Divided Argument

Will Baude, Dan Epps
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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!
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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. 
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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.
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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. 
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 4min

Hypothetical Unicorn

Dive into the complexities of constitutional crises, exploring historical examples and their modern parallels. The hosts analyze the intricate dance between judicial authority and executive power, questioning what happens when a president ignores rulings. They unpack a high-profile lawsuit against Smith & Wesson, debating gun manufacturers' accountability. Insights into tort law ignite philosophical discussions, while the responsibilities of social media companies regarding crime are dissected. Discover how state and federal courts differ, with a keen focus on legal predictions and audience engagement.
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Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 7min

Double Negatives

Join Oren Kerr, a Stanford Law professor and author of 'The Digital Fourth Amendment', as he explores the evolving landscape of Fourth Amendment law. He delves into the implications of modern technology on constitutional rights and critiques the good faith exception in recent cases. The discussion then shifts to the controversial Barnes v. Felix case, examining excessive force by law enforcement and what it reveals about judicial accountability. Kerr’s insights highlight the future challenges in adapting legal standards to protect citizens' rights.
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Jan 19, 2025 • 1h 6min

Reference Check

Listeners get a fresh take on the Supreme Court's swift ruling in the TikTok case, exploring legal boundaries and foreign ownership debates. There's a dive into the intricate world of pet food regulations and how they affect consumer rights. The hosts tackle the shadow docket's complexities while dissecting jurisdiction disputes and strategic legal moves. Ethics in the courtroom are scrutinized, and a long-standing bet between the hosts adds a comedic twist. Tune in for insights on legal intricacies and generational social media perspectives!

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