols wound up in critical condition and he died in a hospital three days later. Seven police officers were relieved of duty in the aftermath of the incident, five of whom were fired. Nichols was unarmed. What charges do these officers face in the death of Tyre Nichols? How can video evidence affect the judicial process in the Nichols case? Will the death of Nichols change police tactics? And how does this keep happening?0 comments0
- Time to talk about the debt ceiling, classified docs, and Jan 6 (Guest: Philip Bump)Philip Bump from The Washington Post joins Jessica to explain the politics behind the debt ceiling debacle, and the discovery of classified documents at Biden’s house, and how Jan 6 could have been avoided.1 comments1
- Is the American Public Capable of Being Persuaded? (Guest - Anand Giridharadas)Author, columnist, and analyst Anand Giridharadas, stops by Passing Judgment to discuss his latest book -- The Persuaders: At the Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds, and Democracy. What are the best ways to persuade people? Are Republicans better than Democrats at persuasion? What is the best way to combat disinformation? What is deep canvasing? Anand and Jessica discuss all of these questions.0 comments0
- Passing Judgment Jan 2 · 26m How Have Baby Boomers Effected Power and Politics in America? (Guest - Philip Bump)Journalist Philip Bump's day job is as a journalist and correspondent for The Washington Post, where he writes the weekly newsletter, How to Read This Chart - in which he analyses trends in economics, pop culture, politics, and more using the data behind the news. His new book, The Aftermath: The Last Days of the Baby Boom and the Future of Power in America, examines the ways that America's largest generation has had an effect on manifold aspects of our culture. Who are the Boomers, beyond just a birth year? How do they continue to determine major aspects of our society, and what happens as they age and are eventually replaced by their generational competitor, the equally large generation of Millennials? Bump joins Jessica to talk about his new book on a deep dive into all things Boomer.0 comments0
- Is Trump Constitutionally Disqualified From Holding Office Again?The short answer -- It's complicated. Jessica explains why members of the House Select Committee on January 6th and others have claimed that Trump is legally barred from holding federal office again, and why it is not so straightforward.0 comments0
- A breaking news edition - The House Select Committee on January 6 Supports Four Criminal Referrals Against TrumpThe House Select Committee on January 6, 2021 just met for the last time. As expected, they referred former President Trump to the DOJ for four criminal charges. Jessica breaks down those four charges, what they mean, and why this matters.0 comments0
- How did Warnock beat Walker? Analysis of the Georgia Runoff (Guest: Greg Bluestein)Democrats padded their midterm elections win tally this week with another victory in Georgia's runoff election to fill the state's second Senate seat. When neither incumbent Raphael Warnock nor challenger Herschel Walker garnered 50% of the vote in November, that set Georgia's voters on an accelerated runoff schedule. One of the strangest races in this year's senatorial elections got even stranger with former football star Walker making comments about werewolves and vampires and dodging additional accusations of allegedly encouraging former girlfriends to get abortions. Although Reverend Warnock won convincingly enough to have the race called mere hours after polls closed, Walker still managed to garner 48.6% of the votes cast. Jessica welcomes journalist Greg Bluestein from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution back to PJP to discuss the runoff, how Warnock won, why Walker lost, why Republicans still voted en masse for a candidate as flawed as Walker, and why Brian Kemp beat Stacy Abrams so convincingly in the Georgia governor's race.0 comments0
- The latest from SCOTUS - Freedom of Speech v Freedom from DiscriminationThe Supreme Court just heard oral arguments in the biggest free speech case of the term. The case involves a would-be website designer in Colorado and whether she can decline to design wedding websites for same sex couples. Jessica gives a quick recap of the complex legal issues and tells us what to expect from the Supreme Court.0 comments0
- Why Won't Trump Get His Special Master? Is the Supreme Court About to Allow State Lawmakers to Undermine Fair Elections In America?It is another big week of legal news on two-fer Friday! First, Jessica explains why former President Trump is unlikely to keep the special master he asked for in the Mar-a-Lago investigation. Second, Jessica talks through a huge election law case involving the 'independent legislature doctrine' that will be argued before the Supreme Court next week and explains how it could affect your voting power.0 comments0
- Passing Judgment Nov 26 · 5m Will Stewart Rhodes Be Convicted of Seditious Conspiracy?The two-week trial against the founder of the Oath Keepers, Stewart Rhodes, and four others for seditious conspiracy in association with the January 6th insurrection just concluded. While we wait for the jury's verdict, Jessica breaks down what is at stake - both for Rhodes and the Justice Department.0 comments0
- Midterm Elections Update! Who will control the House?Democrats outperformed expectations in the midterm elections. Jessica gives three reasons why historical trends didn't hold in this election, previews what will come next, and shares the best-known secret in American politics - Supreme Court decisions matter!0 comments0
- What led to the rise of Trump and Trumpism? (Guest: David Corn)It's midterm election eve and all is not quiet. With the control of both houses of Congress hanging in the balance, rising inflation, a staunchly conservative Supreme Court majority and a President with low approval ratings, Americans are poised to go to the polls to determine the direction of the country. In the midst of this, Jessica talks with David Corn, the Washington, D.C. bureau chief for Mother Jones and author of American Psychosis: A Historical Investigation of How the Republican Party Went Crazy, as well as other books. What do Barry Goldwater, the Tea Party, and Senator Joe McCarthy have to do with Trumpism? Listen and find out!0 comments0
- Justice Alito's Roe v. Wade 'Truthiness’ & Trump's Legal StrategyJessica gives a quick summary of the breaking legal news of the week, including new revelations in a book that call into question some of Justice Samuel Alito’s statements to the late Senator Ted Kennedy about his position on Roe v. Wade, the January 6th Committee’s decision to give Trump another week to produce subpoenaed documents, and the likelihood that Donald Trump will ever sit for a deposition. (Don’t hold your breath.)0 comments0
Podcast hosts
No host has claimed this podcast yet, if you are the host you can verify ownership by claiming this podcast
© Copyright 2023
