

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

31 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 2min
Evangelizing vs. Proselytizing
Sarah Isgur and David French dive into the complex intersection of religious liberty and legal standards, discussing a pivotal Wisconsin tax case. They break down the distinct differences between evangelizing and proselytizing, exploring ethical implications of faith-sharing. The conversation also highlights the challenges faced by Catholic charities in maintaining tax-exempt status. Additionally, they analyze the strategic dynamics of legal advocacy and the impact of specialization versus generalization on Supreme Court cases.

22 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 11min
Aliens and Enemies
Dive into a wild blend of legal intrigue and personal anecdotes. Discover the absurdity of executive orders affecting law firms and the nuances of the Alien Enemies Act. Hear about a comical yet tense family encounter with a tornado. Explore the intricate dance of redistricting in Louisiana and its racial implications. Finally, ponder over the complexities of the non-delegation doctrine and how judicial reasoning shapes our legal landscape. Prepare for an engaging ride through politics and law!

43 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 25min
Second Amendment v. Ghost Gun Ban
In this engaging discussion, former Fifth Circuit judge Gregg Costa, now a partner at Gibson Dunn, shares his insights on ghost guns and their legal challenges. He highlights the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings surrounding the Second Amendment. The conversation dives into issues like universal injunctions and forum shopping, assessing the political dynamics in judicial rulings. Costa also unpacks the complexities of legal standing and discusses the relationship between emerging technologies and gun regulations, painting a vivid picture of today’s contentious legal landscape.

32 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 12min
Betrayal of the Law Firms
Dive into the legal tumult surrounding Paul Weiss and its unusual clashes with the Trump administration. Explore a law associate's bold challenge against a controversial executive order. The conversation touches on the vulnerabilities of the American legal system and the significant implications of judicial dissent on gun legislation. Additionally, they discuss the complexities of activism within the legal sphere and the evolving landscape of gun regulation, promising insights into past legal victories.

31 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 10min
Do You Have ‘Parental Rights’?
The podcast dives into Chief Justice Roberts' rare rebuke of Trump regarding court criticism. A gripping historical context on judicial impeachment highlights the balance between independence and accountability. There’s an engaging debate on the McDonnell Douglas framework in employment law, along with insights into a 11th Circuit case on parental rights related to gender identity. The conversation also tackles age restrictions on gun purchases and a racially charged academic controversy, blending law with personal experiences.

44 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 52min
Is Trump Going to War Against the Rule of Law?
The discussion dives into the alarming impact of Trump's legal strategies on the judiciary. Hosts analyze the Supreme Court's current low profile and upcoming contentious issues, such as racial gerrymandering. They tackle the complexities of judicial authority and historical precedents affecting public compliance. Concerns over political threats against legal representatives and implications of presidential pardons reveal a chilling climate for legal integrity. The tension between legality and ideology is explored, highlighting its significance in today's political landscape.

5 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 59min
Humphrey’s Executor
Join law professors Josh Chafetz, an expert in constitutional law at Georgetown, and Aaron Nielson, currently serving as Texas Solicitor General, as they dive into the fascinating legacy of Humphrey's Executor. They explore the evolution of executive power, discussing landmark cases like Myers v. United States. The conversation illuminates the balance of power between Congress and the President, the implications of agency independence, and the ongoing debates about judicial skepticism and accountability. Tune in for a thought-provoking legal discourse!

42 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 16min
Can Trump Deport Hamas-Supporting Students?
Dive into the heated political landscape as the hosts tackle Trump's executive orders targeting controversial figures. They explore First Amendment rights for non-U.S. citizens and the chilling effects of political dissent. Learn about the interplay of immigration law and free speech, plus amusing anecdotes about hula hooping and injury tales. The discussion further critiques judicial minimalism through Justice Amy Coney Barrett's philosophy and reflects on discrimination standards in current cases. It's a thought-provoking ride through law, politics, and ethics!

29 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 7min
The $2 Billion Dollar Case
David Stras, appeals judge for the 8th Circuit, shares his insights on Supreme Court dynamics with Sarah Isgur and David French. They delve into the decline in cases reviewed by the Court and the implications of recent rulings, including a denial of Trump’s request. Stras discusses the role of bias response teams in universities and reflects on the impact of his grandparents' Holocaust experiences on his views of free speech. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of judicial decision-making and the importance of clarity in legal opinions.

7 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 7min
Rod Rosenstein and Robert Hur Talk Special Counsels
Rod Rosenstein, former Deputy Attorney General, and Robert Hur, a special counsel who investigated President Biden's classified documents case, share insights on the role of special counsels in U.S. history. They explore the evolution of special counsel regulations since the Nixon era, discussing key cases and the impact of political pressures on investigations. The duo highlights the critical need for public trust and accountability, delving into the complexities of maintaining integrity amidst politically charged inquiries and ensuring thorough, focused investigations.


