Opening Arguments

Anne Linder, managing member of ZVM Law, dives deep into the sensational legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The discussion tackles the polarized opinions surrounding the case, which intertwines themes of masculinity and the Me Too movement. Linder illustrates the complexities of public complaints and dives into the significance of navigating social media narratives. With a touch of humor, they highlight the extensive legal research involved and the challenges faced in adapting personal storytelling for film, shedding light on celebrity culture and media representation.

In this discussion, Amanda Litman, co-founder and president of Run for Something, emphasizes the organization's mission to empower young people to run for state and local office. She highlights the impact of diverse candidates and encourages grassroots involvement. Amanda stresses authenticity in politics and shares insights on the challenges aspiring candidates face, along with strategies for overcoming them. The conversation is filled with optimism for upcoming elections and practical advice for anyone considering a political run.

Michael Teeter, Managing Director of The 65 Project, discusses the urgent need for accountability among lawyers involved in undermining democracy during the 2020 election aftermath. He shares insights on how the organization determines which misconduct warrants bar complaints. The conversation highlights the challenges faced in holding legal professionals accountable and the critical role lawyers play in upholding the rule of law amid rising authoritarianism. Teeter also outlines the implications for the legal profession as the 2024 election approaches.

Brought to you by Trade Coffee! Get up to 3 bags free with any new Trade subscription at drinktrade.com/OA OA 1128 - First: an urgent question from a patron on Trump’s latest executive power grab. Matt explains the history of the “unitary executive theory” and the Federalist Society-backed movement to give the President more power than an actual king.  Then: Rutgers Law professor Katie Eyer studies, teaches, and litigates the law of anti-discrimination with a specialty in LGBTQ rights. She joins to discuss the current state of the law in the shadow of the Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision in U.S. v. Skrmetti and the wake of Donald Trump’s recent anti-trans executive orders. Which, if any, of these orders should we actually be concerned about? What does it mean that the fight for trans lives is now becoming a federal issue?  Can Trump really just instruct the federal government to ignore the Supreme Court’s extension of employment protections to LGBTQ employees in Bostock v. Clayton County? Professor Eyer takes up these questions and many more as we find reasons both for concern and for hope. “Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies,” (2/18/25) “Interrogating the Historical Basis for a Unitary Executive,” Daniel D. Birke, Stanford Law Review (Jan. 2021) Professor Katie Eyer (Rutgers Law bio) Anti-Transgender Constitutional Law, 77 Vanderbilt L. Rev. __ (2024) (forthcoming) Transgender Constitutional Law, 171 U. Pa. L. Rev. 1405 (2023) Bostock v. Clayton County, 590 US ___ (2020) 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!

Liz Skeen, a legal analyst, joins the discussion to delve into the troubling trend towards authoritarianism, emphasizing the moral responsibilities of those in power. The conversation sheds light on the ethical dilemmas surrounding political prosecutions and the complexities of grand jury proceedings. Skeen critiques the control prosecutors have over evidence presentation and discusses the legal ramifications for political figures, all while providing a humorous take on the absurdities of current legal practices.

Liz Skeen, a New York City lawyer and resident, joins the discussion to dissect the shocking dismissal of charges against Mayor Eric Adams. They delve into the implications of perceived political corruption and the ethics surrounding prosecutorial conduct. Skeen offers insights into the resignations within the DOJ prompted by these events, highlighting the tensions between legal integrity and political pressures. The conversation also touches on the troubling dynamics of quid pro quo arrangements and the need for transparency in the justice system.

Matt Cameron, a legal analyst known for his insights on current events, joins the discussion to unravel complex legal and political issues. They tackle the strange normalization of illegal HR maneuvers in the Trump administration and probe into alarming immigration policies, including the detention of Venezuelan asylum seekers at Guantanamo Bay. Cameron and the hosts critique the media's handling of political accountability and draw unsettling parallels between modern tactics and historical fascism, emphasizing the importance of independent journalism in these turbulent times.

A shocking memo has surfaced, advising to drop charges against Mayor Eric Adams, prompting a deep dive into its corrupt implications. The hosts explore the complexities of the Hyde Amendment and its effects on upcoming elections. They critique the Justice Department's decisions while questioning political motivations behind legal actions. Amidst the gravity, a light-hearted segment playfully tackles hypothetical legal scenarios, revealing the fun side of law. Join in on the legal laughter while uncovering serious political drama!

The discussion uncovers how the Insurrection Act could be misused by insurrectionists against ordinary citizens. It delves into the complex relationship between Congress and the President when invoking military force on U.S. soil. Historical precedents, including labor strikes and civil unrest, highlight the delicate balance of power. The hosts also examine the implications of militarizing the U.S.-Mexico border, raising concerns about political motivations and civil liberties. Overall, it’s a deep dive into safeguarding democracy in turbulent times.

In the midst of a political upheaval, they tackle the alarming influence of a billionaire over federal agencies. Discussions reveal how this power grab echoes historical events in Hungary. Legal challenges surrounding the treatment of transgender prisoners in federal custody raise critical human rights questions. The hosts dissect recent firings disrupting accountability in government, while celebrating a significant legal win against extremism. A whirlwind of chaos, ethics, and governance unfolds, making this a must-listen for those following current events.