
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

21 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 1h 33min
Origins of the Federal Constitution
Judges Charles Eskridge and Brantley Starr, experts in constitutional law, take listeners on an enlightening journey through the origins of the federal constitution. They discuss the impact of the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights on American rights, distinguishing between positive and negative rights. The judges also explore the debates around the Bill of Rights, emphasizing the tension between government power and individual liberties. Their insights on civic engagement and the historical context of self-governance provide a rich understanding of America's legal foundations.

18 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 23min
Tick Tock, TikTok,
David Lat, a prominent journalist known for his keen legal insights, dives into the urgent TikTok case affecting First Amendment rights. He discusses the complexities of balancing national security and free speech, alongside the dangers of misinformation in today’s fast-paced media landscape. The conversation touches on ethical questions surrounding Supreme Court justices, leadership dynamics within the Federalist Society, and amusing holiday traditions, offering a blend of serious analysis and personal anecdotes.

12 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 1h 20min
Southern Squabbles
Get ready for a wild ride through Texas-sized court disputes! From the Fifth Circuit's spicy drama over a lawsuit involving Ken Paxton to a contentious ruling on religious tax exemptions, the discussions are anything but dull. They unpack telehealth abortion services and the legal quagmires tied to them. Plus, there’s a deep dive into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, critiquing recent SEC-backed mandates. Join in as they mix legal insights with personal anecdotes, creating a captivating blend of humor and critical thought!

26 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 1h 20min
Shooting Down the Spirit of Aloha
Join the lively discussion as the hosts dive into Supreme Court rulings and the complex landscape of parental rights in education. They tackle intriguing topics like the implications of racial equity in admissions and gun licensing issues. The conversation heats up around the controversial practice of 'debanking' and its origins. With a dash of humor, they also explore reputational risks in banking and free speech rights on college football fields. Plus, don't miss the exciting sneak peek at their upcoming board game and holiday plans!

55 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 1h 21min
Can Tennessee Ban Transgender Care for Minors?
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti shares his insights about the crucial Supreme Court case United States v. Skrmetti, which tackles the contentious issue of gender-affirming care for minors. He reflects on his path to becoming AG and discusses the legal complexities regarding transgender rights and healthcare. The conversation explores the ethical implications and the challenges posed by state regulations on treatment options, while also diving into the broader societal debates surrounding children’s rights and parental authority.

6 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 13min
What's an Invasion?
Discover the heated debate surrounding flavored vapes as Sarah and David analyze a Supreme Court case. They dive into the implications of recent political pardons and the shifting perceptions of tobacco regulation. The conversation then shifts to the definition of 'invasion' in a constitutional context, exploring state rights and historical precedents. Ultimately, they critique the modern application of the term in immigration debates and the potential ramifications of states acting unilaterally on border security.

41 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 3min
Pardoning Hunter
A deep dive into President Biden's controversial pardon of his son, Hunter, reveals inconsistencies in political narratives and justice. The discussion takes a sharp turn toward the potential ramifications of Trump’s appointments, particularly the scrutinized Kash Patel, and explores the fine line between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. Other legal complexities, including the Supreme Court’s stance on vaping and social issues surrounding handshakes, bring humor and critical thought to pressing contemporary topics.

28 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 1h 15min
DOGE v. The Administrative State
Dive into the audacious idea of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency and the quest for major regulatory reform. The discussion navigates legal challenges for the Trump 2.0 administration and the complexities surrounding birthright citizenship. Explore the intricate balance between presidential power, budget authority, and the implications of diminishing regulatory structures. Also, uncover the historical context of immigration policies and the nuances of commercial speech under First Amendment rights. Unravel the magic of a unitary executive amidst ongoing debates!

10 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 1h 14min
In Dicta We Trust
Prepare for a wild ride through legal controversies! The hosts tackle the chaos surrounding Matt Gaetz’s potential appointment and delve into the intricacies of Supreme Court nominations. They raise questions about gender identity, free speech in schools, and the implications of student expression. Listeners will hear about the humorous side of handling criticism and the role of engagement rings in society. Plus, insights from a Federalist Society convention set the tone for lively political discourse!

Nov 15, 2024 • 1h 12min
The Trump Picks ... So Far | Roundtable
The conversation kicks off with a breakdown of Donald Trump's Cabinet picks, discussing the implications for governance. A particularly controversial nomination, Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, raises eyebrows and intense debate. The hosts dive into the concept of recess appointments, shedding light on constitutional challenges. They also explore the evolving political landscape from 2017 to 2021, focusing on loyalty in appointments. Ethical dilemmas and the future of political discourse come to the forefront as they ponder the impact of these choices on democracy.