Opening Arguments

Today's Rapid Response Friday follows up on the State of Florida and... sadly... returns one last time to the story of Brett Kavanaugh and the ethics complaints lodged against him and referred to the Tenth Circuit.  Oh, and we give you real stuff you can do to make a positive difference!  You have to listen! We begin with a follow-up to Tuesday's episode where we break some news regarding the Democratic Party's lawsuit in Florida to extend registration for voting in the 2018 midterms before checking in on the Common Cause/League of Women Voters lawsuit we first discussed on Episode 216. Then it's time to tackle the ethics complaints filed against Brett Kavanaugh and referred out by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to the Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Finally, we end with an all new Thomas Takes The Bar Exam #97 regarding the tort of negligent misrepresentation.  Thomas needs to go 4-for-4... can he do it?  You'll have to listen and find out!  And, of course, if you'd like to play along wi

Today's (thankfully) Kavanaugh-free episode takes a look at Florida Governor Rick Scott's blatant court packing attempt with the Florida Supreme Court, and the lawsuit filed by Common Cause to try and stop him.  What will happen?  Listen and find out! First, though, we begin by revisiting our controversial episode (197) on 3-D printed guns by bringing on a real-life expert in 3-D printing to handle some technical questions and understand the arguments and counter-arguments regarding the proliferation of cheap and dangerous handguns. After that, we delve into Florida Gov. Rick Scott's transparent attempt to game the system to pack the Florida Supreme Court.  What does this mean for "Constitutional Hardball" and the state of the law in Florida?  Listen and find out! Then, we give you a brief preview of next week's story on California's net neutrality law. Finally, we end with an all new Thomas (and Chad) Take The Bar Exam #96 regarding the breach of an employment contract.  Remember to follow our Twitter feed (

Today's Rapid Response Friday tackles the #1 emailed story to us this past week:  is the real story behind the Kavanaugh nomination that the Trump administration needs him on the Supreme Court to rule in Gamble v. U.S. regarding the dual sovereignty doctrine as it applies to double jeopardy? We begin with a quick note about the New York Times story on Trump's taxes which will be covered on Serious Inquiries Only. Then it's time to figure out this claim about Gamble v. U.S. that fact-checking website Snopes rated as "true."  Is it, though?  (Hint:  no.)  We'll tell you everything you need to know about the 5th Amendment's double jeopardy clause and what it might mean for anyone Trump pardons once Kavanaugh gets to the Court. And speaking of which, we segue from that claim to an update on all things Kavanaugh this week, including the Mitchell letter, the FBI investigation, Flake's statements, and even (gasp!) an Andrew Was Wrong. Finally, we end with an all new Thomas Takes The Bar Exam #96 regarding the breac

Today's Kavanaugh-free episode is a classic, three-story, Deep Dive Tuesday into (1) a recent free speech case involving protesters at a Trump rally; (2) the status of Trump's efforts to ban trans service personnel from the military; and (3) whether Trump can unilaterally abrogate NAFTA.  Strap in -- it's going to be a long ride! We begin with an examination of Nwanguma v. Trump at both the district court level and the recent decision from the 6th Circuit.  Should protesters be allowed to sue Trump and his campaign staff for incitement to riot?  Listen and find out! After that, we examine the status of Trump's latest (Mar. 23, 2018) order on trans personnel in the military.  Is there... good news out of the Ninth Circuit??!? Then, we check out the history of presidential withdrawals from treaty obligations, a case involving a former Presidential candidate (Barry Goldwater) versus a sitting President (Jimmy Carter), and Donald Trump's constant claims that he can abrogate the North American Free Trade Agreemen

Today's Rapid Response Friday tackles (ugh) the ongoing Judiciary confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Associate Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh in light of Dr. Ford's allegations, before segueing into an interesting question from super-listener Teresa Gomez.  If you want to know everything about Rachel Mitchell (and so much more!) -- well, you've come to the right place! We begin with some good news about QED in Manchester, UK and your ability to hang out with Thomas! After that, it's time to figure out what's going on with Kavanaugh.  We examine (1) the political landscape; (2) the status of Blumenthal v. Nat'l Archives, Case No. 18-02143-RDM seeking FOIA information from the National Archives and the CIA; (3) the unprecedented appointment of career sex crimes prosecutor Rachel Mitchell to handle the questioning of Dr. Ford and Kavanaugh; (4) the strange circumstances surrounding Michael Avenatti's claim to represent additional women allegedly harrassed by Kavanaugh; and (5) what Dianne Feinstein wants. 

Today's episode is that rare Rapid Response Tuesday, necessitated by the persistent rumors that Donald Trump is about to fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.  Is it true?  How bad are things if it is?  And who is this mysterious G. Zachary Terwilliger?  You'll have to listen to know for sure! We begin by examining the New York Times reporting that predicated the efforts to force out Rosenstein.  Listen and you'll learn why is Andrew confident that these reports are false -- and get a rare "Randall Was Right" segment to boot! After that, we look to the statutory line of succession if Rosenstein is indeed fired, and we wind up at Noel Francisco and... Sideshow Zach?  How did THAT happen?  Bonus:  Is Francisco a Trump hack?  All signs point to... Then, we look to the statutory protections for Mueller even if Rosenstein is fired.  Will the entire Russia investigation be fed into a Fargo/Deadpool 2-style woodchipper? And, if all that wasn't enough, we also have a mini-deep dive into the Federal Vacancies

Today's Rapid Response Friday tackles (1) Paul Manafort's plea deal and (2) the surprise resumption of the Senate Judiciary confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Associate Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh in light of Dr. Ford's allegations, which are discussed in depth on Episode 158 of Serious Inquiries Only.  What should you look for during Monday's hearings?  Listen and find out! We begin with an acknowledgment of the story sent to us by several hundred thousand listeners regarding crazy person Cody Wilson. After that, it's time for an important Andrew Was Wrong:  Paul Manafort did not plea over the weekend; he pled guilty pretty much the second we stopped recording!  We break down everything there is to know about his deal, including the strong incentives Manafort has not only to cooperate but to roll over and expose his belly to Mueller's team in hopes of being thrown a bone or two.  Oh, and we time-travel back to the 19th century to answer a super-interesting listener question on asset forfeiture! The

Today's episode takes two deep dives:  first, into California SB10, which eliminates the "cash bail" system of pretrial detention in California, and second, into the Supreme Court's 1997 decision in Washington v. Glucksberg.  What does it all mean?  You'll have to listen to know for sure! We begin, however, with an update on Wells Fargo's $1 billion remediation plan first discussed in Episode 169. After that, we tackle California SB10, which is now law -- even though it won't go into effect until October of 2019.  Is this a good or a bad thing?  Would it change your mind to learn that the ACLU flip-flopped on this bill?  Listen and find out! From there, we move into an in-depth analysis of Glucksburg and what it means for the future of the Supreme Court. Then, we give you a little retroactive speculation regarding the possiblity that Paul Manafort might plead guilty.  Yes, it's a living record of the fact that we record on Thursdays -- but we think you'll like the analysis anyway. Finally, we end with Thomas

Today's Rapid Response Friday is all about the conclusion of the Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings for Brett Kavanaugh.  What did we learn?  What's still outstanding?  Are liberals really guilty of trying to bribe Susan Collins?  And, most importantly:  what can we do about any of this??  Listen and find out! We begin, however, with an important Andrew Was Wrong. After that, we delve into all the week's issues surrounding the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings, including:  (1) the status of Kavanaugh's nomination; (2) whether liberal crowdfunding efforts really count as efforts to "bribe" Republican Sen. Susan Collins; (3) an in-depth look at Kavanaugh's written answers to the Senate Judiciary Committee; (4) a shockingly misleading question from Opening Arguments's good friend, Sen. Ted Cruz; and finally (5) a preview of next Tuesday's discussion of a weird case called Glucksburg.  Phew! After all that, we end with an all new Thomas Takes The Bar Exam #93 regarding double jeopardy.  Did Thomas learn enough fro

Today's episode takes a deep dive into a 2003 Supreme Court decision, Stogner v. California, and discusses the Constitution's ex post facto clause.  Why?  Listen and find out! After that, we break down the $95 million lawsuit filed by Roy Moore against Sacha Baron Cohen alleging defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and fraud.  Is it meritorious?  Who's Moore's lawyer?  Will you laugh?  There's only one way to know! Finally, we end with Thomas Takes the Bar Exam Question #92 regarding the introduction of testimony against a gang member.  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.com. Show Notes & Links Here's the link to Stogner v. California, 539 U.S. 607 (2003). Click here to read the $95 million lawsuit filed by Roy Moore against Sacha Baron Cohen. Support us on Patreon at:  patreon

Today's Rapid Response Friday tackles the ongoing Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings for Brett Kavanaugh -- including an analysis of documents that broke literally after we recorded the show!  Find out if any of this can slow down Kavanaugh's presumed path the SCOTUS. We begin, however, with listener feedback on our rather controversial Episode 205 (with Andrew Seidel) as well as follow-up emails regarding 3-D guns and our contributions to SwingLeft. After that, we break down the critical documents leaked today by Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) that show 1) Kavanaugh's nakedly partisan approach to the court; 2) Kavanaugh's nonexistent view of the value of precedent when it comes to Roe v. Wade; and 3) possible perjury.  Is this a big deal?  YES.  Will it move the needle?  We'll see. After that, we return to Yodel Mountain to discuss Paul Manafort's impending DC trial and the somewhat-overlooked plea by W. Samuel Patten.  Who's that?  Listen and find out! Finally, we end with an all new Thomas Takes The Bar Exam

Today's episode takes us back to Yodel Mountain, where we take a look at a popular article making the rounds suggesting that (you guessed it) this ONE WEIRD TRICK might unravel the entire Mueller investigation.  Should you be worried? (No.) We begin, however, with the rare (but delightful!) Thomas Was Right segment revisiting 3-D guns and the Arms Export Control Act.  What's going on?  Listen and find out! In the main segment, we take apart this Politico story suggesting that McKeever v. Sessions hold the key to Yodel Mountain. After that, we tour what's left of Yodel Mountain to discuss the latest developments with our buddy Paulie M.  Did he really try to plead out in advance of his next trial?  What's next on the horizon for everyone's favorite ostrich-vest-wearing money launderer? Then, we end with Thomas (and Andrew!) Take the Bar Exam Question #91 regarding the separation of church and state and graduation prayers.  Remember to follow our Twitter feed (@Openargs) and like our Facebook Page so that you

Today's episode tackles two big church/state separation stories currently circulating right now:  the recent lawsuit filed by the owner of the Masterpiece Cakeshop, and the Pennsylvania grand jury  investigation of the Catholic Church.  And, of course, there's no better guide to these issues than friend of the show and Director of Strategic Response for the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Andrew Seidel. We begin the Masterpiece, going in depth on the case we first discussed back in Episode 201.  Find out what the Andrews think will happen to this case -- and along the way, you'll learn something about Younger abstention! After that, we turn to the Pennsylvania grand jury investigation regarding the Catholic Church, discuss statutes of limitation, and learn what we can do about it going forward. Finally, we end with an all new Thomas (and Andrew!) Take The Bar Exam #91 involving -- by sheer coincidence! -- the First Amendment and prayers at a student graduation.  If you'd like to play along, just retweet our

Today's episode welcomes back one of our favorite guest experts, former prosecutor and current law professor Randall Eliason of the Sidebars blog, who will help us break down what exactly a "perjury trap" is -- and whether Robert Mueller is laying one for the President. Of course, when we have a guest this good, we also have to take advantage of his expertise in a couple of other areas.  So we begin by checking in on the news of the day:  Mueller has already reportedly offered immunity to David Pecker, the CEO of the National Inquirer, whom we discussed at great length on Episode 203 in connection with the Cohen plea. After that, we delve into Rudy Giuliani's contention that Mueller is laying a "perjury trap" for the President.  Is that a thing?  Is that what he's doing?  Listen and find out! After that, we revisit the issue of reporters and confidential sources, where Professor Eliason has been a consistent voice opposing a federal privilege.  Is that a view he still holds?  There's only one way to know for

Today's extra-long, extra-early Rapid Response episode tackles the two biggest stories in the news right now:  Paul Manafort's conviction, and Michael Cohen's plea deal.  We tell you exactly what these two big stories actually mean. We begin with Paul Manafort.  What did the jury decide?  Why did they fail to reach a verdict on 10 counts?  What were those counts?  How long is Paulie M going to stay in prison and what's next?  And, most importantly:  what does this mean for Yodel Mountain?  How likely is Paulie M to flip on Donald Trump?  We answer all of these questions and more! After that, we turn to everyone's favorite weasel, Michael "I Would Take A Bullet For Donald Trump" Cohen, who... has not taken a bullet for Donald Trump but has in fact pled guilty to eight separate crimes.  What are they, what does it mean, and what comes next?  Listen and find out! And if all that wasn't enough, we end with an all new Thomas Takes The Bar Exam #90 involving  foreseeability, cross-motions for summary judgment, and

Today's episode takes an in-depth look at the recent $289 million dollar verdict handed down by a California state jury for a man who alleges that the herbicide Roundup (TM) gave him cancer. First, we break down the facts of the lawsuit.  Then, we have on special guest Yvette d'Entremont -- a.k.a. the SciBabe -- to break down the science behind glyphosate (the active chemical in Roundup). After that, it's time for everyone's favorite Thomas (& Yvette) Take the Bar Exam, where our dynamic duo attempts to get it right when it comes to the proper measure of damages for breach of contract.  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.com. Show Notes & Links If you'd like to read some of the original court documents, here's the Roundup complaint, the Roundup motion to strike; and finally, here's the Roundup v

Today's Rapid Response Friday is actually a Follow Up Friday!  We revisit four stories from recent episodes and go into more depth on each one, particularly in light of recent developments. We begin with our most recent story regarding reporter's privilege in Episode 200.  What's the other side of the argument?  Find out why friend of the show Randall Eliason thinks that reporter's ought not to have the right to keep their sources confidential! After that, we move back one more episode to Episode 199 and tackle some important listener questions about asbestos.  Along the way, we discuss the difference between strict liability and negligence and delve into theories of market share liability. Our main segment covers the unsurprising fact that Masterpiece Cakeshop is back in the news.  What does this mean?  How has the Supreme Court's decision changed the landscape for religious exemptions to laws?  Listen and find out! After that, we go back to Yodel Mountain and check in with the conclusion of the Manafort tri

Today's episode takes an in-depth look at the legal protections reporters have (and don't have) to keep their sources confidential. We begin, however, with an update on how "Elections Have Consequences," this time, looking at the state of the House of Representatives in light of last week's special election in OH-12. After that, we dive deeply into reporter privilege, beginning with a discussion of the Supreme Court's decision in Branzburg v. Hayes and continuing through to the recently-proposed Free Flow of Information Act of 2017. Next, the guys break down the Electronic Frontier Foundation's take on the 3-D guns.  Do Andrew and Thomas change their minds?  Listen and find out! Finally, we end the answer to Thomas Takes The Bar Exam #88 about waiver and/or modification of contract.  Remember to follow our Twitter feed (@Openargs) and like our Facebook Page so that you too can play along with #TTTBE! Recent Appearances Andrew was recently a guest on The Thinking Atheist podcast with Seth Andrews.  If you'd

Note: the SaneBox url in this episode is incorrect. Please go to https://www.sanebox.com/opening to take advantage of a great deal on their product! Today's Rapid Response Friday breaks down everything you need to know regarding the Trump EPA's recent rules change regarding asbestos.  Is it as ominous as it sounds?  (Yes.) We begin, however, with the oddest OA segment of all time:  Devin Nunes was right!  What was he right about, and what's a Michael Kinsley gaffe?  You'll just have to listen and find out! After that, in a bonus segment, the guys break down the recent indictment of Chris Collins (R-NY-27) for insider trading. The main segment breaks down the EPA's Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) regarding asbestos and help you evaluate the competing claims being lobbed back and forth.  Did the Trump Administration open up the use of asbestos in household products?  Or did they make it harder to use asbestos as the EPA claims?  We give you a definitive answer. After that, Andrew partially answers a listener qu

Today's episode takes an in-depth look at Donald Trump's favorite "liberal," Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz as seen through the eyes of one of his former students. We begin, however, with an update from the Paul Manafort trial, taking a look at the prosecution's strategy, witness list, and some preliminary rulings by Judge Ellis. After that, we dive very deeply into what looks like a very weird phenomenon:  why is Alan Dershowitz carrying water for a President whom he ostensibly opposes?  Why is he saying things that are demonstrably and indefensibly untrue about the law? Andrew has a theory.  Mostly, though, he has stories and research... but they lead to a theory (we promise)! Finally, we end the answer to Thomas Takes The Bar Exam #87 regarding constitutional law and a state vs. the federal Confrontation Clause.  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 gue