
Advisory Opinions
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.
Latest episodes

20 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Great and Powerful President
Jack Goldsmith, a Harvard Law Professor and authority on the unitary executive theory, joins the hosts to unpack the complexities of presidential power. He discusses the implications of this theory for President Trump's administration, including executive orders and oversight limits. The conversation dives into the evolving interpretations of presidential authority by the Supreme Court and critiques the impact of law reviews on legal scholarship. Goldsmith raises concerns about the erosion of checks and balances amidst a growing reliance on executive discretion.

33 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 1min
Officer-Created Danger
Dive into intriguing discussions on a Supreme Court case challenging the Moment of Threat Doctrine and the complexities of police accountability in high-stress scenarios. Explore the legal battles of Brenda Andrew, the only woman on death row in Oklahoma, and the implications of evidence in controversial trials. Delight in light-hearted musings about Justice Jackson's fashion choices and the significance of legal jargon like 'holding' vs. 'dicta.' Finally, unravel the nuances of DEI policies and how they shape the legal landscape.

91 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 32min
Trump's Executive Orders
The hosts dive into the expanding powers of the executive branch and the implications of Trump's controversial executive orders. They explore the role of technology and social media on teen well-being, highlighting the need for balance in education and parental rights. Historical complexities surrounding citizenship under the 14th Amendment are discussed, alongside the intricacies of presidential pardons. The episode reflects on the evolving American Dream and stresses the importance of civic education in understanding today's political challenges.

31 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 3min
Law Schools vs. Conservative Scholars
Joelle Alasea, an Associate Professor of Law at Catholic University, and Trevor McFadden, a D.C. court Judge, dive into vital discussions about constitutional law education. They highlight originalism's role and advocate for a diverse ideological landscape in legal academia. The duo explores corpus linguistics in interpreting legal texts and shares personal anecdotes, including a unique lawsuit against Satan. They emphasize balancing theory with practice in law schools while discussing career paths that prioritize skills over prestige.

45 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 2min
TikTok Decision Emergency Pod
Dive into the latest legal wranglings surrounding TikTok as the hosts dissect the Supreme Court's ruling on its national security implications. They explore the fine line between data privacy and free speech rights while navigating the chaotic political landscape. Plus, an unexpected twist: Biden's move on the Equal Rights Amendment sparks a passionate reaction. As TikTok's future hangs in the balance, the discussion critiques lawmakers' responses and examines the broader consequences for tech regulations.

Jan 16, 2025 • 58min
On Porn and Paxton
A lively debate unfolds about whether limiting access to porn constitutes a free speech violation. Engaging discussions revolve around the nuances of legal language in cases like Thompson v. United States. The hosts tackle the complexity of age verification laws, weighing children's protection against adult access. They also explore the ethics of recording conversations in legal practice and recent challenges in immigration legislation. With humor and insight, they navigate the intersection of law, ethics, and contemporary issues.

17 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 10min
Trump Sentencing at the Supreme Court: Live at GWU
The discussion kicks off with Justice Alito's revealing phone call with Trump, sparking debates on legal immunity. Topics shift to Texas' new age-verification laws, raising questions about protecting minors versus First Amendment rights. The hosts navigate the intricacies of legal battles over online content restrictions and the impact of Title IX regulations. Engaging interactions with GWU students add a fresh perspective, while insights into historical free speech conflicts highlight the ongoing struggle between national security and personal liberties.

12 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 53min
What's Next for TikTok?
In a gripping discussion, the hosts unpack the legal intricacies surrounding TikTok's challenges at the Supreme Court. They explore First Amendment rights and the implications of TikTok's data-sharing practices, questioning the reliability of its algorithm. The podcast also dives into the contentious ties between TikTok and the Chinese government, alongside national security concerns. With witty anecdotes about judicial mispronunciations, the conversation highlights significant societal questions stemming from this ongoing legal saga.

Jan 9, 2025 • 58min
The Anti-Episode
The podcast dives into a variety of fascinating legal topics. It explores Donald Trump's ongoing legal battles and the intricacies of presidential immunity. The hosts discuss anti-SLAPP laws and their vital role in protecting public participation. Educational challenges surrounding anti-indoctrination laws and free speech rights are examined, along with racial bias in school elections. With a focus on current events, the conversation highlights how legal complexities intersect with broader societal issues.

15 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 1h 13min
Are PysOps Free Speech?
The hosts dive into the intriguing legal challenges surrounding TikTok and its controversial ties to China. They debate the balance of free speech against national security concerns and explore the implications of the Supreme Court’s potential involvement. The conversation also touches on the concept of the unitary executive in light of Donald Trump's political maneuvers, judicial independence, and humorous legal anecdotes. Plus, there's a fun detour into card games and textualism, blending law with playful banter.