

Advisory Opinions
The Dispatch
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 2min
Separation Anxiety: Courts and Congress
Delve into the complexities of the U.S. legal landscape with a focus on the Vacancies Reform Act and the balance of powers. Explore the implications of presidential appointments and the evolving tensions between branches of government. Recent court rulings on conspiracy charges and their impact on First Amendment rights stir debate about educational policies like critical race theory. Additionally, the retention of newborn blood samples raises critical questions about parental rights and privacy in medical practices.

10 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 8min
Signing Away Constitutionality
Dive into the debate over the presidential autopen and its constitutional implications on pardons. Discover the risks of these tech-based signatures and their potential disconnect from presidential intent. The discussion also tackles the tension between executive power and congressional authority, especially in education staffing. Explore the evolving landscape of progressivism and the challenges of using judicial means for social change. Plus, unpack the complexities of child abuse reporting laws against religious freedoms.

15 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 21min
An Inconsequential Term?
Joining the discussion is Kannon Shanmugam, a partner at Paul, Weiss, known for his expertise in legal matters. The trio dives into Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's unique approach to jurisprudence, tackling the political pressures faced by the Supreme Court. They humorously reflect on bizarre summer associate stories and dissect a not-so-exciting term for landmark cases. The conversation also touches on the complexities of class action lawsuits and the role of circuit courts, providing insights on judicial philosophies and the evolving landscape of legal rights.

9 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 17min
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.

38 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 52min
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 8min
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 2min
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 24min
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 16min
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 1min
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.