
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

6 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.

11 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.

16 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 14min
Aliens and Enemies
Dive into a wild blend of legal intrigue and personal anecdotes. Discover the absurdity of executive orders affecting law firms and the nuances of the Alien Enemies Act. Hear about a comical yet tense family encounter with a tornado. Explore the intricate dance of redistricting in Louisiana and its racial implications. Finally, ponder over the complexities of the non-delegation doctrine and how judicial reasoning shapes our legal landscape. Prepare for an engaging ride through politics and law!

31 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 28min
Second Amendment v. Ghost Gun Ban
In this engaging discussion, former Fifth Circuit judge Gregg Costa, now a partner at Gibson Dunn, shares his insights on ghost guns and their legal challenges. He highlights the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings surrounding the Second Amendment. The conversation dives into issues like universal injunctions and forum shopping, assessing the political dynamics in judicial rulings. Costa also unpacks the complexities of legal standing and discusses the relationship between emerging technologies and gun regulations, painting a vivid picture of today’s contentious legal landscape.

20 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 15min
Betrayal of the Law Firms
Dive into the legal tumult surrounding Paul Weiss and its unusual clashes with the Trump administration. Explore a law associate's bold challenge against a controversial executive order. The conversation touches on the vulnerabilities of the American legal system and the significant implications of judicial dissent on gun legislation. Additionally, they discuss the complexities of activism within the legal sphere and the evolving landscape of gun regulation, promising insights into past legal victories.

21 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 13min
Do You Have ‘Parental Rights’?
The podcast dives into Chief Justice Roberts' rare rebuke of Trump regarding court criticism. A gripping historical context on judicial impeachment highlights the balance between independence and accountability. There’s an engaging debate on the McDonnell Douglas framework in employment law, along with insights into a 11th Circuit case on parental rights related to gender identity. The conversation also tackles age restrictions on gun purchases and a racially charged academic controversy, blending law with personal experiences.

35 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 56min
Is Trump Going to War Against the Rule of Law?
The discussion dives into the alarming impact of Trump's legal strategies on the judiciary. Hosts analyze the Supreme Court's current low profile and upcoming contentious issues, such as racial gerrymandering. They tackle the complexities of judicial authority and historical precedents affecting public compliance. Concerns over political threats against legal representatives and implications of presidential pardons reveal a chilling climate for legal integrity. The tension between legality and ideology is explored, highlighting its significance in today's political landscape.

Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 2min
Humphrey’s Executor
Join law professors Josh Chafetz, an expert in constitutional law at Georgetown, and Aaron Nielson, currently serving as Texas Solicitor General, as they dive into the fascinating legacy of Humphrey's Executor. They explore the evolution of executive power, discussing landmark cases like Myers v. United States. The conversation illuminates the balance of power between Congress and the President, the implications of agency independence, and the ongoing debates about judicial skepticism and accountability. Tune in for a thought-provoking legal discourse!
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