Podcast Summary: "Melissa Murray is the JLo of Law"

The Best People with Nicolle Wallace
Episode: Melissa Murray is the JLo of Law
Release Date: August 11, 2025

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of The Best People with Nicolle Wallace, host Nicolle Wallace welcomes NYU Law Professor Melissa Murray, a distinguished legal scholar and host of the successful podcast Strict Scrutiny. Known for her profound insights and approachable demeanor, Melissa delves into the intricate dynamics of the Supreme Court, the pivotal role of black women in American politics, and the challenges of balancing a demanding career with personal life.

The Supreme Court's Central Role in Modern Politics

Melissa Murray opens the conversation by addressing the Supreme Court's amplified presence in today's political landscape. She emphasizes how recent rulings have made the Court a focal point of national discourse.

Melissa Murray [04:16]: "We're actually seeing in real time the ramifications of the Court's work with the overruling of Roe, these efforts to limit and restrict the scope of voting rights."

Murray highlights that while the Court has always been influential, its decisions are now more visible and consequential, affecting everyday lives on multiple fronts.

Melissa Murray [06:29]: "It's not just that they overruled Roe vs Wade... They are doing it all at the same time and for the purpose of advancing an agenda that heretofore we've never really seen in American life."

Melissa's Testimony Against Brett Kavanaugh and Abortion Rights

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Melissa's involvement in the confirmation hearings of Brett Kavanaugh. She candidly shares her experiences and concerns regarding his stance on abortion rights.

Melissa Murray [14:13]: "Judge Kavanaugh voted to block a young immigrant woman from receiving abortion care and insisted that she remain pregnant against her wishes..."

Murray recounts her testimony against Kavanaugh, emphasizing the broader implications his confirmation had on women's healthcare and reproductive rights.

Melissa Murray [17:54]: "I had a miscarriage. And I mean, so many women, we don't talk about it, but they say that one in three women have miscarriages."

Her personal anecdotes underscore the real-life consequences of legal decisions, highlighting the urgent need for accessible healthcare.

The Pivotal Role of Black Women in American Democracy

Melissa passionately discusses the indispensable role of black women as voters, portraying them as the "most informed" and "pragmatic" voters who understand the stakes of democratic processes.

Melissa Murray [26:47]: "Black women are often the matriarchs of their family... So there's sort of a generational sense of responsibility that I think can be weighing in a lot of ways."

She attributes their political acumen to the multiple layers of identity they navigate, making them acutely aware of how political decisions impact their lives and communities.

Navigating Academia as a Black Woman

The conversation shifts to Melissa's personal journey in academia, where she often found herself as the first woman of color in her classrooms and professional settings. She discusses the immense pressure to "overperform" to be recognized and respected.

Melissa Murray [34:59]: "I was pregnant with my daughter right at the beginning of my career... I regret that I regret kind of missing the best parts of her babyhood..."

Murray reflects on the sacrifices made in pursuit of academic excellence and the ongoing challenges of balancing professional responsibilities with personal life.

Justice Sotomayor's Dissent and the State of the Court

Melissa offers a critical analysis of Justice Sonia Sotomayor's recent dissent, viewing it as a beacon of resistance against a conservative supermajority on the Court.

Melissa Murray [39:36]: "She's right. I mean, with fear for our democracy, I dissent. We all should be dissenting with fear for our democracy."

She underscores the importance of dissenting opinions in shaping public understanding and safeguarding constitutional principles, especially in tumultuous times.

The Future of American Democracy and Political Engagement

Towards the episode's conclusion, Melissa shares her concerns about the future trajectory of American democracy, particularly in light of Supreme Court decisions that undermine democratic institutions like the Voting Rights Act.

Melissa Murray [52:09]: "I'm 100% sure the court is going to determine that considering race in the context of the Voting Rights Act... is unconstitutional."

She calls for heightened political engagement and strategic voter mobilization to counteract institutional distortions and protect democratic processes.

Conclusion

Melissa Murray's candid and incisive conversation with Nicolle Wallace provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current legal and political challenges facing American democracy. Her insights underscore the urgent need for informed civic participation, equitable representation, and robust legal protections to navigate and rectify the deeply entrenched issues plaguing the nation.

Notable Quotes:

• Melissa Murray [00:06]: "Can you put Humpty Dumpty back together again? We are breaking a lot of things... It will likely take 20 years to undo what we've seen done in the space of six months."

• Melissa Murray [02:33]: "I watched Entertainment Tonight, all of those shows... trying to shed this accent. And I think that's where my love of pop culture comes from."

• Melissa Murray [35:50]: "You do have to be twice as good."

These quotes encapsulate Melissa's reflections on societal fragmentation, the intersection of culture and personal identity, and the heightened expectations placed on minority professionals.