Opening Arguments

In this engaging discourse, Michael Cohen, former lawyer to Donald Trump turned key witness, reflects on the bizarre dynamics of his cross-examination. The conversation unveils the chaotic moments where Trump's lawyer falters, highlighting the absurdity of courtroom tactics. Cohen discusses the significance of his testimony regarding hush money payments and the broader implications for political accountability. With a mix of humor and tension, the session explores the fine line between loyalty and honesty in high-stakes legal battles.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams lends his insights on the hilarity wrapped in his recent indictment. The discussion dives into the absurdity of political corruption and compares New York's tactics with Boston’s illustrious history of graft. The hosts dissect Adams’ quirky career, questioning his ties with Turkey and the implications of travel perks from foreign entities. With a mix of wit and serious critique, they explore the impacts of unlawful campaign contributions and public trust, all while delivering a comedic view on a serious situation.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent advocate for social justice, dives into pressing issues regarding human rights and capital punishment. They discuss the troubling case of Marcellus Williams, raising serious questions about wrongful convictions and the ethics of executing potentially innocent individuals. The conversation also touches on the legality of recent military operations against Hezbollah, highlighting international law violations and their ramifications. Additionally, Ocasio-Cortez speaks candidly about the absurdities of the U.S. legal system, making for a compelling discussion.

Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Enter coupon code OPENING for 4 months EXTRA at https://surfshark.com/OPENING The answer for T3BE41 is coming your way, and we launch our next Bar Prep question with Heather!  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!

Join legal expert Steve Vladeck, a law professor at Georgetown University, as he unpacks the tumultuous relationship between the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. Discover how the Fifth Circuit seems to 'win by losing' and the concerning implications of their high reversal rate. Hear about the troubling standing arguments, Neil Gorsuch's misleading statements, and the complexities of judicial bias. Plus, dive into the legal whirlwind surrounding SB4 and the shadow docket’s controversial decisions. A thought-provoking discussion for anyone interested in the intricacies of law!

Dive into the intriguing world of the judicial system as the show scrutinizes Chief Justice John Roberts' integrity amidst a historic leak of internal Supreme Court communications. Discover insights into the Fulton County RICO case against Donald Trump and the ongoing legal battles surrounding copyright issues in political campaigns. Humorous pop culture references, particularly a nod to Star Wars, lighten the heavy discussion of legal complexities, while emphasizing the need for transparency in judicial processes.

Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Enter coupon code OPENING for 4 months EXTRA at https://surfshark.com/OPENING The answer for T3BE39 is coming your way, and we launch our next Bar Prep question with Heather!  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!

Peter Charles Hoffer, Distinguished Research Professor of History at the University of Georgia, dives into the quirky world of Supreme Court footnotes. He shares how footnotes influence legal precedent and public perceptions of court decisions. The discussion humorously touches on the challenges of reading and even ADHD, while also critiquing Justice Alito's historical interpretations. Hoffer argues for the vital role of trained historians in jurisprudence, underscoring how footnotes shape legal narratives and impact landmark rulings.

This discussion dives into bizarre legal questions raised in a recent Presidential debate, including historical wrongful convictions. The chaos surrounding Trump's hush-money case is analyzed, particularly concerning the Supreme Court's role in legalizing Presidential misconduct. There are reflections on the implications of delaying Trump's sentencing until after the election, alongside a unique footnote on an overlooked legal story. The talk mixes political analysis with humorous insights into everyday legal issues.

The answer for T3BE39 is coming your way, and we launch our next Bar Prep question with Heather!  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!