
Law Talk With Epstein, Yoo & Cooke
A lively (and often funny) look at legislation and constitutional jurisprudence by preeminent law professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo. The show is hosted by Charles C. W. Cooke.Law Talk is a podcast of the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin.
Latest episodes

Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 11min
Less Sex, More Text: Law Talk's 2025 Supreme Court Recap
The discussion dives into the recent Supreme Court term, unveiling major rulings that could reshape governance. Topics include nationwide injunctions and presidential powers, highlighting checks on judicial influence. Legal complexities around transgender rights spark debates on parental authority and the 14th Amendment. A ruling on age verification raises questions about free speech versus child protection. The hosts explore constitutional interpretation challenges, examining the balance between originalism and modern legal practices.

Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 3min
Insurrections, The Militia Cause, and Getting Dunked on By Charles Barkley
Dive into the chaos of federal troop use during civil unrest and the clash of state versus federal power. Explore the Insurrection Act's legal minefield and the implications of militarization in policing. Birthright citizenship and surprising Supreme Court ideologies bring intriguing twists to the conversation. Plus, enjoy a humorous tale involving a basketball game with Charles Barkley at the Supreme Court. Legal complexities and historical precedents weave through each topic, making for a captivating discussion.

May 5, 2025 • 59min
Does AI Dream of Constitutional Rights?
This lively discussion tackles a wide array of constitutional controversies. A Maine legislator is silenced for her opinions on gender, sparking debates on free speech. The hosts weigh in on Trump’s attempt to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status over race-based admissions, paralleling it with historical cases. A judge's controversial actions regarding immigration law raise eyebrows, while the legality of chatbot rights prompts amusing yet serious legal reflections. The hosts navigate the fine line between legal principles and the absurdities of modern governance.

33 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 56min
Law Talk 2.0
Dive into a riveting discussion on the Supreme Court's ruling regarding the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act, revealing the intricate dance of constitutional limits. Explore the heated implications of Trump's lawsuits against law firms, casting a shadow on legal integrity. The talk on tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act shines a light on executive overreach. The complexities of deportation tied to free speech add further intrigue, alongside debates on federal oversight of Columbia University, raising critical questions of authority and reform.

Jul 3, 2024 • 52min
Immunity Idols and Chevrons
National Review's Charles C.W. Cooke joins the hosts to analyze the Supreme Court's rulings on presidential immunity vs. unofficial acts, dissenting opinions from Justice Sotomayor, the role of the court in presidential prosecution, critiques of court decisions, overturning Chevron deference, and debates on legal interpretations and traditions.

18 snips
Jun 25, 2024 • 58min
Tips For Everyone: A Supreme Court Roundabout
Legal scholars Richard Epstein and John Yoo discuss recent Supreme Court rulings, challenges to constitutional amendments, upcoming Chevron Deference challenge, disputes among originalist thinkers, criticisms of Justice Thomas, and future plans for a potential Trump Administration.

4 snips
May 3, 2024 • 51min
The Professors Strike Back: The 1st Amendment on Campus, ICC's Overreach, and Presidential Immunity
Discussing student protests on college campuses, the likelihood of arrest warrants for Israeli PM Netanyahu, and the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity. Exploring challenges of free speech on campuses and ethical dilemmas of surveillance technologies. Analyzing ICC scrutiny on Israel, former President Trump's immunity claims, and implications on future prosecutions.

14 snips
Mar 29, 2024 • 58min
Trump Trials and Tribulations
Discussions on Trump's legal trials, chances of fair trial in NYC, and windfall from Truth Social going public. Predictions on Eastman's law license, Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, and climate change case. Reflecting on Truth Social investment, $175 million bond in fraud case, and legal ethics in post-election investigations. Debates on climate change misrepresentation case, petroleum product implications, and federal regulation complexities.

15 snips
Mar 1, 2024 • 59min
Social Media, IVF, Trump, and the Politics of Disgorgement
Law Talk delves into the hot topics of social media regulation, IVF laws, Trump's legal woes, and the Supreme Court's involvement. Get ready for a lively discussion on free speech rights, predictions on government rulings, ethical dilemmas in the IVF case, and the legal immunity battle involving Trump.

6 snips
Jan 26, 2024 • 1h 10min
West Coast, Best Coast
Trump's legal troubles, Biden's executive power controversy, Supreme Court case on administrative state, half-million dollar signing bonuses for former Supreme Court clerks, and an In-N-Out update from John