
Advisory Opinions
Advisory Opinions is a legal podcast by The Dispatch. Hosts David French and Sarah Isgur meet twice a week to talk about the law, the courts, their collision with politics, and why it all matters.
Latest episodes

9 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 20min
Educating the Youth
Join Sarah Isgur and David French as they dive into the complexities of free speech in education and its evolving landscape. Discover the implications of recent IRS settlements on nonprofits and political endorsements. They also dissect the impactful Citizens United ruling, questioning its influence on campaign finance. The conversation reveals the challenges of navigating identity and personal expression in educational settings while tackling the relationship between money and political speech. It's a lively debate about rights, regulations, and the future of expression.

20 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 54min
Blockbuster Cases
Join Frederick Lawrence, a distinguished legal educator, Jonathan Adler, a prolific legal scholar, and Daniel Epps, a Supreme Court expert, as they tackle pivotal Supreme Court cases. They dive into the intersections of religious freedom and education, exploring the impact of a notable case involving a children’s book. The panel also probes parental rights amid evolving judicial landscapes, the ideological leanings of the Supreme Court, and the implications of recent rulings on capital cases. It's a riveting discussion of law, politics, and public perception!

15 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 11min
State Power vs. Parental Rights
The podcast delves into the evolving legal landscape of parental rights and state power. It raises questions about upcoming Supreme Court considerations on parental consent laws and explores the impact of recent tragic events at Camp Mystic. A fascinating discourse on the complexities of parental authority in medical treatment decisions, especially around gender-affirming care, highlights contemporary societal tensions. Additionally, discussions on First Amendment rights in the context of political expression in employment reveal the intricate balance between individual freedoms and regulatory constraints.

47 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 5min
SCOTUS 2025 Term Debrief
In this conversation, David Lat, a legal blogger and writer, Amy Howe, a Supreme Court journalist, and Zachary Shemtob, a legal expert, dive deep into the recent Supreme Court term. They explore what led to its surprisingly mellow tone, key rulings, and unexpected cert petition denials. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson emerges as a significant figure, showcasing her liberal stance and questioning style. The group also delves into Justice Clarence Thomas's evolving influence and discusses the implications of a recent TikTok ruling, making sense of a complex legal landscape.

Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 27min
Justice Kagan’s Supreme Court
Dive into the latest term of the Supreme Court as the hosts break down significant cases, including those affecting adult content and LGBTQ+ rights. Discover the intricate voting dynamics among justices, especially Justice Kagan's rising influence. Learn about the Texas law requiring age verification for pornography and the broader implications for First Amendment rights. The discussion also touches on parental rights in education and digital content regulations, highlighting the balance between protecting minors and upholding free speech.

123 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 18min
SCOTUS Sides with Trump
William Baude, a law professor at Chicago University, and Daniel Epps, a law professor at Washington University, dive into the Supreme Court’s intriguing non-decision on birthright citizenship. They dissect the implications of judicial supremacy and the notable clash between Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson. The conversation humorously touches on naming legal dockets and contrasts judicial philosophies, offering insights on equity, standing, and how recent rulings are reshaping federal law's landscape.

33 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 4min
Ruling Against Planned Parenthood
Delve into the complexities of the Supreme Court's recent decisions and their implications for immigration and criminal justice. Discover the significant case Medina v. Planned Parenthood, unpacking the nuanced legal challenges tied to Medicaid funding and patient rights. The discussion also touches on evolving constitutional theories, particularly the impact of originalism on current rulings. Plus, enjoy insights from Justice Samuel Alito's interview, exploring the intricacies of legal interpretations and their real-world consequences.

10 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 9min
Hubris in Legal Movements
Legal experts dive into the significance of recent Supreme Court decisions, critiquing their impact on civil liberties and free expression. The conversation shifts to the ongoing TikTok ban debate and the role of selective law enforcement. Gender dysphoria takes center stage with discussions on healthcare access for minors and contrasting definitions in the legal context. A notable Ninth Circuit case on gender identity at a spa raises questions around anti-discrimination laws versus First Amendment rights, highlighting the intricate balance between personal freedoms and legal boundaries.

18 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 10min
Skrmetti and Certiorari
Tune in as hosts dissect the recent Supreme Court ruling on Tennessee's law banning transgender medical interventions for minors, exploring its implications for legal protections. They tackle the complexities of judicial interpretation, discrimination, and the intersection of age and gender identity in healthcare. The conversation also delves into the controversial ban on TikTok and unique alliances seen in recent court decisions. With a mix of serious analysis and witty commentary, listeners gain insights into the legal challenges surrounding transgender rights and healthcare access.

20 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 24min
Unprovoked War
Dive into the tense dynamics of the Israel-Iran conflict, as experts dissect the legal nuances of preemptive versus preventative warfare. Explore how international laws intersect with state actions in crisis situations. The conversation touches on historical parallels and ethical dilemmas surrounding civilian casualties. Trump’s deployment of the National Guard sparks debates on executive power and judicial scrutiny. Enjoy a lighter moment with a humorous courtroom anecdote about gum etiquette, bringing a unique blend of seriousness and levity.