
Opening Arguments
Opening Arguments is a law show that helps you make sense of the news! Comedian Thomas Smith brings on legal analysts to help you understand not only current events, but also deeper legal concepts and areas!
The typical schedule will be M-W-F with Monday being a deep-dive, Wednesday being Thomas Takes the Bar Exam and patron shoutouts, and Friday being a rapid response to legal issues in the news!
Latest episodes

Oct 25, 2024 • 59min
What Skipping Dipshit Elon Musk Is Doing Has to Be Illegal, Right?
The discussion heats up around Elon Musk's controversial $1 million daily lottery aimed at registered voters, questioning its legality and ethical implications. The hosts dive into the evolving landscape of super PACs and campaign finance laws, unpacking the risk posed to electoral integrity. They juxtapose serious political scandals with historical narratives like the Salem Witch Trials, highlighting the alarming normalization of corruption. Historical efforts to rectify injustices add depth to the conversation, making for a thought-provoking blend of humor and urgency.

Oct 23, 2024 • 56min
The Case of the Uneasy Easement - T3BE45
It's OA Bar Prep with Heather! First we get the answer to last week's pizza predicament, and then we get question 45 - the case of the uneasy easement! Right now, the best place to play (if you aren't a patron...) is at reddit.com/r/openargs! If you’d like to support the show (and lose the ads!), please pledge at patreon.com/law!

Oct 21, 2024 • 49min
Believe Absurdities, Commit Atrocities
Delve into the chilling saga of the Salem witch trials as the hosts unearth the harrowing legal framework that condemned innocents. Discover a darkly humorous exploration of wrongful convictions and the absurdity of spectral evidence. The discussion links historical injustices to modern political issues, highlighting the dangers of conspiracy theories and mass delusions. Insightful comparisons with today's governance reveal the haunting echoes of fascism, urging vigilance against the manipulation of fear and rumor in society.

Oct 18, 2024 • 49min
Clarence Thomas Loves Killing Potentially Innocent Men
The Supreme Court is back, and the implications of capital punishment are front and center, particularly in the controversial Glossip v. Oklahoma case. They dive into the haunting nuances of wrongful convictions, dissecting Richard Glossop's troubling experience on death row. With a blend of comedy and critique, the hosts discuss the ethical failings of both conservative and liberal justices. Enjoy a lighter moment as they reflect on quirky legal anecdotes and celebrate their listeners with a humorous twist!

Oct 16, 2024 • 43min
T3BE44: Parental Promised Pizza Payment Predicament
It's OA Bar Prep with Heather! We get the answer to last week's hot firefighter question, and then a new question involving pizza and promised payment! Right now, the best place to play (if you aren't a patron...) is at reddit.com/r/openargs! If you’d like to support the show (and lose the ads!), please pledge at patreon.com/law!

Oct 14, 2024 • 53min
How Does Anyone Not See the Fascism
Matt Cameron, a real-life attorney specializing in immigration policy, joins the discussion to unveil the alarming rise of fascism in U.S. immigration law. He draws parallels between historical laws admired by Hitler and current rhetoric from Donald Trump. The conversation delves into the toxic language now surrounding immigration, the implications of authoritarian shifts during Trump's administration, and the dangerous parallels to fascist ideologies. With a focus on civil liberties, the episode urges listeners to reflect on the future of immigration and citizenship rights.

Oct 11, 2024 • 51min
Congress: An Unnatural Disaster
Legal analyst Matt Cameron dives into the intricate dysfunction of Congress amidst natural disaster relief. He discusses the partisan politics surrounding FEMA funding, revealing how disaster aid has become a political battleground. The conversation also highlights Florida's controversial moves regarding pro-choice ads and the ongoing Young Thug trial's courtroom chaos. With a blend of humor and insight, they explore the critical need for non-partisan approaches in managing disaster recovery and the impact of legal maneuvers on political expression.

Oct 9, 2024 • 45min
Are Hot Firefighters a Protected Class?
It's T3BE43! First, Heather gives us the answer to last week's question about the 6th amendment right to a jury trial, and then we get a fun question involving an issue not talked about enough: discrimination against hot firefighters. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code OPENING at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Right now, the best place to play (if you aren't a patron...) is at reddit.com/r/openargs! If you’d like to support the show (and lose the ads!), please pledge at patreon.com/law!

Oct 7, 2024 • 53min
Enough Gaslighting - Trumpism Is Fascism.
Matt Cameron, a legal analyst with expertise in fascism, dives deep into pressing concerns for American democracy. He discusses whether it's appropriate to label Trump as a fascist and the precarious state of democracy ahead of the upcoming election. The conversation highlights the alarming rise of authoritarianism, parallels to historical events like Nazi Germany, and the shifting rhetoric in political discourse. Cameron stresses the urgency of vigilance against the normalization of extreme behaviors while exploring the potential ramifications of a second Trump term.

Oct 4, 2024 • 57min
The Adams and Trump Cases Should Be Open and Shut. But Due to Awful SCOTUS Rulings, They May Not Be...
JD Vance, a junior senator from Ohio, shares his cringeworthy moment from the VP debate, pinpointing gaps in his immigration knowledge. Special counsel Jack Smith discusses his significant brief against Trump linked to January 6th, revealing strategies and evidence. Meanwhile, New York Mayor Eric Adams tries to dismiss bribery charges, questioning the legal status of bribery due to recent Supreme Court rulings. The discussion even touches on a heartwarming beaver tale, highlighting the intricate interplay between law, politics, and wildlife.