
Divided Argument
An unscheduled, unpredictable Supreme Court podcast. Hosted by Will Baude and Dan Epps.
Latest episodes

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 19min
Delete This. Call Me.
The hosts dive into the complexities of recent judicial decisions, particularly around Trump v. Wilcox, sparking a lively debate. They discuss the challenges public defenders face and explore the shift from paper to digital records in the justice system. There's a lighthearted examination of slang evolution and technology's role in legal discourse. The dynamics of presidential power are scrutinized, especially regarding independent agencies. Plus, they touch on the implications of legislative discipline and Supreme Court behaviors, rounding out a robust discussion on today's legal landscape.

4 snips
May 22, 2025 • 1h 7min
Gorsuch Genie
In this engaging discussion, NYU law professor Rachel Barkow explores her book, 'Justice Abandoned'. She makes a compelling case about how key Supreme Court rulings have strayed from the Constitution, allowing mass incarceration to flourish. Listeners will delve into the complexities of originalism, the Eighth Amendment, and the impact of historical judicial attitudes. Barkow also shares her experiences as a law clerk for Justice Scalia, advocating for a reevaluation of the justice system. A thought-provoking genie tradeoff adds an intriguing twist!

6 snips
May 20, 2025 • 49min
Friends with Oprah Winfrey
Recent Supreme Court developments take center stage, notably the AARP v. Trump case and its far-reaching implications. The puzzling recusal of justices over plagiarism allegations adds intrigue. Immigration law gets a spotlight with challenges affecting Venezuelans’ temporary protected status. Legal complexities surrounding government detention actions raise vital discussions about constitutional rights. The hosts also explore five-justice concurrences and innovative legal research tools, mixing humor with serious analysis.

May 16, 2025 • 1h 1min
A Trees Guy in a Forest Court
The hosts reflect on Justice Souter's legacy and unpack the nuances of a recent Supreme Court opinion, Barnes v. Felix. They explore the intersection of generative AI and SCOTUS research. The oral arguments in Trump v. Casa spark a debate on birthright citizenship. The discussion also covers qualified immunity and the need for judicial transparency. A case involving police conduct raises questions about the Fourth Amendment and social media's evolving role in public discourse. Prepare for lively speculations on judicial strategies and the dynamics within the court!

Apr 25, 2025 • 1h 10min
Moot, Wrong, and Irrelevant
The shadow docket strikes once again! We break down the Court's unusual immigration ruling in AARP v. Trump (no, not that AARP!), and then briefly discuss the much-heralded ERISA case (Cunningham v. Cornell). But first we discuss some blog news, some SCOTUS news, and some SCOTUSblog news.

Apr 16, 2025 • 56min
Vaxxed and Relaxed
We have another short administrative law episode, analyzing the Supreme Court's decision about e-cigarettes in FDA v. Wages and White Lion. But first we field some listener pushback about facial challenges in administrative law, and discuss the shadow docket ruling, and ensuing fallout, in Noem v. Abrego Garcia.

Apr 11, 2025 • 59min
In Whack ASAP
Thanks to the Harvard Law Review, we recorded a live episode in the famed Austin Hall at Harvard Law School. While we hoped to discuss merits cases, the Court gave us far too much shadow docket activity to break down.

Apr 2, 2025 • 48min
Sufficiently IKEA-like
This discussion centers on the Supreme Court's recent ghost guns ruling and its implications. The hosts dive deep into the nuances of the Confrontation Clause, examining past cases and the challenges of hearsay. They unpack the complexities surrounding weapon kits and the legal definitions that may classify them as firearms. An engaging analogy compares assembling IKEA furniture to navigating incomplete legal definitions. The episode wraps up by exploring broader regulatory definitions, including a contentious debate over what really constitutes a motorcycle.

Mar 14, 2025 • 1h 6min
Stunned But Respectful
The hosts unveil their new blog, promising moderate legal analyses and engaging cultural insights. They dive into recent Supreme Court decisions, revealing the complexities of sovereign immunity and judicial dynamics. A humorous take on resignation odds adds a light touch, while intricate legal discussions on the Williams v. Reed case highlight the nuances of due process claims. Throughout, they reflect on the Supreme Court's evolving influences and the role of justices in shaping legal interpretations.

Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 20min
Natural Side Effect
The hosts dive into the latest Supreme Court dynamics, highlighting the Trump administration's implications and intricate judicial processes. They explore the evolving standards for legal advocacy and navigate the complexities of capital cases, particularly focusing on Glossop v. Oklahoma. Discussions include issues of jurisdiction, prosecutorial misconduct, and the ripple effects of landmark decisions like Dobbs. With a blend of humor and sharp legal insights, they also reflect on the transition from live shows to studio recordings, sharing personal and professional anecdotes.