
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

May 6, 2025 • 1h 9min
Right-on-Right Violence
Amy Howe, a Supreme Court analyst at SCOTUSblog, and David Lat, a legal commentator and founder of Original Jurisdiction, dive into the heated debate surrounding the St. Isidore of Seville religious charter school case. They discuss the classification of public versus private schools and the implications for educational policy. The conversation also touches on Justice Barrett's recusal and whether Chief Justice Roberts might become the deciding vote. Additionally, they explore the complexities of birthright citizenship and its potential legal ramifications in current cases.

21 snips
May 1, 2025 • 1h 3min
Are Religious Charter Schools Legal?
A lively discussion dives into the contentious issue of religious charter schools and the upcoming Supreme Court decision on their legality. The hosts analyze Justice Gorsuch's pivotal role and the implications for the establishment clause. They also explore a mistaken FBI raid, highlighting the intricacies of law enforcement liability. Amid humor, personal anecdotes, and reflections on old navigation methods, the conversation captures the evolving landscape of public education and the intersection of religion and state funding.

33 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 27min
The Arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan
Amy Howe, a reporter for SCOTUSblog and a key voice in legal journalism, joins the discussion alongside David Lat. They dive into the intriguing case of Judge Hannah Dugan's arrest and its implications for judicial accountability. The conversation also explores the potential for cameras in the Supreme Court, weighing transparency against the risks of sensationalism. Additionally, they dissect the complexities of judicial immunity and recent landmark cases impacting employment discrimination, setting the stage for pivotal discussions in the legal landscape.

8 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 13min
SCOTUSblog, Welcome to The Dispatch
Amy Howe, the voice of SCOTUSblog, joins Sarah Isgur and David French to discuss the news of The Dispatch’s acquisition of SCOTUSblog. Also: What's the equity in equity dockets?The Agenda:—SCOTUSblog joins The Dispatch—Puppies (and pride?)—Harvard fights back—Equity dockets, revisited Show Notes:—Read more on the acquisitionAdvisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

33 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 12min
Judge v. (Unethical) Lawyer
Sarah Isgur and David French react to Donald Trump’s latest legal battles and talk to friend of the pod Judge Amul Thapar about his new wellness Substack.\The Agenda:—Birthright citizenship oral argument—Trump's use of Alien Enemies Act blocked—The FAFO bucket—Criminal contempt proceedings against the Trump administration—'An opinion for the ages'—Judges Thapar’s wellness adviceShow Notes:—Justice Alito's dissent on Alien Enemies Act—William Baude on the birthright citizenship oral argumentAdvisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

51 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 1h
The Collision Is Coming
The discussion dives into the dramatic case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and his illegal deportation saga. Legal tensions rise as they analyze Supreme Court orders and the influence of MAGA tactics on judicial strategies. The balance of executive power and individual rights is scrutinized alongside the government's responsibilities. Additionally, humorous parenting methods of Elon Musk are explored, merging ethics with unconventional approaches. All this culminates in a lively discourse on the intricate dynamics of law and culture.

15 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 58min
The Rights of Deportees
Dive into the intricate legal landscape surrounding detainees’ rights and the impact of habeas corpus, especially concerning El Salvador's prison system. Explore landmark cases that define the complex relationship between national security and individual liberties. The conversation also tackles extraordinary rendition, First Amendment challenges, and the media's role in free speech. Shift gears with insights on female friendships in media and the dynamics of masculinity in times of adversity, all while sharing humorous takes on the latest television trends.

17 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 43min
🚨 Trump (Kind Of) Wins On Alien Enemies Act
The discussion tackles the Supreme Court's emergency ruling on the Trump administration's application of the Alien Enemies Act. Key topics include due process, the 'clean hands' doctrine, and the challenges of forum shopping in immigration cases. The hosts explore complex legal nuances surrounding habeas corpus and the implications of removing individuals without notice. They also highlight the evolving roles of Justices Barrett and Roberts as new swing votes in critical decisions. A rich examination of constitutional issues within the immigration framework unfolds.

15 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 31min
Justice Barrett's RICO Revolution
The discussion centers on the implications of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act with its recent applications and challenges. Tariffs without congressional approval spark debate about executive power. The episode dives into vaping regulations, public health impacts, and a landmark Supreme Court ruling enhancing the FDA's authority. Philosophical reflections on legal interpretations through natural law are also explored, alongside humorous anecdotes about parenting while navigating complex legal discussions.

23 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 2min
Evangelizing vs. Proselytizing
Sarah Isgur and David French dive into the complex intersection of religious liberty and legal standards, discussing a pivotal Wisconsin tax case. They break down the distinct differences between evangelizing and proselytizing, exploring ethical implications of faith-sharing. The conversation also highlights the challenges faced by Catholic charities in maintaining tax-exempt status. Additionally, they analyze the strategic dynamics of legal advocacy and the impact of specialization versus generalization on Supreme Court cases.
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