Opening Arguments

Liz says goodbye.

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 Trump's civil defamation suit in New York -- since precious little of that is going on in the courtroom itself. What's the rule of completeness? When are defenses waived? Who has a duty to mitigate? And so much more! Notes Habba Letter Brief re: Mitigation https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.543790/gov.uscourts.nysd.543790.272.0.pdf No Labels https://www.nolabels.org/documents/59546/DOJ%20letter%201.11.24.pdf Co-founder of No Labels resigns https://www.wsj.com/articles/no-labels-may-re-elect-donald-trump-t

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 -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 openarguments@gmail.com

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 https://www.freepress.net/our-response/expert-analysis/insights-opinions/broadband-boondoggle-ajit-pais-886m-gift-elon-musk NLRB proceedings against SpaceX https://www.nlrb.gov/case/31-CA-307446 NLRA, 29 U.S.C. § 151 et seq.https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/29/chapter-7/subchapter-II NLRB damages chart https://www.nlrb.gov/reports/nlrb-case-activity-reports/unfair-labor-practice-cases/remedies-achieved/monetary-remedies SpaceX v. NLRB docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68136196/space-exploration-technologies-c

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. NotesTrump DC Docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67656595/united-states-v-trump   E. Jean Carroll v. Trump (Carroll I) docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/18418220/carroll-v-trump/   Roman Motion to Dismiss GA https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24352568/roman-motion-to-dimiss-010824.pdf   Whitworth v. State, 622 S.E.2d 21 (Ga. App. 2005) https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=3050238223814330373   Paragraph   -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 Ar

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.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ohsd.287455/gov.uscourts.ohsd.287455.1.0.pdf NetChoice, LLC v. Yost, 1/9 Order https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ohsd.287455/gov.uscourts.ohsd.287455.27.0_1.pdf Ohio Rev. Code 1349.09 https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-1349.09 OA 767 https://openargs.com/oa767-porn-wont-someone-please-think-of-the-children-feat-ari-cohn/

"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 https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24352568/roman-motion-to-dimiss-010824.pdf Trump brief https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cadc.40415/gov.uscourts.cadc.40415.1208582803.0_3.pdf DOJ brief https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cadc.40415/gov.uscourts.cadc.40415.1208583920.0_1.pdf American Oversight amicus https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cadc.40415/gov.uscourts.cadc.40415.1208583989.0_1.pdf 167 Cong. Rec. S607 (daily ed. Feb. 9, 2021) https://www.congress

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 Circuit livestream Trump Appeal Tuesday Jan 9, 9:30amET https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEQ1aToavl8  Babbitt Estate v. US — Docket via Court Listener https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68139457/estate-of-ashli-babbitt-v-babbitt/ US v. Texas — Docket via Court Listener https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68134300/united-states-v-texas/  NY Case Search https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/CaseSearch Appellate Docket No: 2023-06396 Trial Docket No: 451625/2020 US Copyright Office Circular 33 https://www.copyright.gov/circs/

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_Probation/Supreme_Court/Opinions/2023/23SA300.pdf Lawfare Tracker on Trump DQ https://www.lawfaremedia.org/current-projects/the-trump-trials/section-3-litigation-tracker OA 836 https://openargs.com/oa836-yes-a-court-found-that-trump-incited-an-insurrection-now-what-feat-seth-barrett-tillman/ OA 848 https://openargs.com/oa848-trump-is-off-the-ballot-in-colorado/ Socialist Workers Party of Ill. v. Ogilvie, 357 F. Supp. 109, 113 (N.D. Ill. 1972) https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=13881601664092355452 Voting and Vice, 2012

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.uscourts.cadc.40415.1208582803.0_3.pdf Ed Meese amicus brief https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cadc.40415/gov.uscourts.cadc.40415.1208584119.0_1.pdf American Oversight amicus brief https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cadc.40415/gov.uscourts.cadc.40415.1208583989.0_1.pdf In re Grand Jury Investigation, 916 F.3d 1047 (2019) https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=8603210867025765580 D. Iowa Order re LGBTQ book ban https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.iasd.8

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/ Michael Cohen ChatGPT https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.499666/gov.uscourts.nysd.499666.104.0.pdf OA 751 https://openargs.com/oa751-chatgpt-writes-fake-opinions-real-judge-is-not-amused/ US v Trump SDFL Docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67490070/united-states-v-trump/?filed_after=&filed_before=&entry_gte=&entry_lte=&order_by=desc   -Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law -Follow us on Twitter:  @Openargs -Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ope

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 January 4, 2018 memo re marijuana prosecutions https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-issues-memo-marijuana-enforcement   Biden October 6, 2022 statement on marijuana  https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/10/06/statement-from-president-biden-on-marijuana-reform/   21 U.S.C. § 844 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/844   Fortenberry Ruling https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60659391/united-states-v-fortenberry/ -Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law -Follow

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.courts.state.co.us/userfiles/file/Court_Probation/Supreme_Court/Opinions/2023/23SA300.pdf   Lawfare Tracker on Trump DQ https://www.lawfaremedia.org/current-projects/the-trump-trials/section-3-litigation-tracker   OA 836 https://openargs.com/oa836-yes-a-court-found-that-trump-incited-an-insurrection-now-what-feat-seth-barrett-tillman/   Anderson v. Griswold https://www.courts.state.co.us/userfiles/file/Court_Probation/02nd_Judicial_District/Denver_District_Court/11_17_2023%20Final%20Order.pdf   -Support us on Patre

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! Notes - Trump DC Cir date set - Jan 9 https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cadc.40415/gov.uscourts.cadc.40415.1208580631.0_2.pdf   -Trump - Engoron - evaluation of witness testimony, denial of motion for DV https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/ViewDocument?docIndex=QbK_PLUS_LJnXDL9v6FtzC9ofmw==   -11th Cir - Pryor - Mark Meadows https://media.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/files/202312958.pdf -Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law -Follow us on Twitter:  @Openargs -Facebook:

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 Hunter Biden MTD - diversion agreement https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ded.82797/gov.uscourts.ded.82797.60.0.pdf Hunter Biden MTD - Selective and vindictive prosecution https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ded.82797/gov.uscourts.ded.82797.63.0.pdf Hunter Biden MTD - constitution https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ded.82797/gov.uscourts.ded.82797.61.0_1.pdf Hunter Biden MTD - Exceeded authority https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ded.82797/gov.uscourts.ded

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! NotesSCOTUS denies cert in Tingley https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/121123zor_e29g.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, which now has its own Twitter feed!  @oawiki -And finally, remember that you can email us at openarguments@gmail.com

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.cacd.907805/gov.uscourts.cacd.907805.1.0_1.pdf IRS Criminal Tax Handbook https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/tax_crimes_handbook.pdf USSC on tax fraud https://www.ussc.gov/research/quick-facts/tax-fraud Sentencing Guidelines https://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/guidelines-manual/2023/GLMFull.pdf Musgrave v. Warner (DC Cir.) https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/66696476/shawn-musgrave-v-mark-warner/   -Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law -Follow us on Twitter:  @Openargs -Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ope

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. Harperhttps://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=3002636935552946163 PA SOS final report on 2020 election https://www.dos.pa.gov/VotingElections/BEST/Pages/BEST-Election-Stats.aspx CA State Bar disbar Eastman brief https://discipline.calbar.ca.gov/portal/DocumentViewer/Index/VBqEKKzWq7BHFLcNbcYFBPwEVGppqKqRVh1jPShvzLRW-TqEo4kMqYD8POcD6IXmvjC-TMQt9Ct_mI544fmjiNq7TQItUIXPLobITmdyBQk1?caseNum=SBC-23-O-30029&docType=Pleading&docName=STATE%20BAR%20S%20CLOSING%20BRIEF&docTypeId=269&isVersionId=False&p=0 Eastman brief https://discipline.calbar.ca.gov/portal/DocumentViewer/Index/VBqEKKzWq7BHFLcNbcYFBC23fHVB3vvyF9PMGQpKVVc7_-vQjVVin5csFtC6SOfJDo4RbH-B8wXlyxxx4QUOMENofD03Bn0Oy

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 Aileen Cannon, FSW, to delay Trump's criminal trial for stealing national security documents.   it's a jam-packed episode you won't want to miss!   Notes Trump - Chutkan ruling on immunity https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.171.0.pdf   Trump DC Cir ruling on immunity https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cadc.38510/gov.uscourts.cadc.38510.1208575879.0_1.pdf   Nixon v. Fitzgerald, 475 U.S. 731 (1982) https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=2587191