
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

Jul 4, 2024 • 57min
Young Thug Contempt BS Part 2 (ft. Ashleigh Merchant!)
Attorney Ashleigh Merchant discusses the Young Thug contempt hearing, defense strategies, and her role in seeking to recuse prosecutor Fani Willis. The episode covers legal challenges, courtroom drama, and Thanksgiving preparations. The conversation navigates RICO charges, ethics dilemmas, and courthouse security procedures, highlighting the complexities of contempt cases and legal chaos in the legal environment.

Jul 3, 2024 • 56min
The Young Thug Contempt BS Was Even Worse Than We Knew
Special guest Ashley Merchant joins the hosts to discuss the complexities of the Young Thug contempt case, RICO trial drama, courtroom confrontation, legal maneuvering, and intense drama in hearings and trials, highlighting the importance of transparency and proper legal procedures.

Jun 28, 2024 • 50min
I... Hate the Supreme... COURT!
The podcast delves into recent Supreme Court decisions on immigrant visa rights and bribery, critiquing conservative rulings. They discuss Steve Bannon's legal troubles and House Republicans' support, ending with a review of Justice Jackson's Snyder dissent for patrons.

Jun 26, 2024 • 44min
OA Bar Prep with Heather! T3BE30
The answer for T3BE29 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!

Jun 24, 2024 • 54min
What on Earth Is Happening in the Young Thug Trial?
Exploring the Young Thug trial under Georgia's RICO statute, dissecting mumble rap origins, judge's controversial decisions, and the use of lyrics as evidence. Unveiling the complexities of the trial proceedings, witness testimonies, and unconventional legal tactics. Contempt hearing drama and the implications of using mandatory minimum sentences in legal cases.

Jun 21, 2024 • 50min
Did Biden Do a Good Immigration Thing?
The podcast discusses Biden's new immigration policy providing a pathway to citizenship for long-term immigrants. They explore the challenges couples face due to immigration laws. A firsthand account from a U.S. citizen married to a beneficiary of the new policy adds a personal touch to the conversation.

Jun 19, 2024 • 44min
OA Bar Prep with Heather! T3BE29
The answer for T3BE28 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!

Jun 17, 2024 • 56min
A Critical Race Theory Analysis of Critical Race Theory Bans
Law professor Caroline Mala Corbin leads a deep dive into the problematic bans on Critical Race Theory in education. The episode analyzes the origins and implications of these bans, challenges faced by educators, and the societal impact of recognizing systemic racism. It also discusses the importance of understanding white privilege and fragility within this context.

Jun 14, 2024 • 52min
Harvey Weinstein's NY Conviction Was Overturned. So Who Effed Up?
NY defense attorney Liz Skeen discusses the complexities of Harvey Weinstein's conviction being overturned, including legal issues like Molino and Sandoval. The episode explores challenges in defending high-profile clients, fair trials, and nuances of evidence admissibility. It also touches on the impact of diverse evidence sources on jury bias and the importance of effective legal strategies in high-profile trials.

Jun 12, 2024 • 35min
OA Bar Prep with Heather! T3BE28
The answer for T3BE27 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!