

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

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.

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.


