Law Talk With Epstein, Yoo & Cooke Insurrections, The Militia Cause, and Getting Dunked on By Charles Barkley
Jun 13, 2025
Dive into the chaos of federal troop use during civil unrest and the clash of state versus federal power. Explore the Insurrection Act's legal minefield and the implications of militarization in policing. Birthright citizenship and surprising Supreme Court ideologies bring intriguing twists to the conversation. Plus, enjoy a humorous tale involving a basketball game with Charles Barkley at the Supreme Court. Legal complexities and historical precedents weave through each topic, making for a captivating discussion.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Supreme Court Basketball Anecdote
- John Yoo shared a memorable story of playing HORSE against Charles Barkley at the Supreme Court's basketball court.
- Barkley's unguarded shooting skills overwhelmed him, making it a proud loss during a unique legal moment.
Federal Troops Powers Explained
- Trump has three escalating powers to use federal troops: protect federal officers, protect law enforcement operations, and enforce the law under the Insurrection Act.
- Only the broadest—that is, policing powers—requires invocation of the Insurrection Act, which Trump had not used yet.
National Guard Federalization Law
- The National Guard acts as a state militia but can be federalized with congressional authorization, allowing the president limited command.
- The legality does not require governor consent despite political norms; Trump’s legal authority to federalize is strong though political coordination is wise.