
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

Jan 3, 2025 • 18min
Note from Elie 1/3: Your Legal Questions Answered
Elie Honig dives into intriguing hypotheticals, like Elon Musk as Speaker of the House, exploring constitutional implications. He tackles listener questions on presidential succession and defamation lawsuits involving Donald Trump. The podcast also demystifies Supreme Court rulings and standing, particularly regarding a recent healthcare case. Additionally, it discusses the legal intricacies surrounding Luigi Mangione, facing severe charges, while reflecting on the potential power abuses in Trump-related investigations.

Dec 20, 2024 • 8min
Note from Elie 12/20: The GOP's Criminal Case Against Liz Cheney Is a Total Mess
The host provides an engaging reflection on the past year and hints at future content. A deep dive into the allegations against Liz Cheney reveals questionable claims of witness tampering and perjury by the House Oversight Committee. The discussion critiques the political motivations behind these accusations and explores how they may influence the Justice Department. It's a captivating exploration of law, politics, and the impact on public figures.

Dec 18, 2024 • 8min
Note From Joyce 12/18: Birthright Citizenship
Joyce Vance, co-host of the CAFE Insider podcast, is a former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, a University of Alabama Law School professor, and an MSNBC legal analyst. For a transcript of Joyce’s note head to CAFE.com. To access the full archive of Contributor Notes and other exclusive content, become a CAFE Insider today at CAFE.com/insider. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 13, 2024 • 10min
The Daniel Penny Trial (with Rikki Klieman)
In this excerpt of CAFE Insider, Elie Honig and defense attorney Rikki Klieman discuss the jury deliberations in Daniel Penny’s trial, the former marine accused of killing Jordan Neely, a homeless Black man, in a subway cart.In the full episode, Elie and Rikki break down the charges and what the verdict means.This is the latest installment in a series of special episodes exclusively for members of CAFE Insider. Each week, Elie Honig and special guests will tackle one major legal or policy issue, helping you stay informed.This podcast is brought to you by CAFE and Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 12, 2024 • 9min
Note from Elie 12/12: The Bizarre Infatuation with Luigi Mangione Won’t Help Him Beat a Murder Case
Delve into the shocking murder of a Manhattan CEO and the bizarre public fascination with his accused shooter, Luigi Mangione. Explore how corporate greed shapes societal views and the implications for judicial integrity. The challenges of jury selection amidst public intrigue reveal the need for impartiality in the court system, especially when lighter narratives capture social media attention.

Dec 11, 2024 • 7min
Note From Barb 12/11: The Art of the Counterpunch
Barb McQuade is the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, a law professor at the University of Michigan, and a legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. For a transcript of Barb’s note and the full archive of contributor notes, head to CAFE.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 6, 2024 • 7min
Presidential Pardons & the Death Penalty (with Rachel Barkow)
In this excerpt of CAFE Insider, CAFE Contributors Elie Honig and Rachel Barkow discuss how President Biden and former president Trump have used the pardon power.In the full episode, Elie and Rachel break down President Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, and President Biden’s track record with the death penalty.This is the latest installment in a series of special episodes exclusively for members of CAFE Insider. Each week, Elie Honig and special guests will tackle one major legal or policy issue, helping you stay informed.For a limited time, get 40% off your membership for the first year, by heading to cafe.com/November. You’ll get access to two full episodes of the podcast each week and other exclusive content.This podcast is brought to you by CAFE and Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 4, 2024 • 8min
Note from Rachel 12/4: The President’s Impoundment Authority
Rachel Barkow is the Charles Seligson Professor of Law at NYU School of Law and the Faculty Director of the Zimroth Center on the Administration of Criminal Law at NYU. From 2013 to 2019, she served as a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission. From 2010 to 2020, she was a member of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office Conviction Integrity Policy Advisory Panel and co-chaired Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s transition committee on police accountability in 2021. She is also amongst the most cited legal scholars of all time. For a transcript of Rachel’s note and the full archive of contributor notes, head to CAFE.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 3, 2024 • 9min
Note from Elie 12/3: Joe Biden’s Pardon of Hunter Is So Much Worse Than It Needed to Be
The discussion delves into the contentious pardon granted by President Biden to his son, Hunter. It critiques Biden's prior statements and highlights concerns over transparency. The implications of this decision on Biden's legacy and the integrity of the justice system are explored, raising questions about accountability and political ethics.

Nov 27, 2024 • 11min
Note from Asha 11/27: How Bad Are Trump's Nominees? Ask Carla F.
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