Opening Arguments

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

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-lamington-farm-club.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 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. Notes House Oversight Biden Subpoenas https://oversight.house.gov/release/comer-issues-subpoenas-to-biden-family-associates%EF%BF%BC/ Abbe Lowell Letter to James Comer re Hunter Biden Testimony https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000018c-161a-dbbc-a1de-7e7e397f0000 NY Trump gag orders reinstated https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/ViewDocument?docIndex=2yAOg8Zx5CTVK5fRESuAVA== Trump petition to 1st AD https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/ViewDocument?docIndex=8mrJZIGwSPZTLMGpK_PLUS_pe_PLUS_g== Kendall v. Doster docum

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 copy (scannable) https://www.justice.gov/storage/US_v_Trump_23_cr_257.pdf Rudy “Trial Brief” https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.238720/gov.uscourts.dcd.238720.107.0.pdf Mwani v. Bin Laden https://casetext.com/case/mwani-v-bin-ladin Freeman/Moss Opp Motion for Bench Trial https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.238720/gov.uscourts.dcd.238720.109.0.pdf Rudy response to Howell Minute Order https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.238720/gov.uscourts.dcd.238720.110

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. Letter re: harassment of Engoron’s clerk https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cadc.40232/gov.uscourts.cadc.40232.1208573931.0_3.pdf Curling v. Raffensperger https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24163431/11-10-23-trial-order-denial-of-summary-judgment.pdf NAACP v. Sanders https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Opinion.pdf 52 USC 10308 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/52/10308 -Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law -Follow us on Twitter:  @Openargs -Facebook:  https://www.f

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. Griswoldhttps://www.courts.state.co.us/userfiles/file/Court_Probation/02nd_Judicial_District/Denver_District_Court/11_17_2023%20Final%20Order.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

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. Sandershttps://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, which now has its own Twitter feed!  @oawiki -And finally, remember that you can email us at openarguments@gmail.com

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 the Trump motion for a new trial discussed just last episode!   Notes CCDH, Toxic Twitter https://counterhate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Toxic-Twitter_FINAL.pdf   Engoron order denying motion for new trial https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/fbem/DocumentDisplayServlet?documentId=e7egXMrk5KE0sOyTUjgixg==&system=prod   CCDH Motion to Dismiss https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.416212/gov.uscourts.cand.416212.47.0_1.pdf   NY Judicial Ethics Opinion 98-19 https://nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/ju

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/b5Oq9DwXg== Trump DC Cir Brief https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cadc.40232/gov.uscourts.cadc.40232.1208569217.0_1.pdf Trump gag order DC https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258148/gov.uscourts.dcd.258148.105.0_2.pdf DOJ DC Cir Brief https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cadc.40232/gov.uscourts.cadc.40232.1208570955.0_4.pdf DC Local Rules https://www.dcd.uscourts.gov/sites/dcd/files/local_rules/Local%20Rules%20April_2023%282%29.pdf G

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 openarguments@gmail.com

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 Wheeler on Trump production https://www.emptywheel.net/2023/10/29/the-piles-of-chris-kise-bullshit-devlin-barrett-claims-to-believe/   -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 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 Opening Arguments Wiki, which now has its own Twitter feed!  @oawiki -And finally, remember that you can email us at openarguments@gmail.com

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 -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 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.uscourts.flsd.648652.85.0_4.pdf Marcy Wheeler on Trump production https://www.emptywheel.net/2023/10/29/the-piles-of-chris-kise-bullshit-devlin-barrett-claims-to-believe/ Jencks Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3500. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/3500 Underwear ATL https://abovethelaw.com/2022/09/florida-federal-court-using-underwear-shop-for-phone-storage-is-most-florida-thing-ever/ -Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law -Follow us on Twitter:  @Openargs -Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/openargs/ -For show-relate

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! NotesCharles 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 of Clarendon, 1164 https://avalon.law.yale.edu/medieval/constcla.asp Mullaney v. Wilbur, 421 U.S. 684 (1975) https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=1049931246973296361 Stambovsky v. Ackley https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=3290684836490834623 Mayo v Satan https://casetext.com/case/united-states-ex-rel-gerald-mayo-v-satan-and-his-staff 2016 US News article on Creepy Clown Sightings https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2016-10-31/floridians-arm-themselves-against-creepy-clowns-on-halloween?context=a

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 https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258148 Trump Reply Sup Stay of Gag Order https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258148/gov.uscourts.dcd.258148.123.0_3.pdf Gentile v. State Bar of Nevada, 501 U.S. 1030 (1991) https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=12991687764638238096 In re Brunetti https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=14505087584960254163 15 USC § 1052 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1052 Vidal v. Elster petitioner’s brief https://ww

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 favor of... George Santos??!? You heard us! Notes Trump Fulton County docket https://www.fultonclerk.org/DocumentCenter/Index/142   False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. Subchapter III https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/31/subtitle-III/chapter-37/subchapter-III   31 U.S.C. § 3730 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/31/3730   Doe v. PP Complaint https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txnd.343972/gov.uscourts.txnd.343972.2.0_5.pdf   Kacsmaryk 2022 Order denying Motion to Dismiss https://storage.courtlistener.com

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.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu7uzRFDpTY Jenna Ellis original Fulton County indictment https://www.fultonclerk.org/DocumentCenter/View/2108/CRIMINAL-INDICTMENT Jenna Ellis superseding Accusation https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24079495/criminal-accusation-for-ellis-102423.pdf Jenna Ellis sparklemagic law memos! https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000017d-a4d0-dac5-abff-a5ddcf600000 OCGA 16-10-1 https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2022/title-16/chapter-10/article-1/section-16-10-1/ OCGA § 16-10-20 https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2022