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Opening Arguments

895 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★ - 3.4K ratings

Opening Arguments is a law show that helps you make sense of the news! Comedian Thomas Smith brings on legal analysts to help you understand not only current events, but also deeper legal concepts and areas!
The typical schedule will be M-W-F with Monday being a deep-dive, Wednesday being Thomas Takes the Bar Exam and patron shoutouts, and Friday being a rapid response to legal issues in the news!

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Episodes

Embryos Are People, My Friend

February 23, 2024 06:54 - 54 minutes - 65.1 MB

Episode 1008   Today we are serving up a tasteful pairing of radically destructive activism from one supreme court with a refreshing adherence to basic Constitutional law from another. We start in Alabama, where the state's highest court just found with no any apparent legal, factual, or moral justification whatsoever that a few hundred frozen cells are legally equivalent to a "child"--because God, probably? Unclear! We then review a recent example of the U.S. Supreme Court doing exactl...

T3BE Week 2!

February 22, 2024 09:20 - 32 minutes - 40.3 MB

Thomas Takes the Bar Exam!   It's time for the answers to last week's questions, plus two more!   If you'd like to support the show (and lose the ads!), please pledge at patreon.com/law! For the time being, any profit over and above the costs of operating the show, will go towards repair and accountability.

The Fani Willis Hearings - Your Comprehensive Guide 2

February 21, 2024 08:07 - 1 hour - 84.4 MB

Episode 1007   It's Part 2! Fani testifies! It is high drama. Not only that, we hear from an incredible Cohen Brothers movie character for some reason. We also hear from Fani Willis's dad, someone who has led a fascinating life. Then finally, they put Wade's ex-partner Bradley on the stand and... try to make him talk for like 4 hours. It also takes a very dark turn.   If you'd like to support the show (and lose the ads!), please pledge at patreon.com/law! For the time being, any pr...

The Fani Willis Hearings - Your Comprehensive Guide

February 20, 2024 09:18 - 1 hour - 97.8 MB

Episode 1006   Part 1! We watched 17 hours of Fulton Country Superior Court so you don't have to! Cohabitating lawyers Matt and Casey are here to break down many of the legal issues, from the mundane to the outright bizarre. These hearings were truly extraordinary. Some of the craziest courtroom drama to ever happen in the real world. If you'd like to support the show (and lose the ads!), please pledge at patreon.com/law! For the time being, any profit over and above the costs of ope...

What In God's Name Is Happening In Georgia

February 16, 2024 10:23 - 1 hour - 89.7 MB

Episode 1005. So uh, yeah. About that. The news was so crazy that we recorded two different episodes and I had to stitch them together like a Frankenstein's Podster. Because WOW Georgia. In addition to that, Matt has for us a tour of the Trump legal circuit! It makes stops in DC, Florida, Georgia, and New York, with a brief layover in 1998 to reminisce about where we were the first time we heard an elected official talking about their sex life under oath. We share some initial impressions ...

Thomas Takes the Bar Exam Returns! T3BE Week 1

February 14, 2024 08:13 - 34 minutes - 42.8 MB

At laaaaaaaast it is the return of #T3BE! And we've got, not 1, not 2, but 3 questions! First, a question + answer to get warmed up, since we don't have any answers from previous weeks. THEN, the question everyone can play along with. AND THEN, it's the question only Patrons are elligible to win. But also, for patreons only, I've included the first question Matt and I ever did. We did some T3BE to practice, and this first one is maybe my favorite. If you'd like to support the show (and lo...

SCOTUS OKs Execution By Nitrogen Gas Because Evil

February 12, 2024 08:04 - 1 hour - 77.8 MB

This episode is brought to you by Trade Coffee! Visit drinktrade.com/oa Episode 1004. "What's going wrong?" Neil Young once asked Alabama, and it's still a good question 52 years later in the wake of the unprecedented execution of Eugene Michael Smith on January 25, 2024 by nitrogen gas. Casey returns to share why learning about the death penalty made her want to be a lawyer before we review the recent history of capital punishment in the U.S. and the dangers of an originalist interpretatio...

Bonus! These Are Not Serious People...

February 11, 2024 07:22 - 51 minutes - 63.2 MB

Republicans thought they were going to impeach DHS Secretary Mayorkas but they didn't count on... AL GREEN!   There has been so much in the news that Matt and I thought we'd do some bonus recording, both to give you fine folks more content and also to keep practicing and getting into the groove. Matt breaks down the absurd Articles of Impeachment that some Republican intern typed up. Then we talk about the border bill Republicans demanded but then... fought against after Trump said to. ...

The Fani Willis Thing... How Bad Is It?

February 10, 2024 04:44 - 1 hour - 81.4 MB

This episode is brought to you by Trade Coffee! Visit drinktrade.com/oa! In Episode 1003, Thomas and Matt are joined by Matt's partner, Casey, to discuss what's been going on with District Attorney Fani Willis down in Fulton County, Georgia. Perhaps you've heard about a scandal involving a relationship and a messy divorce... But how severe is it? How much of it is real, and how much is MAGA disinfo? What is likely to happen? Find out!  Casey was a prosecutor at the state level for more t...

These Are Death Penalty Cases In Traffic Court

February 08, 2024 06:55 - 51 minutes - 62.7 MB

This episode is brought to you by Trade Coffee! Visit drinktrade.com/oa In episode 1002, we get to know Matt Cameron. He talks about his background, his legal practice and areas of expertise. I ask him about the case he is most proud of, and you will not believe what it took for him to win it! Then I ask him about the case he most regrets, and... wow. Let's just say Matt does incredibly difficult and important work.  You do not want to miss this one, these stories are so compelling, and ...

Thomas Takes the Podcast Back

February 08, 2024 05:19 - 15 minutes - 19.3 MB

#T3PB babyyyyyy!  Due to several good court thingies, this podcast is now hosted by Thomas Smith. Not too much can be said, but this episode contains a bit of how we got here, and the plan for the future.  If you'd like to support the show, please pledge at patreon.com/law and get your hands on the first lawsode with Matt Cameron! Plus lots of bonus things coming. For the time being, any profit over and above the costs of operating the show, will go towards repair and accountability.

OA860: Goodbye

January 26, 2024 05:32 - 1 minute - 910 KB

Liz says goodbye.

OA859: Looks Like We Won't Have DeSantis To Kick Around Any More

January 22, 2024 05:47 - 1 hour - 49.3 MB

On the day that Ron DeSantis dropped out of the Republican presidential primary and endorsed his personal bully, Donald Trump, Liz and Andrew cover two stories that could impact the 2024 presidential election. First, we tackle the centrist group "No Labels" request that the Civil Rights Division of the Department begin a criminal RICO investigation into... people who don't like the centrist group "No Labels." Neat! Then, we break down all of the pending actual law stuff going on in Trum...

OA858: Trump Laywers Are Tryin' It In All The Courts

January 19, 2024 05:36 - 56 minutes - 46.3 MB

Liz and Andrew dive deeply into Alina Habba and Michael Madaio's efforts to cross-examine E. Jean Carroll and her expert, Dr. Ashlee Humphreys. Plus much, much more! Notes Ameriekalinje v. Sun P. P. Assn, 226 N.Y. 1 (1919) https://casetext.com/case/norske-ameriekalinje-v-sun-p-p-assn Justice Manual 9-5.000 https://www.justice.gov/jm/jm-9-5000-issues-related-trials-and-other-court-proceedings -Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law -Follow us on Twitter:  @Openargs -...

OA857: Can Elon Musk Blow Up Your Right To Join A Union?

January 17, 2024 08:20 - 1 hour - 56.1 MB

After a roundup including the first day of the E. Jean Carroll trial, Liz and Andrew break down the latest SpaceX lawsuit and discuss what it might mean for the future of collective bargaining. Notes Nathan J. Robinson, researcher, Current Affairs, “Surely We Can Do Better Than Elon Musk,” April 7, 2021 https://www.currentaffairs.org/2021/04/surely-we-can-do-better-than-elon-musk S. Derek Turner, “Broadband Boondoggle: Ajit Pai's $886M Gift to Elon Musk,” Free Press, December 14, 2020...

OA856: Trump Tries To Delay Carroll Trial (But Not Campaign Rally!) For Funeral

January 15, 2024 04:51 - 52 minutes - 43.8 MB

Today, Liz and Andrew document Donald Trump's latest (failed) shenanigans in the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial set to begin in New York on Tuesday. Then, they break down in depth the motion to disappear the Fulton County, GA indictment on the grounds of DA Fani Willis's alleged relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. Notes Trump DC Docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67656595/united-states-v-trump   E. Jean Carroll v. Trump (Carroll I) docket https://www.cou...

OA855: Trump Fraud Trial Ends, Not With A Bang But With a Tantrum

January 12, 2024 06:11 - 41 minutes - 35.1 MB

Liz and Andrew describe the truly audacious plan cooked up by Trump and his counsel to disrupt his fraud trial's closing arguments. Then, the two break down a recent TRO entered prohibiting Ohio's social media ("anti-TikTok") law from going into effect. Notes Pew Media Poll https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/10/31/81-of-us-adults-versus-46-of-teens-favor-parental-consent-for-minors-to-use-social-media/ NetChoice, LLC  v. Yost, 1/5 Complaint https://storage.courtlistene...

OA854: Trump Lawyers Discover ONE WEIRD TRICK To Get Away With Murder! (Be President.)

January 10, 2024 06:06 - 1 hour - 51.2 MB

"So, I understand your answer to be that if the President uses Seal Team Six to assassinate his political rival, and he hasn't been impeached and convicted by the Senate, he can't be prosecuted." That really happened. Liz and Andrew break down yesterday's pivotal argument before the Court of Appeals of the DC Circuit as to whether Donald Trump has immunity from prosecution for his efforts to steal the 2020 Election because he was the President. Notes Roman Motion to Dismiss GA ht...

OA853: The NRA Is On Trial & The Mouse Is Loose!

January 08, 2024 06:01 - 1 hour - 57.1 MB

In this Trump-free episode, Andrew and Liz break down the civil trial of the National Rifle Association beginning TODAY in New York. No, the NRA isn't going to be dissolved, but yes, they could be hit with a ton of restrictions & some bad actors could be forced to fork over a ton of money, so you'll want to follow this story. Then, the duo tackle the passage of Steamboat Willie into the public domain. What is the public domain? What does it all mean?  Listen and find out! Notes DC Circ...

OA852: Trump Asks SCOTUS To Put Him Back on the Colorado Ballot Despite 14th Amendment

January 05, 2024 06:14 - 1 hour - 52.1 MB

Liz and Andrew break down an entirely new argument being advanced by Trump's allies to get him back on the Colorado ballot. Will it work? Listen and find out! Then, the duo break down the latest barrage of nonsense filings in DC. Notes Colorado state court ruling https://www.courts.state.co.us/userfiles/file/Court_Probation/02nd_Judicial_District/Denver_District_Court/11_17_2023%20Final%20Order.pdf Colorado Supreme Court ruling https://www.courts.state.co.us/userfiles/file/Court...

OA851: Iowa Judge Cancel Cultures GOP Book Ban

January 03, 2024 05:35 - 1 hour - 49.5 MB

Our first episode of 2024 is a Good News episode! First, Liz and Andrew break down a new argument that might get everything back on track in Trump's DC prosecution.   Then, the duo unpack a recent ruling enjoining Iowa's anti-LGBTQ book ban.   Notes Trump DC per curiam order https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cadc.40415/gov.uscourts.cadc.40415.1208584150.0_5.pdf Trump DC immunity brief https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cadc.40415/gov.uscour...

OA850: Our Favorite Stories of the Year

December 31, 2023 18:34 - 59 minutes - 48.7 MB

After speedrunning the Year in Trump, Liz and Andrew share their favorite legal stories of 2023.   Notes MN state supreme court ruling in Growe v. Simon https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24138784/order-dismiss-not-stipulated-entire-case.pdf ME SOS determination re: Trump https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24245391/decision-in-challenge-to-trump-presidential-primary-petitions.pdf US v. Trump DC Docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67656595/united-states-v-trump/ ...

OA849: The Law Of New Year's!

December 29, 2023 06:00 - 45 minutes - 40.5 MB

As we wind down 2023, Liz and Andrew bring you an entirely Trump-free, New Year's Eve-themed show!   First, the two discuss legal weed, President Biden's pardon, and what the future holds for those who like to smoke.   Then, Liz and Andrew discuss the legal minutiae of the Ninth Circuit's reversal of the conviction of Rep. Fortenberry (pictured). Ever wanted to know the difference between venue and vicinage? You will now! Thank you for listening to us in 2023!   Notes Sessions J...

OA848: Trump is Off the Ballot in Colorado!

December 22, 2023 05:22 - 56 minutes - 46.3 MB

Liz and Andrew break down what the latest decision by the Colorado Supreme Court means, how it will take effect, and how a court that claims to be devoted to textualism and originalism will grapple with arguments aimed squarely at their wheelhouse. You know you want it!   In the A segment, they also break down Trump's latest efforts to convince the Supreme Court to move really, really slowly.   Notes Colorado Supreme Court declares Trump ineligible for the ballot https://www.cour...

OA847: Why Being A "Former" Government Official is Bad News for Mark Meadows... and Donald Trump

December 20, 2023 07:54 - 1 hour - 54.6 MB

Liz and Andrew of course recorded this show before the big Colorado Supreme Court decision, but rest assured that breakdown is coming!   In this episode, Liz and Andrew discuss Trump's hapless legal filings across multiple jurisdictions before diving deeply into a surprising decision from the very conservative 11th Circuit regarding the scope of the federal criminal removal statute. What does it all mean? Listen and find out! There will be no show on Dec. 25 and 27th. Happy Holidays! ...

OA846: Forget Impeaching His Dad, Will Criminal Charges Even Stick Against Hunter Biden?

December 18, 2023 08:28 - 1 hour - 62.1 MB

Liz and Andrew react to the $148 million defamation verdict against Rudy Giuliani by pollworkers Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman before tackling the latest barrage of motions to dismiss filed by Hunter Biden's lawyers in the Delaware gun charge case. If you need to cut through some right-wing nonsense over the holidays, this is the episode for you! Notes DOJ Order No. 5730-2023 appointing Weiss https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-08/order.appointment_of_david_c._weiss_as_special_counsel.pdf ...

OA845: Immunity and Rudy, Part 2

December 15, 2023 08:08 - 1 hour - 50.2 MB

Liz and Andrew continue to cover a bunch of stories with the connected theme of how to push back against Donald Trump's efforts to use anything and everything to postpone his criminal trials. Also, there's rare good news regarding the Supreme Court and its refusal to grant certiorari in Tingley v. Ferguson, meaning that Washington state's law prohibiting conversion therapy stays in place. All that and much, much more, including a breakdown of the last day of Rudy's defamation lawsuit! ...

OA844: Rudy and Immunity

December 13, 2023 06:27 - 51 minutes - 42.4 MB

OA843: OA Field Trip! (Plus: Hunter Biden’s Taxes) feat. Kel McClanahan

December 11, 2023 06:52 - 1 hour - 52 MB

Liz and Andrew welcome back friend of the show Kel McClanahan to tell us about an oral argument at the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit that you can and should attend in an effort to get the Senate Intelligence Committee’s full report on torture during the Bush administration released to the public! Then, Liz and Andrew break down what’s really going on with the Hunter Biden tax indictment. Notes Hunter Biden tax indictment https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca...

OA842: Does John Eastman WANT To Be Disbarred? (Maybe.)

December 08, 2023 07:00 - 53 minutes - 43.7 MB

Liz and Andrew tackle John Eastman's brief in his disbarment hearing arguing that the 2020 Presidential election was in fact stolen. It was not. In the A story, Andrew and Liz walk through Trump's latest efforts to invade the secrecy of confidential documents in the Southern District of Florida. Notes Moore v. Harper https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=3002636935552946163 PA SOS final report on 2020 election https://www.dos.pa.gov/VotingElections/BEST/Pages/BEST-Election-Stat...

OA841: Sometimes When The President Does It, It IS Illegal!

December 06, 2023 06:10 - 55 minutes - 45.9 MB

Liz and Andrew unpack the two recent decisions on Presidential immunity. What does it mean for the civil and criminal cases against Donald Trump?   But first, the duo unpack a recent Rule 404 filing by Special Counsel Jack Smith that reveals some (more) disturbing details of how Trump planned to hijack the 2020 Presidential election.   In the LONG Patreon bonus, Andrew and Liz parse through some seemingly-minor findings and show how they're part of the bad faith effort by Judge Ailee...

OA840: Trump Lawyer Alina Habba Speedruns the Professional Responsibility Exam

December 04, 2023 05:20 - 47 minutes - 39.1 MB

Liz and Andrew embark on a deep dive into a set of truly wild accusations against Trump's go-to lawyer, Alina Habba, who's accused of manipulating a young server into signing an illegal and one-sided settlement agreement to benefit Donald Trump's Bedminster golf course.    Was this really Alina Habba's audition to be the next Michael Cohen? Find out why this case matters and what's coming next!   Notes Bianco v. Lamington https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24179145/bianco-v-l...

OA839: Trump Gagged, Comer Spanked, and ... Munsingwear Vacatur??

December 01, 2023 06:38 - 58 minutes - 47.7 MB

Liz and Andrew bring you a trio of stories: first, the New York appellate court reinstated the gag order on Donald Trump, prohibiting him from attacking Justice Engoron's staff.  Next, learn how Hunter Biden outmaneuvered the GOP buffoons in Congress. Finally, geek out on the Supreme Court docket with Munsingwear! In the Patreon bonus, the two break down whether Trump has been able to sneak assets out of New York and if so, what Special Master Barbara Jones intends to do about it. Not...

OA838: Trump's Lawyers Blame China For Making Him Do That Coup & Oh Rudy

November 29, 2023 05:20 - 59 minutes - 48.4 MB

Liz and Andrew dissect Trump's latest request for additional discovery in the DC indictment before analyzing Rudy Giuliani having found the one thing he fears more than Judge Beryl Howell: a jury of his peers! Notes Trump Motion for Discovery https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.167.0.pdf Trump DC indictment https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258148/gov.uscourts.dcd.258148.1.0_12.pdf Trump DC indictment - PDF co...

OA837: BREAKING - Mike Lindell is Lying about Voting Machines (Again!)

November 27, 2023 05:50 - 1 hour - 51.9 MB

Liz has finally beat the flu (or whatever) and makes her triumphant return breaking down a voting machine case in Georgia that is NOT crazy. So, of course, Mike "Lumpy Pillows" Lindell is lying about it. The duo also break down all the developments with Trump's various gag orders. Notes Affidavit in support of Trump gag order to NY First Judicial Department in Trump v. Engoron https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/ViewDocument?docIndex=inVGdvHSdXKWMxr30v8AXw== Trump DC Cir. Lette...

OA836: Yes, A Court Found That Trump "Incited An Insurrection" - Now What? (feat. Seth Barrett Tillman)

November 24, 2023 06:44 - 1 hour - 51.4 MB

With Liz sidelined, Andrew welcomes back friend of the show Seth Barrett Tillman for an in-depth discussion of Anderson v. Griswold, a Colorado state court opinion that found by clear and convincing evidence that Donald Trump incited an insurrection on January 6, 2021. What implications does that have? Listen and find out! This episode was released early for our Patrons and is a paid post on Patreon. Notes Anderson v. Griswold https://www.courts.state.co.us/userfiles/file/Court_Probat...

OA835: Why Harrison Floyd Isn't Going to Jail (& More)

November 22, 2023 06:47 - 42 minutes - 33.6 MB

Andrew and Liz tackle three updates: Elon Musk's "thermonuclear" lawsuit against Media Matters; Harrison Floyd's bond revocation hearing; and a truly terrible decision out of the 8th Circuit. Notes NAACP v. Sanders https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Opinion.pdf -Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law -Follow us on Twitter:  @Openargs -Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/openargs/ -For show-related questions, check out the Opening Arguments Wiki, whi...

OA834: Elon Musk Will Save Free Speech By Suing Every Media Outlet on Earth

November 20, 2023 07:30 - 54 minutes - 43.3 MB

Andrew and an ailing Liz break down Elon Musk's latest threat to try and sue a media outlet critical of Twitter into silence - this time, Media Matters for America - through the lens of his last lawsuit, against the tiny charity the Center for Countering Digital Hate, which produced an investigative report showing that Twitter profits from weaponized antisemitism and white supremacy.   Oh, and the duo begin with a Life Comes At You Fast, where Justice Arthur Engoron has already denied t...

OA833: Trump Demands New NY Trial Because Liz Is Mean Online

November 17, 2023 05:56 - 1 hour - 48.8 MB

Liz and Andrew break down the very real question of free speech versus a fair trial when viewed through the lens of (1) Donald Trump's motion for a mistrial in New York and (2) Trump's argument against the gag order to the DC Circuit. Come for the 1966 history, stay for hearing how Trump is going to lose! Oh, and our Liz Dye might have played a role in the whole mistrial thing.... Notes Trump NY motion mistrial https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/ViewDocument?docIndex=N0PX1FMtdplL/...

OA832: The Sam Bankman-Fried Story: Math Whiz Bets He's Smarter Than Prosecutors, Loses (feat. Mitchell Epner)

November 15, 2023 07:15 - 54 minutes - 38 MB

Liz and Andrew welcome back Mitchell Epner to explain exactly what happened with the Sam Bankman-Fried trial. Notes SBF Superseding indictment https://www.justice.gov/media/1311286/dl?inline= -Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law -Follow us on Twitter:  @Openargs -Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/openargs/ -For show-related questions, check out the Opening Arguments Wiki, which now has its own Twitter feed!  @oawiki -And finally, remember that you can email us at op...

OA831: Did Judge Aileen Cannon Really Rule Against Trump? (No.)

November 13, 2023 06:08 - 1 hour - 57.4 MB

Liz and Andrew break down a ruling that was surprising to many - Judge Aileen Cannon, FSW, denying Trump's motion to postpone his trial. What does it really mean? Listen and find out!   Then, the two break down Trump's litigation strategy (if you can call it that) in the E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit.   In the Patreon bonus, the two discuss Donald Trump's plan to save America from sliding into authoritarianism!   Notes Be sure to sign up for Liz's substack!     Marcy W...

OA830: Trump Eats it on the Witness Stand as Republicans Eat it at the Polls (feat. Joe Dye)

November 10, 2023 05:53 - 48 minutes - 36.7 MB

Liz and Andrew break down Donald Trump's testimony in the New York civil investigation. Then, Andrew welcomes back Joe Dye to talk about Tuesday's election results. You won't want to miss it!   Notes Engoron PSJ order https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24120504-engoron-decision-sept-2023 -Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law -Follow us on Twitter:  @Openargs -Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/openargs/ -For show-related questions, check out the Openi...

OA829: More on the Classified Information Procedures Act (feat. Kel McClanahan)

November 06, 2023 05:09 - 1 hour - 50.5 MB

Today, Liz and Andrew welcome back Kel McClanahan to break down recent Classified Information Procedures Act ("CIPA") rulings in Donald Trump's cases in DC and Florida. What does it portend? Listen and find out! Notes Trump DC docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67656595/united-states-v-trump/ Trump SDFL docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67490069/united-states-v-trump/ -Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law -Follow us on Twitter:  @Openargs -Faceb...

OA828: Trump Howls As His Boys Plead SO MUCH Amnesia on the Witness Stand

November 03, 2023 04:53 - 1 hour - 52.3 MB

Liz and Andrew catch you up on all of Trump's travails, from the civil investigation in New York to the two federal cases in DC and Florida. Oh, and we also learn more about Halloween from our listeners! Notes Trump DC docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67656595/united-states-v-trump/ Trump SDFL docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67490069/united-states-v-trump/ SDFL superseding indictment https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.flsd.648652/gov.u...

OA827: The Law of Halloween!

November 01, 2023 06:16 - 55 minutes - 45.7 MB

In an entirely Trump-free show, Liz and Andrew break down the law of Halloween! Is it illegal to be a witch? Do you have to disclose your house is haunted before selling it? Can you sue Satan? And much, much more! Notes Charles West, Pope Leo of Bourges, Clerical Immunity and the Early Medieval Secular, in Early Medieval Europe (2021) https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/169821/1/Pope%20Leo%20of%20Bourges%2C%20clerical%20immunity%20and%20the%20early%20medieval%20secular.pdf Constitutions ...

OA826: Trump (Re-)Gagged, Ivanka Subpoenaed & SCOTUS Has D*cks on the Docket

October 30, 2023 05:33 - 1 hour - 52.4 MB

Liz and Andrew tackle two stories. In the A segment, the duo discuss Trump's civil trial in New York and his (so far unsuccessful) efforts to block the gag order entered against him in federal court in DC. Then they break down a case headed for oral argument at the Supreme Court in a few days, Vidal v. Elster, which presents the unfortunately timely question of whether someone can trademark a joke about Donald Trump's... hands (without his permission).   SHOW NOTES Trump DC docket ht...

OA825: Speech is Free, Witness Intimidation Will Cost Ya

October 27, 2023 06:09 - 1 hour - 50.9 MB

Liz and Andrew tackle two stories today. First, they break down exactly what is going on with Trump's various gag orders and his behavior in court in New York. Then, it's time for a classic deep dive about qui tam actions and how they've been hijacked with the help of possibly Trump's worst judicial appointment and weaponized against women. It's a story you need to know. In the Patreon bonus, the duo compare and contrast legal ethics between George Santos and Donald Trump and come out in...

OA824: MAGA Mean Girl Jenna Ellis Shoves Rudy Under the Fulton County Bus

October 25, 2023 06:05 - 1 hour - 52.4 MB

Liz and Andrew urge caution on some breaking news stories, including the ABC report that Mark Meadows has "flipped." Then, the duo tackle the Jenna Ellis plea in Fulton County, GA and a barrage of bizarre filings by Donald Trump in his federal case in DC. In the Patreon Bonus, Liz and Andrew analyze Jenna Ellis's legal advice as to how to steal the 2020 Election. Notes Trump Fulton County docket https://www.fultonclerk.org/DocumentCenter/Index/142 Jenna Ellis plea https://www.yout...

OA823: Alex Jones Can't Duck the Connecticut Sandy Hook Plaintiffs (& We're Cheeseless!)

October 23, 2023 05:04 - 1 hour - 53.2 MB

Liz and Andrew cover two main stories: (1) the plea bargain agreed to by Ken Cheseboro in Fulton County, Georgia, and (2) the ruling out of bankruptcy court that certain debts are "non-dischargeable in bankruptcy." What does that mean? Listen and find out! In the Patreon bonus, Andrew and Liz deep dive into the specific jury instructions and more to figure out why the results were different for similar plaintiffs in Texas. Notes Heslin v. Jones, Docket via Court Listener https://www.cou...

OA822: The Cheese Stands Alone!

October 20, 2023 05:03 - 1 hour - 54 MB

Liz and Andrew break down Sidney Powell's plea deal and much, much more! Notes Alliance for Fair Board Recruitment v SEC https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/21/21-60626-CV0.pdf ORDER ON DEFENDANTS’ MOTIONS TO DISMISS UNDER THE SUPREMACY CLAUSE AND FIRST AMENDMENT (Cheseboro & Powell) https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24040510-23sc188947-order-sc-1st-amend-denial Jack Smith DC indictment https://www.justice.gov/storage/US_v_Trump_23_cr_257.pdf Sidney Powell Waiver of Ind...

Guests

Ann Coulter
3 Episodes
Maajid Nawaz
2 Episodes
Monica Miller
2 Episodes
Aaron Rabi
1 Episode
Cara Santa Maria
1 Episode
Carrie Poppy
1 Episode
Chris Kluwe
1 Episode
Edward Snowden
1 Episode
Eli Bosnick
1 Episode
Jim Acosta
1 Episode
Julian Assange
1 Episode
Lawrence Lessig
1 Episode
Lucien Greaves
1 Episode
Newt Gingrich
1 Episode
Rod Rosenstein
1 Episode

Books

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