BONUS: The Supreme Court Weighs In: Transgender Athletes, Birthright Citizenship, & Campaign Finance
Podcasts > Talk Law Radio
Sunday, July 12, 2026
In this bonus episode of Talk Law Radio, host Todd Marquardt and co-host Shannon Salmon-Haas dive headfirst into three major, headline-grabbing Supreme Court rulings that are reshaping the legal and political landscape of the United States. From intense debates on biological sex and fairness in sports to historical dives into English common law, Todd and Shannon bring both legal expertise and spirited debate to the table.
Whether you lean left, lean right, or just want to know how the law impacts your daily life, this episode breaks down complex constitutional arguments into a conversation you won't want to miss.
Key Topics Discussed:
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Transgender Athletes & Title IX: A look at the landmark case West Virginia v. B.P.J.. Todd and Shannon clash over the Balance of Due Process, Title IX regulations, and safety concerns versus inclusivity in biological female sports.
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The Fate of Birthright Citizenship: Tracing the law from King James I in 1603 to the 14th Amendment and the Dred Scott decision, the hosts break down Trump v. Barbara. Discover why the Supreme Court upheld that if you are born here, you are a citizen—and the real-world logistical nightmare that changing it would create.
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Money, Speech, and Campaign Finance: An analysis of National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission. The Supreme Court overturned a 2001 precedent to rule that political parties can now coordinate unlimited spending with candidates. Todd and Shannon square off on whether "money is speech" or if this decision puts American democracy up for sale to the highest bidder.
Key Takeaways:
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The Constitution is a Living Debate: While Todd approaches the text from a strict originalist viewpoint, Shannon highlights how modern societal complexities challenge centuries-old frameworks.
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The Internet Changes the Legal Burden: A major reason the Supreme Court loosened campaign finance limits was the modern availability of online disclosure and transparency tools for voters.
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The Buck Stops at the Supreme Court: No matter how much tax money or legislative effort is poured into executive orders and state laws, the high court remains the final arbiter of what is constitutional.
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