Opening Arguments The Dumbroe Doctrine
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Jan 5, 2026 Legal expert Liz Skeen joins the hosts to dissect the staggering U.S. military operation to abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. She offers insight into international law, discussing the legal implications of such actions and comparing them to past U.S. interventions like Noriega's. The team delves into the nuances of extradition, sovereign immunity, and the murky legal justifications presented by the government. Plus, they examine the historical context of U.S. involvement in Latin America and the potential consequences for Venezuelans in the U.S.
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Military Strike Plus Arrest Creates A New Precedent
- The operation combined a military strike and an arrest, making it both a use of force and law enforcement action.
- Matt Cameron warns this duality creates a dangerous precedent for extrajudicial abductions under the guise of policing.
UN Charter Forbids Unilateral Use Of Force
- The military strike violates Article 2(4) of the UN Charter unless justified by self-defense.
- Liz Skeen and Matt Cameron emphasize UN obligations remain binding because the Charter is a ratified treaty.
OLC Memo Is A Weak Legal Cover
- The government may lean on a 1989 OLC memo by William Barr claiming domestic authority can override international law.
- Matt Cameron calls this a minority opinion and legally weak justification for abduction.