Opening Arguments

This episode dives into the complexities of stablecoins and their influence on finance. It tackles the implications of a Supreme Court ruling on trans rights in the military and highlights ongoing presidential corruption tied to cryptocurrency. There’s a lively discussion about the differences between various warrants, emphasizing individual rights. The speakers also explore the importance of accountability in the justice system, making time for lighter anecdotes about health and well-being amidst serious legal discussions.

This installment kicks off with a discussion on the arrest of Judge Dugan, followed by unsettling executive orders aimed at sanctuary cities. It shifts gears to celebrate court victories, including a surprising ruling against Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act. The hosts delve into the nuances of immigration law, highlight the Apple vs. Epic Games showdown, and share humorous insights on minimal phones and a strangely branded dragon case. From serious legal battles to lighthearted banter, the conversation mixes gravity with levity!

In this engaging discussion, Professor Heather Varanini, a bar prep expert, returns to dissect bar exam questions, offering invaluable insights for aspiring lawyers. She reveals how Thomas fared on a tricky question and dives into the nuances of ownership laws, particularly joint tenancy and property rights following a divorce. The conversation skillfully blends humor with legal complexities, making the intricate details of estate law both entertaining and understandable. Listeners also enjoy some amusing hypotheticals that illustrate the importance of intent in legal scenarios.

OA1154 - Whatever the stage of fascism is where they start arresting judges for doing their jobs--well, we’re here. We review what we know about the in-court arrest of Milwaukie County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan last week. Matt then explains exactly what a “sanctuary” jurisdiction is (and isn’t) and how the Trump administration’s promises to aggressively investigate and prosecute state and local officials for non-cooperation with ICE fits into the overall plan of American authoritarianism. We also review ICE’s efforts to engage “force multipliers” via special cooperation agreements with state law enforcement under INA 287(g) and how you can do your part to stop it. Complaint and supporting affidavit in U.S. v. Dugan (4/24/2025) AG Bill Barr’s speech to the National Sherriff’s Association in which he promised to investigate and prosecute local authorities who interfered with ICE (2/10/2020) Delegation of Immigration Authority Section 287(g) Immigration and Nationality Act | ICE (links to Excel docs with state of all current and pending 287(g) agreements) Pam Bondi’s memo on charging and sentencing policies which shifted DOJ’s focus to immigration enforcement (2/6/2025) To support the show (and lose the ads!), please pledge at patreon.com/law! This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.

OA1153 - It's good news Friday! Here are some stories about American fascists losing or otherwise showing their asses in court, including (among others): The Supreme Court comes through strong for immigrant justice at 1 AM on a Saturday morning Samuel Alito fails to properly interpret a book written at a fourth grade level after having his Easter ruined by immigrant justice DOJ accidentally files an embarrassing internal memo into the record Sarah Palin’s tries and fails to sue the New York Times for libel for the second time  one federal judge stops Trump's attempt to do the SAVE Act through an executive order, while another reverses an ICE kidnapping Neil Gorsuch does a genuinely good thing for non-citizens through a simple act of textualism DOJ pulls out one of the most ridiculous excuses for violating a court order in US legal history Finally, a meta-footnote on why Matt is ready to join the calls to impeach national hero James Boasberg for his radical views on the utility of (what else) footnotes. Samuel Alito’s dissent in A.A.R.P. v. Trump (4/19/25) SCOTUS’s decision in Monsalvo-Velasquez v. Bondi  (4/22/25) Vermont federal district court order returning Rumeysa Ozturk to Vermont Courtlistener docket for D.V.D. v. DHS Courtlistener docket for American Oversight v. Hegseth 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! This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.

T3BE67 - It's another bar question with Heather Varanini! First we get the answer to last week's very bad and ungrateful father question, and then it's time for our next one! We crown some new winners, and then thank the best winners of all - our patrons! 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! This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.

OA1152 - We are pleased to welcome Mike Lissner, the Executive Director and CTO of the Free Law Project to discuss his outstanding work in bringing federal court filings out from behind the PACER paywall, how just a few people with good ideas can fill in the gaps left by government services, and why he hasn’t created an Article III Hot or Not with his vast library of judicial portraits (but how you could). Free Law Project donation page CourtListener RECAP 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! This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.

Live from New York, the hosts dive into the chaotic world of Big Law amidst Trump’s administration, highlighting recent court developments and ethical challenges. They mix humor with serious discussions on major federal cases and the pressure for law firms to embrace pro bono work. A legal setback for Andrew Cuomo’s campaign adds excitement to the mix, while critiques of firm resilience and ethical dilemmas reveal a complex legal landscape. The lively banter keeps the insights engaging, blending political analysis with lighthearted anecdotes.

The hosts explore the humorous ups and downs of bar exam prep, sharing quirky stories and valuable insights. They dive into a legal case about First Amendment rights in a unique women-only waxing center, blending serious topics with lighthearted banter. A dramatic scenario involving a sacrificed camera showcases the tension between moral and legal obligations. Amusing reflections on nostalgic fears and playful political commentary add to the fun, all while emphasizing the importance of mental health support.

A law partner's shocking notice to self-deport from the U.S. sets off a deep dive into the absurdities of immigration communications. The discussion highlights the complexities of denaturalization and recent legal quirks, including an inadvertent legalization of THC in the 2018 Farm Bill. The hosts explore the evolving cannabis industry, the nuances of Delta-8 regulations, and the societal perceptions of marijuana. Humor and optimism shine through as they tackle serious issues with a light-hearted touch, showcasing the intersection of law and life.