Opening Arguments NYTimes lets awful Harvard Law prof lie his ass off for some reason
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Aug 6, 2025 In a lively discussion, the hosts tackle the absurdities of the U.S. 'sovereign citizen' movement and highlight the outlandish claims of a prominent Harvard Law professor. They critique Adrian Vermeule's controversial views on citizenship and judicial authority, emphasizing the cultural implications of his op-ed in the New York Times. The episode mixes humor with sharp legal analysis, addressing executive power and the complexities in recent Supreme Court rulings. Listeners will enjoy a blend of skepticism and wit as the hosts dissect bad-faith legal arguments.
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Sovereign Citizen Contradictions
- Kelby Smith, a sovereign citizen leader, contradicts his movement's anti-regulation stance by holding active real estate licenses in California.
- The sovereign citizen movement is fragmented, mixing anti-government conspiracy with antisemitism and tax evasion efforts.
Vermeule's Authoritarian Shift
- Harvard Law professor Adrian Vermeule shows his true authoritarian beliefs in his NYT op-ed despite earlier more moderate public stances.
- His academic background contrasts sharply with his recent ideological shift towards executive dominance and Catholic integralism.
False Claims of Judicial Mutiny
- Vermeule claims lower courts defying Supreme Court is a growing mutiny but offers no convincing examples.
- The real issue is confusing shadow docket decisions with explicit Supreme Court guidance.