

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

Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 5min
Progressivism and Eugenics in the Court of Justice Holmes
Join Anthony Sanders, director of the Center for Judicial Engagement at the Institute for Justice, as he takes a critical look at Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.’s controversial legacy. The discussion covers Holmes’ troubling views on eugenics and social Darwinism, his defense of sterilization, and the implications for civil rights. They also dissect the tension between judicial engagement and minimalism, and how these themes resonate in significant Supreme Court cases. Expect thought-provoking insights and a reevaluation of historical legacies.

14 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 57min
Can Kamala Take the Money … Legally?
Notre Dame law professor Derek Muller joins Sarah and David to discuss the legality of swapping party nominees, Kamala inheriting Biden's PAC money, challenges in Ohio, and the complexities of campaign finance laws. They also tackle the meaning of 'natural-born citizen,' faithless electors, and the role of political parties in primaries.

Jul 18, 2024 • 1h 12min
Lobotomizing the DOJ
Sarah and David discuss judicial federalism, SCOTUS tech term, special counsel constitutionality, Texas pornography case, injunctions, Biden's SCOTUS reforms, and ethics violations. They also cover Judge Bibas' opinion on assault weapons, delayed expulsion vote, and elements of campaigning, podcasts, movies, and books.

7 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 39min
INDICTMENT WATCH: Judge Cannon's Bonkers-Adjacent Decision to Dismiss Trump's Case
Special guest David French joins to discuss Judge Cannon's decision to dismiss charges against Trump for mishandling classified documents. Topics include legality of Smith's position, DOJ's next steps, and Trump's lucky circumstances. Plus, when will Adaam embrace the Grizzlies?

19 snips
Jul 15, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Assassination Attempt
Exploring the aftermath of the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, analyzing the left's response to claims of a staged event, discussing challenges and controversies surrounding security measures, reflecting on hypocrisy in politics, and navigating the current political landscape with thoughtfulness.

Jul 12, 2024 • 1h 13min
‘Who Has the Pen?’
David French, an originalist defending the Warren Court, discusses worst-case hypotheticals and answers audience questions. Topics include faithless DNC delegates, Supreme Court legitimacy, counter-majoritarianism, and the fairness problem of the 'Stolen Seat'. They also touch on Common Good Constitutionalism, originalism, and the battle for the legal right, while exploring historical Supreme Court cases and trends in judicial perspectives.

Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 29min
Is ‘Text, History, and Tradition’ Alive and Well?
Legal expert Kannon Shanmugam discusses big themes from the SCOTUS term, the health of the First Amendment, Justice Thomas' dissent in Rahimi, and Justice Samuel Alito's WSJ op-ed. They explore nuances in Supreme Court cases related to presidential power and immunity, Justice Barrett's position on the Court, the evolution of originalism, and challenges in media coverage. The podcast also features discussions on conservative legal thinkers, upcoming legal arguments, and a trip to Waffle House.

Jul 4, 2024 • 1h 56min
Winning Without Winning
Topics discussed include SCOTUS immunity decision, facial challenges in Moody v. NetChoice, Section 230 debate, corporations' legal standing, Trump's legal cases, and debunking flawed scientific practices in criminal trials.

25 snips
Jul 1, 2024 • 1h 5min
Trump Is ‘Absolutely Immune’ ... Kind Of
Unpacking the Supreme Court decision on Trump's immunity, exploring different types of immunity and their implications. Discussing accountability of presidents, the role of the electorate, and the Constitution's check on despotic leadership. Analyzing the legal ramifications of the ruling on core presidential functions, obstruction charges, and potential immunity post-presidency. Delving into historical context of presidential immunity, pardon power interpretations, and balancing immunity with criminal liability. Highlighting the American people's role in safeguarding against abuses of presidential power.

12 snips
Jun 28, 2024 • 1h 20min
Chevron Is Dead, Long Live Chevron
The podcast discusses the overturning of the Chevron doctrine, implications on executive power, Justice Gorsuch's views on precedent, legal interpretation using a football analogy, homeless encampment laws, governance disparities, and legal cases related to the pro-life movement.


