
The Counsel
Join a team of experts — from former prosecutors to legal scholars — as they break down the complex legal issues shaping our country today. Twice a week, Elie Honig and other CAFE Contributors examine the intersecting worlds of law, politics, and current events. Twice a week, a CAFE contributor – Joyce Vance, Barbara McQuade, Asha Rangappa, Rachel Barkow, and Elie Honig – will examine the intersecting worlds of law, politics, and current events. New episodes out Wednesdays and Fridays. From CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Latest episodes

Oct 6, 2023 • 10min
Note from Elie: Why Trump Opted Not to Seek Removal to Federal Court
The podcast discusses the reasons behind Trump's decision not to seek removal to federal court, including strategic considerations such as having a broader jury pool and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals overseeing the proceedings. It also explores the background of the judges involved and highlights previous rulings that may have influenced Trump's decision.

Sep 29, 2023 • 10min
Note From Elie: The Prosecution’s Worst Witness
They discuss Bill Barr's potential role as a witness in the prosecutions of Donald Trump, exploring his complicated relationship with Barr. Examining Barr's credibility as a witness, they delve into his support of Trump's false election fraud claims and its impact on the January 6th insurrection, suggesting that his testimony may undermine the prosecution's case against Trump.

Sep 22, 2023 • 11min
Note from Elie: The Importance of Who Decides, and Where
The speaker shares personal experience of taking their child to college and people's interest in the criminal justice system. Discussion on Trump's attempt to recuse Judge Tanya Chuckkin and a potential motion to move the federal case. Influence of trial location on outcomes, using Trump's trial and the January 6th event in D.C. as examples.

Sep 15, 2023 • 9min
Note from Elie: The Forgotten Special Counsel
Exploring Rotten Tomatoes and film industry manipulation. Comparing lack of information in Biden investigation to media frenzy during Trump investigation. Speculating on progress clues. Comparing investigation lengths and potential outcomes including no charges or pursuing criminal charges against Biden.

Sep 8, 2023 • 9min
Note from Elie: The End of Unprecedented
The podcast explores recent indictments of former president Donald Trump and the charges against him. It also discusses the possibility of presidential pardons in state level cases and the process of disqualifying a candidate under the 14th amendment. The hosts raise concerns about unilateral declarations and the need for due process in determining a candidate's eligibility.

Sep 1, 2023 • 9min
Note from Elie: Speedy Trials and High Stakes in Trump Georgia Case
The podcast discusses the concept of speedy trials in the Trump Georgia case, highlighting its implications for the co-defendants. It explores the dynamics of a trial and the advantage defense lawyers have in scouting the prosecution's case. The DA's strategy in Trump's case and how speedy trial rights may have benefited Trump are also examined.

Aug 25, 2023 • 9min
Note from Elie: The Purgatory of the Trump Co-Conspirators
The podcast discusses the unexpected jail surrender of Donald Trump, the dilemma of being labeled as a co-conspirator, and the choice to cooperate for a chance at probation.

Aug 18, 2023 • 10min
Note from Elie: The Problem With Pardon-Proofing
The chapter explores a surprising pardon of a contractor who pleaded guilty. The concept of pardon-proofing is debated, focusing on ongoing prosecutions of Trump. The issue of pardon-proofing is examined, including cases of Bannon and Manafort, and the challenges faced by county level prosecutors.

Aug 11, 2023 • 8min
Note from Elie: A Tale of Two Judges
Note From Elie is part of the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter. Audio recordings of Elie’s Note are part of the CAFE Insider subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 4, 2023 • 9min
Note from Elie: Trump’s 3rd Indictment Is Really Not About Jan. 6
Note From Elie is part of the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter. Audio recordings of Elie’s Note are part of the CAFE Insider subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices