Opening Arguments

In a lively discussion, the hosts tackle the absurdities of the U.S. 'sovereign citizen' movement and highlight the outlandish claims of a prominent Harvard Law professor. They critique Adrian Vermeule's controversial views on citizenship and judicial authority, emphasizing the cultural implications of his op-ed in the New York Times. The episode mixes humor with sharp legal analysis, addressing executive power and the complexities in recent Supreme Court rulings. Listeners will enjoy a blend of skepticism and wit as the hosts dissect bad-faith legal arguments.

Jenessa Seymour, a neuroscientist and disability rights lawyer, dives deep into the wild life of Dr. Timothy Leary, the 'High Priest of LSD.' She explores how Leary's infamous legal battles reshaped drug enforcement in the U.S., particularly his case against a minor marijuana charge that sent him on the run internationally. The discussion also touches on Leary's controversial alliances, the cultural impact of psychedelics, and even the unexpected origin of the Beatles' 'Come Together.' It's a fascinating mix of science, law, and counterculture history!

Chesa Boudin, Former San Francisco District Attorney and now an academic focused on criminal justice reform, discusses his tenure and the significant challenges he faced as a progressive prosecutor. He reveals how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced incarceration practices and highlights the importance of systemic reforms. Boudin reflects on the political turbulence surrounding his recall, the impact of crime narratives, and the need for compassion in justice system reforms. He also addresses the critical issues of recidivism and how financial influence shapes political outcomes.

The hosts dive into Alan Dershowitz's controversial claims about the Epstein case, questioning his motives and past dealings. They explore the notorious shadows surrounding Epstein's legal legacy, including dubious plea deals and connections to powerful figures. The show blends serious critiques with humor, touching on absurd immigration metaphors involving gumballs. They also tackle the broader implications of misinformation in immigration debates and the ethics of media narratives, all while keeping the audience engaged with their lively banter.

Chesa Boudin, former San Francisco District Attorney and advocate for progressive prosecution, shares his unique journey shaped by having incarcerated parents. He discusses the challenges and limitations of advocating for reform within the criminal justice system. Boudin reflects on his path from childhood trauma to public defender to DA, emphasizing the need for systemic change. He also highlights the struggle of campaigning on a decarceral platform in a political landscape resistant to reform, revealing the complexities of balancing public safety narratives with the call for rehabilitation.

Dig deep into the twisted ties between Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump, unraveling shocking revelations from their past relationship. Discover the chaotic fallout as demands rise for the elusive "Epstein files" and how they stir discord in MAGA circles. Explore Trump's bizarre legal maneuvers, including a peculiar lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and potential talks of pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell. Unearth the implications of Epstein's non-prosecution agreement, suspicious financial transactions, and the absurdity of contemporary political discourse.

Professor Heather Varanini has brought us our next question as we study for the Bar Exam!  If you'd like to play along with T3BE, here's what to do: hop on Bluesky, follow Openargs, find the post that has this episode, and quote it with your answer! Or, go to our Subreddit and look for the appropriate T3BE posting. Or best of all, become a patron at patreon.com/law and play there! Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do!

Zeve Sanderson, Executive Director of the NYU Center for Social Media & Politics, shares his insights on the recent Supreme Court case regarding age verification laws for adult websites. The discussion dives into how these laws may infringe on First Amendment rights and their implications for free speech. Zeve presents fascinating research on how age verification impacts browsing habits and explores innovative alternatives to current methods. The conversation also touches on the balance between protecting minors and preserving privacy in the digital landscape.

Matt Cameron, a real-life immigration attorney, shares firsthand insights from the front lines of immigration court. He discusses a troubling new ICE memo that denies bail eligibility to millions, signaling a drastic shift towards mass detention. Cameron highlights emotional impacts on families and the troubling conditions of detention facilities. Despite the bleak landscape, there's a silver lining with a federal judge's ruling benefiting detainees in California. The conversation underscores the dire need for legal resources and innovative solutions in the current system.

And Professor Heather Varanini has brought us our next question as we study for the Bar Exam! If you'd like to play along with T3BE, here's what to do: hop on Bluesky, follow Openargs, find the post that has this episode, and quote it with your answer! Or, go to our Subreddit and look for the appropriate T3BE posting. Or best of all, become a patron at patreon.com/law and play there! Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do! To support the show (and lose the ads!), please pledge at patreon.com/law!