
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

5 snips
Jul 26, 2024 • 58min
Setting the Record Straight on Kamala's Record
Former Vice President Kamala Harris is examined for her career as a prosecutor and attorney general, highlighting her stance on policy issues like the death penalty and marijuana. The podcast discusses Harris's progressive evolution, Senate voting record, and efforts in addressing Central America issues. The hosts also joke about being kicked out of a library in Rhode Island.

Jul 24, 2024 • 38min
OA Bar Prep With Heather! T3BE33
The answer for T3BE32 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!

Jul 22, 2024 • 43min
Biden is OUT! Republicans Cry Foul and Lie About the Law
The podcast discusses the legal implications of a presidential candidate dropping out, Biden's position as the Democratic nominee, campaign funding rules, potential DNC replacements, and the idea of the Democratic Party nominating Mitt Romney for the presidency.

Jul 18, 2024 • 57min
I Think This Judge Cannon Might Not Be on the Level
Judge Aileen Cannon stirs controversy by dismissing Trump case; Clarence Thomas's unexpected involvement raises questions. Analysis of concurrences in legal decisions and historical context of special prosecutors. Discussion on appointments clause and scrutiny of Judge Cannon's writing. Delve into legal challenges, decision-making authority, and interpretation of officials in legal cases.

Jul 17, 2024 • 38min
OA Bar Prep With Heather! T3BE32
The answer for T3BE31 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!

Jul 15, 2024 • 1h 4min
"Don't Say Gay" Bills Must Violate the 1st Amendment... Right? RIGHT?!
Law professor Caroline Mala Corbin discusses the constitutional implications of 'Don't Say Gay' laws. Topics include government speech doctrine, free speech challenges for teachers, limitations on classroom discussions, and the complexities of applying legal principles in cases involving LGBTQ+ content.

4 snips
Jul 12, 2024 • 57min
They Finally Killed Chevron Deference
Legal podcaster Charles Star discusses the end of Chevron deference, its impact on administrative law, and implications for immigration lawyers. The conversation touches on recent Supreme Court decisions, challenges to administrative regulations, and concerns about the elimination of Chevron deference.

Jul 10, 2024 • 55min
OA Bar Prep With Heather! T3BE31
The answer for T3BE30 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!

Jul 8, 2024 • 55min
No Matter How Stupid And Evil You Think Qualified Immunity Is, It's Worse
Joanna Schwartz, a Professor of Law at UCLA, discusses the history and impact of qualified immunity, highlighting cases of police misconduct shielded by this doctrine. The podcast challenges the necessity of qualified immunity, explores asset seizure loopholes, and addresses the barriers in seeking justice for police misconduct cases.

Jul 5, 2024 • 58min
It Is Impossible to Be Too Alarmed About the Immunity Decision
Exploring the alarming Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity, historical context of Trump v. U.S. and Nixon v. U.S., implications for future presidents, concerns about authoritarian consequences, perspectives on asylum seekers from failing democracies, hopes for a better American future.