
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

7 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 47min
Triaging All the Horrible
Delayed reactions to Trump's presidency lead to a deep dive into ICE enforcement tactics and their impact on immigrant communities. A significant Supreme Court decision on TikTok raises eyebrows about free speech and tech regulation. There's a critical discussion on the ethical implications of Trump's cryptocurrency ventures amidst government overreach. Finally, the judiciary's role in preserving factual narratives is underscored, particularly in the wake of recent political turmoil and events surrounding January 6th.

12 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 53min
Trump's Executive Orders Are All Absurd and Horrible. But Which of them Actually Matter?
Matt Cameron, a legal analyst, dives deep into Donald Trump's executive orders and their implications. He discusses the absurdity of some proposals while highlighting the serious legal threats they pose. Key topics include the potential impacts on immigration and civil rights, particularly around birthright citizenship. Cameron scrutinizes the militarization of the Southern border, critiques divisive policies, and emphasizes the need for community resistance. Tune in for a fascinating look at the political landscape shaped by these executive actions.

10 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 2min
We (Disrespectfully) Dissent.
Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, renowned for her compelling dissents, joins Martin Luther King, Jr., the legendary civil rights leader. They engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the necessity of dissent amid political turmoil. Sotomayor shares insights from her impassioned dissent regarding presidential immunity, while King emphasizes the need for a 'revolution of values' to confront moral injustices. Their powerful exchange inspires listeners to actively participate in shaping a more equitable future.

9 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 53min
We've Had One Jack Smith Report, Yes. But What About Second Report?
The departure of special prosecutor Jack Smith raises questions about his legacy and the implications of his final report on Trump's federal cases. The complexities of legal challenges stemming from January 6th and election integrity are incisively dissected. The discussion humorously contrasts sensationalized media coverage with serious legal narratives. Insights into local immigration enforcement highlight the community impact of misinformation, urging responsible communication. Overall, the podcast blends critical analysis with humor, advocating for transparency and resilience.

11 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 16min
Democratic Senators Faced Their First Test in the Trump 2.0 Era - the Hegseth Confirmation
Lydia Smith, an All-Star Researcher with a knack for legal insights, joins Heather Veranini, a savvy participant in the Thomas Takes the Bar Exam segment. They dive into the tense confirmation hearing of Pete Hegseth, discussing how Democratic senators navigated their responsibilities amid heightened political scrutiny. Highlighting serious allegations against Hegseth, they analyze the implications for military culture and integrity. Plus, Heather takes on a fresh legal quiz, blending humor and legal education that keeps listeners engaged!

Jan 13, 2025 • 53min
We Watched the Eastman Documentary Trump Screened at Mar-a-Lago
Lydia Smith, a legal analyst with deep insights into the Eastman documentary, and attorney Matt Cameron dive into the bizarre world of John Eastman’s film presented at Mar-a-Lago. They critique the documentary’s production issues and the obscure nonprofit behind it, Madison Media Fund. Listeners will be intrigued by their discoveries about Eastman's narrative on election fraud and the broader implications for election integrity. The discussion also highlights ethical dilemmas in legal practice and the absurdity of certain political maneuvers surrounding the 2020 election.

5 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 1h 10min
Trump Has His Own Entire Genre of Law Now
A historic moment unfolds as a former president faces criminal sentencing for multiple felony counts. The hosts dissect a judge's ruling amid concerns about the defendant regaining access to nuclear codes. Discussions also touch on questionable immigration legislation and its potential to boost Trump's policies. Attention shifts to Rudy Giuliani's legal predicament, emphasizing the bizarre nature of his situation. Ultimately, the podcast dives into the absurdities of the legal landscape and the urgent need for public engagement in justice.

Jan 8, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Hysterical Victimhood Complex of John Eastman
Matt Cameron, a legal analyst known for his complex insights, joins Heather Veranini, a legal expert who frequently engages with bar-related discussions. They dive deep into John Eastman's controversial reputation post-January 6, investigating his desperate attempts to manage his public image. They explore the concept of 'unpersoning' in modern political contexts, drawing chilling parallels to Orwell's '1984'. The conversation also highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding Eastman's actions and the ongoing legal efforts to disbar him, raising crucial questions about accountability in law.

10 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 58min
The Lawyers Behind 1/6 Are Trying to Rewrite History. We Can't Let Them.
Reflecting on January 6, the discussion centers on the elite lawyers manipulating legal narratives to distort the insurrection's reality. The podcast unpacks the meticulous planning behind the events, challenging the portrayal of spontaneity. It critiques recent attempts at historical revisionism, emphasizing the need for honest documentation. Additionally, the submission of fake electoral documents and the role of key figures like Eastman and Chesbro shed light on the intersection of law and democracy. The chaos of that day serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for accountability.

Jan 3, 2025 • 54min
SCOTUS Fast-Tracks TikTok Case; Trump Files Nonsense Amicus Brief
Chief Justice Roberts raises eyebrows with his views on judicial conduct amid luxury vacations and political turmoil. The hosts dissect the looming TikTok ban and its potential First Amendment implications, questioning the bipartisan consensus on its supposed national security risks. They humorously contemplate the political chaos surrounding a House Speaker and the absurdity of a former president's legal brief. The conversation intertwines legal complexities with the ongoing battle over social media regulations, all while pondering the role of youth engagement in politics.