Opening Arguments OA235: Corporations Are People, My Friend... Criminal People
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.
Finally, we end with an all new Thomas Takes The Bar Exam #105 on modifications to a contract. As always, if you'd like to play along with us, just retweet our episode on Twitter or share it on Facebook along with your guess and the #TTTBE hashtag. We'll release the answer on next Tuesday's episode along with our favorite entry!
Appearances
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Show Notes & Links
- Here's the merits ruling defamation we referenced during the show; you can also check out Trump's motion for attorneys' fees, Avenatti's (rather weak) opposition brief, and the court's ruling directing Stormy to pay almost $300,000.
- And because it never ends, check out the mediation questionnaire filled out by Avenatti for their appeal to the 9th Circuit.
- You know you want to read the press release regarding Michael Cohen's sentence; after that, you can check out the sentencing memoranda filed by the SCO's office ("good cop") as well as the brief filed by the SDNY ("bad cop").
- Finally, this is the AMI agreeement as well as the DOJ guidelines on prosecuting corporations.
- Oh, and just for fun, here's Jose Canseco's audition to be Trump's Chief of Staff. #YesWeCanseco
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