Advisory Opinions

Adam Feldman, an expert in Supreme Court statistics and analysis affiliated with Empirical SCOTUS, joins to discuss the intriguing concept of a 3-3-3 court and the complexities of measuring judicial ideology. He dives into the vital role of Chief Justice John Roberts and the dynamics of power within the Court. The conversation also explores the distinctions between political and judicial conservatism and the significant trends in unanimous decisions despite increasing ideological divisions. Feldman sheds light on the implications of these shifts for the legal landscape.

A recent school shooting in Georgia sparks a conversation about parental responsibility and the potential legal consequences for parents of young perpetrators. The discussion dives into legal concepts like felony murder and the complexities of holding parents accountable. Additionally, the hosts unravel the tangled web of campaign finance reform, analyzing landmark Supreme Court cases that continue to shape political spending. They also touch on the intricate legal issues surrounding body cam footage and the Second Amendment, probing the evolving landscape of constitutional law.

The discussion starts with a humorous take on a chaotic fantasy football draft. It shifts gears to serious issues in criminal justice reform, emphasizing the need for compassion and better funding for public defenders. The hosts tackle the complexities of Section 230 and its impact on free speech, highlighting the dangers posed by social media algorithms, particularly TikTok. They also delve into a legal case regarding the Oregon Bar Association and its First Amendment implications, questioning the role of political expression in legal structures.

Yuval Levin, an influential thinker and author of 'American Covenant', discusses the unifying power of the Constitution in today's divided society. He highlights how our founding document can encourage compromise and restore effective governance. The conversation dives into the complexities of political unity, the historical evolution of constitutional interpretation, and the need for federalism reform. Levin argues for a renewed understanding of legislative roles to combat congressional dysfunction and the impact of centralized power.

Matt Martens, an author focused on criminal justice reform from a Christian viewpoint, joins the discussion to dive into the flaws within the system. He sheds light on the problematic nature of plea bargaining and the challenges posed by unreliable eyewitness testimony. The conversation also addresses the ethical dilemmas of prosecutorial immunity and systemic racial discrimination. Martens emphasizes the need for compassionate justice that balances accountability for offenders and fairness for victims, while encouraging deeper reflection on the principles that should underpin the justice system.

David Lat, a legal expert and author of 'Supreme Ambitions,' discusses pivotal Supreme Court trends and his insights into the shadow docket. He explores the court's shifting approval ratings, the implications of its decisions, and the evolving philosophy of originalism. Lat shares advice for law students navigating today's political landscapes and reflects on writing female protagonists as a male author. The conversation also touches on the intersection of legal accuracy in entertainment and the complexities of modern legal thrillers.

A.J. Jacobs, an author celebrated for his explorations of family connections and historical themes, joins the conversation with a dash of humor. He shares his quirky experiences living by the Constitution, from writing with quill pens to engaging with 18th-century firearms. The discussion touches on the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions and the balance between personal freedoms and governance. Listeners are treated to whimsical anecdotes about living biblically, and reflections on the evolving language of constitutional law.

Bob Bauer, a former White House counsel and political ethics expert, discusses his new book, unpacking the unraveling of democratic norms. He critiques Special Counsel Robert Hur's decision to report on President Biden's cognitive abilities. The conversation dives into the role and ethics of governmental lawyers, particularly in high-stakes political environments. Bauer also tackles the chilling effects of surveillance on privacy rights and the legal responsibilities of universities to protect students from discrimination. His insights into political conduct and term limits add urgency to today's democratic discourse.

Noah Phillips, a former Federal Trade Commission commissioner, sheds light on the nuances of antitrust law and the significant power dynamics of Big Tech. John Inazu, a distinguished law and religion professor, passionately discusses his book on the importance of learning to disagree with empathy and respect. The conversation dives into complexities of legal cases, the impact of student culture on mental health, and the role of artificial intelligence in education. Insights on navigating disagreements emerge as a crucial theme throughout their engaging discussion.

Dive into the constitutional battle over Maryland's assault weapons ban, where historical context clashes with modern gun control debates. Delve into the complexities of judicial opinions and the Supreme Court's influence on gun legislation. Discover the procedural intricacies of court cases and the frustrations of litigators. Plus, explore antitrust rulings affecting tech giants and the legal boundaries around advertiser boycotts against Twitter. Enjoy insights into upcoming literary themes and guest appearances!