

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

8 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 59min
The Trump-Epstein Legal Breakdown You Didn't Know You Needed
Dig deep into the twisted ties between Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump, unraveling shocking revelations from their past relationship. Discover the chaotic fallout as demands rise for the elusive "Epstein files" and how they stir discord in MAGA circles. Explore Trump's bizarre legal maneuvers, including a peculiar lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and potential talks of pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell. Unearth the implications of Epstein's non-prosecution agreement, suspicious financial transactions, and the absurdity of contemporary political discourse.

Jul 24, 2025 • 44min
T3BE78: Following the Interpleader
Professor Heather Varanini has brought us our next question as we study for the Bar Exam! If you'd like to play along with T3BE, here's what to do: hop on Bluesky, follow Openargs, find the post that has this episode, and quote it with your answer! Or, go to our Subreddit and look for the appropriate T3BE posting. Or best of all, become a patron at patreon.com/law and play there! Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do!

8 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 55min
PORN LAW: When Your Kink Is Strict Scrutiny but the Court Only Goes Intermediate
Zeve Sanderson, Executive Director of the NYU Center for Social Media & Politics, shares his insights on the recent Supreme Court case regarding age verification laws for adult websites. The discussion dives into how these laws may infringe on First Amendment rights and their implications for free speech. Zeve presents fascinating research on how age verification impacts browsing habits and explores innovative alternatives to current methods. The conversation also touches on the balance between protecting minors and preserving privacy in the digital landscape.

9 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 60min
ICE Just... Decided Millions of People Are Ineligible for Bail. This Is Bad. Like, Really Bad.
Matt Cameron, a real-life immigration attorney, shares firsthand insights from the front lines of immigration court. He discusses a troubling new ICE memo that denies bail eligibility to millions, signaling a drastic shift towards mass detention. Cameron highlights emotional impacts on families and the troubling conditions of detention facilities. Despite the bleak landscape, there's a silver lining with a federal judge's ruling benefiting detainees in California. The conversation underscores the dire need for legal resources and innovative solutions in the current system.

Jul 17, 2025 • 49min
T3BE77: If a Chandelier Falls and You Aren’t There to See It, Did the Liability Even Happen?
And Professor Heather Varanini has brought us our next question as we study for the Bar Exam! If you'd like to play along with T3BE, here's what to do: hop on Bluesky, follow Openargs, find the post that has this episode, and quote it with your answer! Or, go to our Subreddit and look for the appropriate T3BE posting. Or best of all, become a patron at patreon.com/law and play there! Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do! To support the show (and lose the ads!), please pledge at patreon.com/law!

12 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 50min
Let’s Talk Space Law! It’s Law, but From OUTER SPACE!
Michelle Hanlon, an expert in space law and cultural heritage, discusses the fascinating and uncharted territory of space governance. She highlights the importance of international agreements for managing a crowded cosmos and explores property ownership issues, particularly regarding the Moon. The conversation intertwines humor with serious legal implications, referencing 'Star Trek' and its influence on space treaties. Hanlon emphasizes the necessity of protecting lunar heritage and the pressing need for regulations as privatization accelerates in the space industry.

7 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 58min
What a Surprise, the Racist Bastards Want to Denaturalize Zohran Mamdani
Explore the recent Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship and its chilling implications for many families. The podcast dives into the controversy surrounding immigrant politician Zohran Mamdani's potential denaturalization due to his rap lyrics, raising crucial questions about free expression and racial discrimination. It also examines the complexities of class action lawsuits and the pitfalls of judicial decisions affecting citizenship rights. And for a lighter twist, there's a funny critique of AI mishaps in the courtroom, blending law with humor.

Jul 10, 2025 • 48min
T3BE76: Accidental Evidence
Professor Heather Varanini, a bar prep expert, joins to unravel the complexities of property law and the bar exam. They explore key concepts like 'fee simple subject to condition subsequent' with humor, making tricky legal terms relatable. The discussion also dives into the ethical dilemmas surrounding confession laws and how hearsay plays a role in court cases. Engaging listener anecdotes keep the conversation lively, blending legal insights with approachable banter and community interaction.

6 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 55min
When You're So Bad At Your Job, You Make the Supreme Court Look Good By Comparison
Jenessa Seymour, a dynamic disability rights activist and PhD, joins to delve into the chaotic oral arguments in the Supreme Court case AJT v. Osseo. They discuss the legal complexities surrounding disability rights, particularly for students needing accommodations. Expect a blend of humor and serious analysis as they unpack the tensions in legal standards and the courtroom dynamics that overshadow advocates' efforts. Jenessa's insights highlight the critical need for clearer protections for students with disabilities amidst the legal chaos.

10 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 49min
SIO484: Lawsuit Alleges Voting Irregularities in 2024. Is There Any There There?
Dr. Jenessa Seymour, a statistics and voting rights expert, dives into a New York lawsuit alleging voting irregularities in the upcoming 2024 election. She analyzes claims of tampering and the public's skepticism surrounding these allegations. The conversation touches on the complexities of election integrity and how misconceptions from past elections have shaped current beliefs. Seymour also breaks down the intricacies of the legal proceedings, emphasizing the role of community engagement and the importance of accurate electoral data.


