Opening Arguments

OA1037 THE JURY IS IN! Opening Arguments is coming at you LIVE AND UNEDITED today as we react in realtime to the announcement of the verdict in People v. Trump--conveniently timed for exactly the time that we had already planned to record this week! We also take a look at the lengthy closing arguments from both sides and Matt answers patron questions about some of New York’s more unusual trial practices before getting into what we can expect next. We finish out the fun with Thomas’s dramatic reading of Samuel Alito’s indignant, mendacious, and entirely unsolicited response to the Senate Judiciary Committee’s demands to speak with the Supreme Court’s manager and take a moment to appreciate his full-throated defense of a woman’s absolute right to choose (flags).  Jury instructions in People v. Trump People v. Owens, 69 N.Y.2d 585 (1987)(providing jury with written excerpt of jury instructions was reversible error) Alito’s letter to Senators Dick Durbin and Sheldon Whitehouse dated May 29, 2024

Heather is back for another bar question! Yay! Except... it's real property... NOOOOO We only do the question on this one, since we did both the Q and A last time. So, this is just a short little uncharged episode to get us back on track. It also allows me to catch up on Patron thanks! Note: two new Gavel Gavels are out, with more coming very, very soon! If you’d like to support the show (and lose the ads!), please pledge at patreon.com/law!

OA1036 Two great stories for you today - following OA1034 on how much Alito sucks, the Law Dork himself, Chris Geidner, is on to discuss the flag habits of Samuel Alito, as well as the exclusive story he broke regarding Alito’s stock activity immediately after Libs of TikTok called for a boycott against Bud Light because…transphobia. After we vent about Alito for a bit, Chris walks us through what an Alabama judge threatened to do to a group of LGBTQ+ lawyers and it’s even worse than you could imagine. Be sure to follow Chris (@chrisgeidner/@chrisgeidner.bsky.social) and subscribe to his Substack to support independent legal journalism! Law Dork's coverage of Judge Liles Burke's orders out of the US District Court for the Northern District of Alabama If you’d like to support the show (and lose the ads!), please pledge at patreon.com/law!

T3BE 25 I am pleased to introduce you all to Heather Varanini! In her role as Director of Academic Achievement, Heather spends her days helping students succeed in law school and prepare for the Bar. She's onboard to serve as the Official Opening Arguments Bar Tutor and teach us a lot along the way! In this episode we'll hear more about her journey and the values that she brings to her work; for this week, we do a full Bar Question and Answer to give a sense of what we're in for with her! The traditional staggered Q&A will commence next time! 

Benjamin Netanyahu, an international figure with legal controversies, is discussed in the podcast. Topics include ICC arrest warrants for leaders of Hamas and Israel, jurisdiction challenges, and implications for global justice. The podcast also covers consumer dissatisfaction with Reese's Halloween snacks and the importance of fair compensation in settlements.

Exploring Justice Alito's controversial evolution from a Reagan/Buckley conservative to an ultra-right Trump/Scalia conservative who ended abortion rights. Delving into Alito's 1985 memo on overturning Roe v. Wade and the strip search case dissent. Analyzing legal liabilities of stocking a private lake with piranhas. Reflecting on Rudy Giuliani's downfall, Alito's legal history, and the multifaceted consequences of his judicial decisions.

Clarence Thomas saves CFPB using originalist reasoning, Boeing non-prosecution agreement analysis, Washington State felony for duplicate names in elections, fish farm legal case, and check on Trump's trial in NY.

Legal expert Steve Vladeck discusses Supreme Court reform proposals, shadow docket, and court accountability. They explore emergency relief grants, Congress's role, and historical accountability methods. Also, the episode covers legal analysis of music performance substitution and complexities in contract delegation.

Discussing the Biden administration's move to reschedule marijuana, with concerns about its impact on criminal and social justice. Exploring delays in Trump's trial with Judge Cannon, highlighting his success in postponing the RICO trial. Thomas Takes the Bar Exam segment adds a comedic touch with unusual legal scenarios.

The podcast discusses Trump's attorney's failed impeachment attempt, leading to a hilarious 'juggler' vs 'jugular' debate. The episode also reveals Andrew's departure from the show, witness testimonies, and courtroom drama unfolding during the trial. Speculations on trial duration and an exciting opportunity for listeners to audition for the podcast are highlighted.