Advisory Opinions

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!

Dive into the heated political landscape as the hosts tackle Trump's executive orders targeting controversial figures. They explore First Amendment rights for non-U.S. citizens and the chilling effects of political dissent. Learn about the interplay of immigration law and free speech, plus amusing anecdotes about hula hooping and injury tales. The discussion further critiques judicial minimalism through Justice Amy Coney Barrett's philosophy and reflects on discrimination standards in current cases. It's a thought-provoking ride through law, politics, and ethics!

David Stras, appeals judge for the 8th Circuit, shares his insights on Supreme Court dynamics with Sarah Isgur and David French. They delve into the decline in cases reviewed by the Court and the implications of recent rulings, including a denial of Trump’s request. Stras discusses the role of bias response teams in universities and reflects on the impact of his grandparents' Holocaust experiences on his views of free speech. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of judicial decision-making and the importance of clarity in legal opinions.

Sarah Isgur invites former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and special counsel Robert Hur to discuss the significance of special counsels, including the appointment process involved and the public’s perception of their independence and accountability.The Agenda:—Historical context of special counsels—Evolution of special counsel regulations—The personal impact—Role of predication—Public confidence—Q&A!Advisory 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

Join Judge Charles Eskridge, a judge with a keen insight on executive power, and Judge Brantley Starr, an expert on constitutional matters, as they dissect the evolution of executive authority in America. They explore the philosophical influences of Locke, contrasting today’s presidency with monarchical rule. Delve into the implications of presidential term lengths and the balance of power with Congress. Get ready for a lively discussion on accountability, the intricacies of political appointments, and historical reflections that shape contemporary governance.

Stacey Schiff, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for her deep dives into history, shares insights on the Salem witch trials. She discusses the flawed judicial process that led to a miscarriage of justice and how societal beliefs shaped these tragic events. The conversation uncovers the use of spectral evidence and highlights the lasting impact of the trials on modern narratives. Schiff also connects historical fears to contemporary issues, making a compelling case for reflecting on past injustices.

David Lat, a legal journalist and author of Original Jurisdiction, joins Sarah Isgur and David French to discuss the intriguing motion to dismiss the case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. They dive into the ethical dilemmas of political prosecution, examining how loyalty often trumps the rule of law. The trio tackles the complexities of legal representation amidst personal beliefs, alongside the turbulent dynamics between the Department of Justice and the Office of Legal Counsel during the Trump administration, illuminating the shadows of political influence in legal practice.

Dive into the tension between loyalty and the law as a revealing resignation letter sheds light on legal ethics in the Trump administration. Explore the implications of Trump's tweets on legal authority and the challenges faced by the DOJ. A discussion of Eric Adams' indictment highlights the ethical dilemmas in politically charged environments. Reflect on the power struggle between individual authority and constitutional governance, and discover the complexities of integrity in legal practice amid external pressures.

The discussion dives into whether President Trump is breaking or reshaping the Justice Department amid resignations. It explores the nuances of what constitutes lawlessness versus unwise actions and the critical role of language in political discourse. Examining presidential power, the hosts consider prosecutorial discretion and how historical context influences modern interpretations. They also critique the rise of populism and the effectiveness of presidential speeches in shaping public opinion.

The hosts delve into campus tensions at Cooper Union, discussing antisemitism and free speech rights. They tackle government employee speech regulations and analyze legal implications of social media reactions to recent court rulings. The podcast critiques civic ignorance and explores the impact of public figures on constitutional understanding. Judicial dynamics and political ideologies are examined, highlighting the balance of power in government. Finally, they celebrate five years of partnership, reflecting on their collaborative journey.