

Opening Arguments
Opening Arguments Media LLC
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!
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 7, 2024 • 30min
OA Bar Prep With Heather! T3BE35
This week, Heather, a bar prep discussion expert, dives into the quirky world of legal nuances surrounding soda preferences and celebrity likenesses. They unpack an intriguing case where a comedian sues a soda company for unauthorized use of his image, shedding light on invasion of privacy laws. The conversation also touches on a unique custody battle over five dogs, exploring the complexities of marital privilege. With humor and engaging audience contributions, the episode serves up legal insights with a lighthearted twist!

Aug 5, 2024 • 50min
Suing the CIA Over MKUltra
Dive into the disturbing history of the CIA's mkUltra program, where mind control experiments met LSD and unsuspecting victims. Discover the twisty legalities in seeking justice for these victims amidst a sea of obliterated evidence. Explore how these experiments inadvertently fueled the 1960s counterculture and left lasting trauma on individuals. Uncover personal testimonies from those affected by a sadistic psychiatrist's methods in Canada. The chilling ethical ramifications and ongoing legal battles will leave you questioning how far government surveillance can go.

Aug 2, 2024 • 51min
The SCOTUS Embarrassment That Was the EMTALA Case
The hosts delve into the chaotic collapse of Project 2025, critiquing its extreme proposals. They humorously explore why even conservatives find some ideas too radical. A Supreme Court blunder regarding Idaho's abortion laws sparks debate over the judicial system's integrity. Leaks reveal justices' internal divisions as they grapple with significant rulings on abortion rights. Lastly, the discussion touches on Trump’s legal saga and Nikki Haley's awkward political maneuvering. This mix of humor and serious analysis keeps the conversation engaging.

Jul 31, 2024 • 33min
OA Bar Prep With Heather! T3BE34
The answer for T3BE33 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 29, 2024 • 52min
Rap on Trial
Charis Kubrin, a criminology professor at UC Irvine, delves into the controversial use of rap lyrics in legal cases. She shares her expertise on how these artistic expressions are misinterpreted as evidence, often with harmful racial implications. The discussion highlights the challenges of assessing rap's cultural significance and the advocacy for reforms like California's AB 2799. Kubrin emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of rap to counteract biases that skew justice, shedding light on the intersection of creativity and the law.

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!


