

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

Nov 12, 2024 • 1h 1min
Give Me Back That Ring, Cupcake
This discussion dives into the Vacancies Reform Act and its implications for future administrations. It explores a dramatic broken engagement and the legal tussle over an engagement ring as a conditional gift. The act of returning engagement rings sparks a debate on trust, infidelity, and societal norms. Legal complexities around pronoun policies in schools are examined alongside First Amendment implications. Additionally, the podcast touches on the defamation cases involving media integrity, illustrating the intricate relationship between truth and legal consequences.

Nov 7, 2024 • 55min
The Law Under Trump
The podcast dives into the criminal and civil cases looming over a notable political figure following the election results. It also discusses Supreme Court potential nominees and the influence of political strategy on legal actions. Listeners will learn about the qualifications needed for Trump's acting attorney general and explore the dynamics of judicial appointments amidst possible retirements. The impact of past controversies on modern politics and the anticipated rise in litigation due to shifting political landscapes are also examined, making for a riveting legal analysis.

Nov 5, 2024 • 1h 12min
God and Guns, Once Again
The discussion kicks off with the Supreme Court's upcoming cases, focusing on education and religious institutions. Legal debates center around California's disability law and its impact on non-sectarian schools. The conversation shifts to the Second Amendment, scrutinizing recent rulings on gun regulations and the complexities of high-capacity magazine bans. Amidst these serious topics, the speakers reflect on the interplay of legal frameworks, political ideologies, and the emotional weight of elections, all while advocating for a more hopeful view of American history.

Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 7min
The Purge
Delve into the fascinating world of election law as the discussion swings through voter roll purges in Virginia and Pennsylvania's Supreme Court rulings. Enjoy some lawyer jokes and quirky anecdotes that lighten the mood. Discover the history of absentee ballots and the legal complexities surrounding mail-in voting. The podcast also tackles media integrity and its impact on public trust in elections, making it a comprehensive commentary on the intricate dance between law and democracy.

Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 2min
Packing the Federal Courts
The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of federal courts, highlighting the clash of judicial ideologies and their potential influence in the upcoming presidential election. It dissects historical cases like Mapp v. Ohio and examines the critical role of the exclusionary rule in shaping judicial principles. Additionally, youthful insights are celebrated, revealing how fresh perspectives can shift understanding. A thought-provoking exploration of the constitutionality of recall elections raises questions about voter rights and judicial intervention.

Oct 24, 2024 • 57min
Is Elon Musk's Million Dollar Raffle Legal?
Sarah and David dive into the latest voting trends, focusing on absentee ballots and the implications of incentivizing voter registration through a possible raffle tied to Elon Musk. They tackle the complexities surrounding a Virginia lawsuit and examine a troubling death penalty case in Texas. The discussion also highlights the Electoral College's historical connection to slavery and the political ramifications of gerrymandering. Their insights offer a captivating look at the intersection of law, justice, and electoral processes.

8 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 1h 9min
Will This Be a Legal Disaster?
The hosts dive into the potential legal battles of the upcoming election, touching on the implications of the Electoral Count Reform Act. They highlight the complexities surrounding ballot harvesting and the integrity of polls. A deep discussion on the historical roots and contemporary relevance of the Electoral College unfolds, raising questions about electoral reforms. The critique of DEI initiatives at the University of Michigan reveals a troubling lack of ideological diversity. Get ready for a thought-provoking take on democracy and legal challenges!

Oct 17, 2024 • 1h 37min
Bush v. Gore, Explained
Join Leon Neyfakh, host of the Slow Burn podcast, as he dives into the chaos of the 2000 election and the landmark Bush v. Gore case. Discover the perplexing butterfly ballot and the various ‘chads’ that left voters scratching their heads. Unpack the electoral implications of the Brooks Brothers riot and the Supreme Court’s controversial intervention. Neyfakh also explores how the independent state legislature theory could shape future elections. This engaging discussion reveals the complexities of election law and the far-reaching effects of that pivotal moment in American democracy.

Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 17min
Gun Salad Kits (Live at Columbia University)
In a lively discussion at Columbia University, hosts tackle the complexities of gun assembly kits and their regulation under the Gun Control Act. They delve into a gripping death penalty case, examining prosecutorial misconduct and witness credibility. Legal intricacies surrounding the Oklahoma Supreme Court's writing style are critiqued. The conversation also navigates academic freedom, raising questions about ethical boundaries and extreme viewpoints in universities. Finally, they address evolving gun regulations in the context of emerging technologies like 3D printing.

Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 30min
Israel's Legal Responsibilities in War (Live at Duke University)
Judge Roy Altman, a federal judge known for his insights on international law, joins the discussion at Duke University. He shares his experiences from trips to Israel and delves into the legal intricacies of warfare, particularly the principle of proportionality and the challenges posed by Hamas' tactics. The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas in military decision-making and Israel's efforts to protect civilians. Additionally, they explore the fascinating legal issues surrounding tire chalking and its implications for the Fourth Amendment.


