Opening Arguments

Today's Rapid Response episode takes a look at the just-released Law'd Awful Memo written by Attorney General nominee Bill Barr and sent to Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein concerning the Mueller investigation.  Are the argument(s) raised in the memo any good?  What does this mean for the future of the Mueller investigation?  Listen and find out! We begin, however, with a brief foray into everyone's favorite show topic:  BASEBALL LAW!  Find out about the agreement reached between MLB and Cuba, and how (of course) Donald Trump can screw it up. After that, it's time for an Andrew Was Wrong (and Maybe Not Wrong) on David Pecker and AMI.  Along the way, we'll learn about the corruption case against Sun-Diamond Growers in connection with former Agriculture Secretary (and nearly-Senator) Mike Espy. Then, we delve deeply into the Barr memo, taking apart the legal "arguments" and featuring a guest appearance from one Antonin Scalia! Then, it's time to tackle the rather surprising decision by Judge Sullivan in the Michael Fly

Today's deep-dive Tuesday tackles a long-running lawsuit by the estate of Randy California -- the founder, lead singer, and guitarist for the band Spirit -- alleging that Led Zeppelin stole the iconic riff for "Stairway to Heaven" from Spirit's 1968 song "Taurus."  With assistance from Thomas on guitar, we tackle all of the fun issues that are currently pending before the 9th Circuit... and possibly headed to the Supreme Court! We begin, however, with two follow-up questions that got cut from Friday's blockbuster show regarding the American Media, Inc. plea agreement:  (1) Could David Pecker still be indicted? and the big one:  (2) Can Donald Trump pardon a corporation?  The answer... may surprise you! After that, it's time for a deep dive into the law regarding musical copyright and an exploration of the similarities and differences between "Taurus" and "Stairway to Heaven."  Where do Andrew and Thomas come out?  You'll have to listen to find out! After that, it's time for the answer to Thomas Takes The Bar

Today's Rapid Response episode takes a look at three breaking stories related to the White House:  (1) the recent ruling requiring Stormy Daniels to pay Trump's attorneys' fees; (2) the sentencing of Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen; and (3) most importantly, the plea deal signed by American Media, Inc. -- parent company to the National Enquirer -- to cooperate with the Special Counsel's Office. We begin by revisiting the question of whether, in fact, Stormy Daniels is still a legal genius.  (Hint:  she is.)  But what does it mean that a court just ordered her to pay Trump nearly $300,000 -- and why could it have been much, much worse?  Listen and find out. After that, we check out Trump's ex-"fixer" and the former Taxi King of New York, Michael Cohen, who was just sentenced to three years in prison. Then it's time for a fascinating look into a non-prosecution agreement reached between the Special Counsel's Office and American Media, Inc. that tell us an awful lot about where Yodel Mountain is headed. F

Today's deep-dive Tuesday tackles a viral oral argument before the Supreme Court in Timbs v. Indiana regarding civil forfeiture -- and a delightful question (that inspired the graphic for the show notes) about whether the state can seize your Bugatti for speeding.  Oh, and we check back in on the Ann Coulter v. Berkeley lawsuit that was recently settled.  What happened?  Listen and find out! We begin with the Berkeley settlement, and break down exactly what the University did (and didn't) promise to do going forward.  Is this a "big win" for the right wing?  (Hint: no.) Then, it's time to delve deeply into Timbs v. Indiana and discuss the law of civil asset forfeiture, the doctrine of proportionality, and even the concept of incorporation.  Yes, it's a crazy Civ Pro kinda day.. you won't want to miss it! Then, it's time for a BRAND NEW SEGMENT -- "Yodel Mountain Remembers!"  We think you're gonna love it! Oh, and we also tackle a terrific listener question about the "apology doctrine" and the nation that made

Today's Rapid Response episode takes a look at two pressing issues: (1) Mueller's [REDACTED] sentencing memorandum with respect to Michael Flynn, and (2) the naked power grab by lame-duck Republicans in Wisconsin.  Along the way, we'll also cover a bunch more legal stories, but you knew that already! We begin high atop Yodel Mountain, where we cover not only the [REDACTED] Flynn memorandum but also Roger Stone taking 5 and a truly bizarre conspiracy theory advanced by Rudy Giuliani. Then, it's time for the main segment, in which we tackle Wisconsin SB 887 and its component bills that are designed to weaken drastically the strength of the incoming Democratic governor, Tony Evers.  Is it as bad as everyone says it is?  (It's worse.) After that, it's time for a brief Andrew Was Wrong segment.  Turns out Andrew Was Wrong about both Julian Assange and American paddlefish! Finally, we end with an all new Thomas Takes The Bar Exam #102 on evidence and the admissibility of hearsay.  Find out how Thomas outsources the

Today's deep-dive Tuesday takes us back to a time in which politically-motivated revenge was actually seen as a scandal; namely, Chris Christie's Bridgegate.  There's a new ruling out of the Third Circuit that affects two Christie staffers, and... well, you'll just have to listen and find out! Then, it's time to take a long look at ongoing litigation surrounding the Trump Administration's efforts to deter Democrats from registering for the Census, thus reducing their voting power.  What does a trial in district court have to do with the Supreme Court's recent grant of certiorari? After that, we answer a terrific Patron listener question regarding the European loser-pays-legal fees model versus the American pay-your-own-way model.  Yes, the American model seems counter-intuitive at best (and downright regressive at worst), but is shifting to a loser-pays model the answer?  Andrew talks about his experiences and the guys go through a bunch of options. And finally, we end with the answer to Thomas Takes The Bar

"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." - Winston Churchill.  And yes, today does, in fact, mark the end of the beginning of the Mueller Investigation... and perhaps for Donald Trump.  Why?  You'll just have to listen and find out! In this super-sized episode, we tackle: (1) Michael Cohen's just-announced plea to a new count of lying -- this time in connection with his prior testimony before the Senate and House Intelligence Committees investigating Russian interference in the 2016 elections; (2) A follow-up on Andrew Miller and Concord Management and Consulting, including a fascinating new blog written by Randall Eliason with Yodel Mountain implications; (3) Paul Manafort's apparent repudiation of his plea deal with Mueller, what that means and when we'll know; (4) Jerome Corsi's public refusal to plead and cooperate with the Mueller investigation over WikiLeaks and Julian Assange; and (5) An update in the Brain Frosh Finally, we end w

Today's deep-dive Tuesday tackles that viral case caption you've probably seen floating around Twitter:  "United States v. 1,855.6 pounds of American Paddlefish Meat."  Is the sack of fish meat really going to have to show up in court?  Will it have a lawyer??!?  Listen and find out! We begin, however, with a roundup of all the lawsuits filed against Matthew Whitaker, including the most recent one brought by Senators Blumenthal and Hirono.  Oh, and we check with an op-ed written by... the Torture Guy?  What's going on here?? The main segment delves into in rem jurisdiction in order to explain the "paddlefish meat" caption.  If you like legal minutiae -- and let's be honest, you're listening to this podcast -- you'll love this segment. Then, it's time for a truly great listener question holding Andrew's feet to the fire on Net Neutrality and the Munsingwear doctrine.  It's not an Andrew Was Wrong, but it is an... Andrew Could Have Explained That Better?  Either way, you won't want to miss it. Finally, we end w

Today's Thanksgiving Special / Rapid Response episode takes a look at the single most important Yodel Mountain case pending right now:  Andrew Miller's lawsuit before the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.  Find out what it all means! We begin, however, with a brief Andrew Was Right and roundup on the status of the Jim Acosta lawsuit, which has been mooted thanks to the injunctive relief won by CNN (and the White House's decision to restore Acosta's credentials). Then, it's time for the deep dive into Andrew Miller and his Don Quixote-esque foray into our legal system to challenge Robert Mueller's authority.  Along the way you'll find out who Andrew's Shattered Glass doppelganger is, and learn more than you ever thought possible about the U.S. Constitution's "Appointments Clause." Finally, we end with an all new Thomas Takes The Bar Exam #102 on evidence and the admissibility of hearsay.  Find out how Thomas outsources the decision and more.  And, of course, if you'd like to play along wit

Today's Deep Dive Tuesday tackles the motion for preliminary injunction and underlying lawsuit brought by CNN and Jim Acosta against the Trump White House for revoking his press credentials.  You'll get to hear about how Andrew Was Right... last Thursday (!)  As a bonus, you'll get a listener question that segues into a mini-deep-dive on the "sovereign immunity" doctrine! We begin, however, with some initial information about the still-sketchy situation surrounding Michael Avenatti and his arrest for domestic violence. After that, it's time to traipse through the CNN/Acosta lawsuit, which is still relevant today (even though the PI was, as Andrew predicted, granted). Then, it's time to answer a really interesting listener question about Oklahoma's new anti-vax governor that winds up with a discussion of the sovereign immunity doctrine.  It's a rabbit trail you'll want to go down! Finally, we end with the answer to Thomas Takes The Bar Exam #101 on SPACE LAW.  Find out Lando's (and Thomas's!) fate! Remember to

Today's Rapid Response Friday takes a deep dive into the recent lawsuit filed (actually, amended) by Maryland's ace Attorney General, Brian Frosh, challenging the appointment of Matthew Whitaker as Acting Attorney General. We begin, however, with an Andrew Was Right (and Wrong, sadly) roundup of a bunch of issues:  (1) whether the midterm elections were a "Blue Wave" (they were); (2) the formation of a new breakaway conservative legal group; (3) Jeff Flake's efforts to protect Robert Mueller; (4) Whitaker's recusal status; and (5) the election of Kyrsten Sinema to the U.S. Senate in Arizona.  Phew! After that, it's time for the deep dive into Maryland's ACA lawsuit that.. somehow morphed into a judicial request to determine that Matthew Whitaker cannot be the Attorney General?  How is that even possible??  We explain it all... and along the way, we let you know what arguments the State of Maryland has raised that the next Attorney General should be Rod Rosenstein instead.  It's a fascinating lawsuit, and you'

...using this one weird trick! (but for real.) It's a new intro this week and Thomas hopes you don't mind the departure from the regular quotes. After that Andrew has updates on several cases for us! They involve: the Emoluments Clause, a 40 foot cross, Net Neutrality, and Monsanto! Then we get to the meat of our episode, which is about how the Democrats in the House can now use their power to force Trump's tax returns out. It has lots of twists and turns and isn't as straightforward as you might think! Support us on Patreon at:  patreon.com/law Follow us on Twitter:  @Openargs Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/openargs/ Don't forget the OA Facebook Community! For show-related questions, check out the Opening Arguments Wiki And email us at openarguments@gmail.com  

Today's Rapid Response Friday covers the two things that are definitely on everyone's minds:  (1) the midterm elections, and (2) the fate of the Mueller investigation and more in light of President Trump's decision to fire Attorney General Jeff Sessions.  Elections have consequences... don't they? We begin with a roundup of  the outstanding legal issues in connection with the midterms. After that, it's Yodelin' time.  What happened to G. Zachary Terwilliger?  Is the Mueller investigation in trouble?  What can we do??  Listen and find out! Appearances None!  If you'd like to have either of us as a guest on your show, drop us an email at openarguments@gmail.com. Show Notes & Links No links this week! Support us on Patreon at:  patreon.com/law Follow us on Twitter:  @Openargs Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/openargs/ Don't forget the OA Facebook Community! For show-related questions, check out the Opening Arguments Wiki And email us at openarguments@gmail.com  

At long last, we've got the audio from Andrew's debate with University of Louisville Law School professor, member of the Federalist Society and former Brett Kavanaugh clerk Justin Walker! The debate was put on by the American Constitution Society and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. It was moderated by the ACLU! After that, it's the thrilling conclusion to TTTBE100.... Support us on Patreon at:  patreon.com/law Follow us on Twitter:  @Openargs Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/openargs/ Don't forget the OA Facebook Community! For show-related questions, check out the Opening Arguments Wiki And email us at openarguments@gmail.com Download Link

Today's Rapid Response Friday revisits some cases we've previously discussed with recent positive developments:  the Summer Zervos lawsuit and the future of political gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. We begin with the Zervos lawsuit we first covered in Episode 176, in which a state trial court judge has ordered Donald Trump to respond to discovery served by Zervos's attorney.  What's next for the President and why does it have Yodel Mountain implications?  You'll have to listen and find out! After that, we revisit our discussion from Episodes 146 and 148 regarding the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's opinion redrawing congressional maps in that state.  The U.S. Supreme Court -- and yes, that's the Brett Kavanaugh-and-Neil-Gorsuch-laden Supreme Court! -- just declined to intervene to protect the Republicans.  Why is that, and how is that a map forward?  We tell all! Then, we return to the Gary Hart story we discussed last episode.  Was Hart really set up?  Listen and find out! Finally, we end with an all new Thomas

Today's episode tackles an issue you've all been writing about:  what exactly is going on in West Virginia, where the entire state supreme court has been impeached?  We break it down for you! First, though, we start off with a roundup on voter suppression, including Georgia's "exact match" requirement being used to deny new registrations. After that, it's time to go deep, deep down the rabbit hole in West Virginia.  It's... kind of amazing, actually. Then, we move to a breaking story involving Andrew's first political crush.  Yes, before there was Liz Warren, we had "Atari Democrat" Gary Hart.  Find out what's in the news regarding Hart. After all that, we end with the answer to Thomas Takes The Bar Exam #99 regarding the good-faith exception to the exclusionary rule.  Remember to follow our Twitter feed (@Openargs) and like our Facebook Page so that you too can play along with #TTTBE! Recent Appearances None!  If you'd like to have either of us as a guest on your show, drop us an email at openarguments@gmail

Today's Rapid Response Friday takes us back to a well-worn trope here at OA that we can't emphasize enough in late October:  elections have consequences!  Specifically, we take a look at the importance of past and future elections in the pivotal swing state of Florida. We begin, however, with a quick statement on the Trump administration's apparently-leaked policy regarding trans people and some new developments. After that, it's time for the ever-popular Andrew Was Wrong segment, with two things that.. well, Andrew got wrong:  Whitewater and Paul Manafort (!) Then it's time for a deep dive into the Florida Judicial Nominating Commission and various constitutional amendments that are on the ballot this November, including one that takes a swipe at our favorite doctrine. But that's not all!  We move on to discuss 202 Democratic Presidential Candidate Michael Avenatti.  It's not pretty. Finally, we end with an all new Thomas Takes The Bar Exam #99 regarding criminal procedures.  After getting it wrong last week

Today's Rapid Response Tuesday takes an in-depth look at OA's new favorite clownhorn, Carter Page, and his delightfully mad lawsuit against the Democratic National Committee, the law firm of Perkins Coie, and (I think) the Ancient Order of the Illuminati.  Strap in! We begin with some good ol'-fashioned yodeling, with a roundup of stories with Yodel Mountain implications, including (1) the report that Mueller's probe will conclude after the midterms; (2) Paulie Manafort's latest motion; (3) the departure of White House counsel Don McGahn; and (4) some news regarding Michael Avenatti's White House run in 2020. Then -- oh man -- it's time for a deep dive into Carter Page's lawsuit regarding this September 23, 2016 Yahoo news story, written by esteemed reporter Michael Isikoff, that Mr. Page delightfully believes is defamatory. After all that, we end with an all new Thomas Takes The Bar Exam #98 regarding constitutional law standards for a group home.  Remember to follow our Twitter feed (@Openargs) and like ou

Today's Rapid Response Friday takes us to the front lines of the affirmative action debate with the trial of Students For Fair Admissions, Inc. v. Harvard, a lawsuit brought by a single-issue right-wing activist determined to end diversity as a criterion in school admissions.  (And yes, we tell you what we really think!) We begin, however, with some news regarding the Monsanto trial we profiled back in Episode 202. After that, it's time for a deep dive into the nuances of affirmative action with the SFFA v. Harvard lawsuit.  What exactly does it allege?  What's the status of affirmative action law?  Where is this lawsuit going?  Listen and find out! Then it's time for a brief Andrew Was segment, in which Andrew Was Wrong about the UK Supreme Court, and Andrew Was... Something... about the good news coming out of the Florida Supreme Court. Finally, we end with an all new Thomas Takes The Bar Exam #98 regarding constitutional standards.  Thomas needs to go 2-for-3 after a recent audit showed a bank error in h

Today's (thankfully) Kavanaugh-free episode -- in honor of Thomas's appearance at QED in Manchester -- takes an in-depth look at the Ashers Baking Co. case, as well as developments at the state level to push for Net Neutrality.  Oh, and we revisit OA's favorite legal genius, Stormy Daniels.  Strap in, it's going to be a fun ride! We begin with a lengthy discussion of the UK Supreme Court's ruling in Ashers Baking Co., which has been called the "Masterpiece Cakeshop of the UK."  Is that accurate?  Listen and find out! Next, we walk through California's effort to protect Net Neutrality in that state, and the lawsuits filed by parties on all sides.  What's going to happen?  We tell you! Finally, we take a brief look at Stormy Daniels and update you on the status of her lawsuit in California. And then, of course, we end with an all new Thomas (and Chad) Take The Bar Exam #97 regarding the tort of negligent misrepresentation.  Remember to follow our Twitter feed (@Openargs) and like our Facebook Page so that you