Short Circuit
Institute for Justice
The Supreme Court decides a few dozen cases every year; federal appellate courts decide thousands. So if you love constitutional law, the circuit courts are where it’s at. Join us as we break down some of the week’s most intriguing appellate decisions with a unique brand of insight, wit, and passion for judicial engagement and the rule of law. http://ij.org/short-circuit
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 20, 2023 • 43min
Short Circuit 303 | Larry McMurtry Fact Pattern
This episode of Short Circuit covers Fourth Amendment cases where evidence of illegal firearms possession is suppressed. The Tenth Circuit rules a discovery of an M-16 in a tow truck violates the Fourth Amendment, just like the Eighth Circuit ruling on a warrant to search a shady character's home. The host also mentions a Christmas special and introduces upcoming guests.
Dec 14, 2023 • 47min
Short Circuit 302 | Deranged Prosecutor
This podcast explores the limitations on former President Trump's speech during his prosecution. It also discusses a tragic jail suicide and the legal implications surrounding it. Additionally, a unique court decision on qualified immunity and the Taylor versus LeBlanc case are examined.
Dec 7, 2023 • 60min
Short Circuit 301 | Litigating the Multiverse
Braden Boucek, Director of Litigation, and Arif Panju discuss an Eighth Circuit case on a school district's transgender policy. They explore the concept of justiciability and the vague policy. Arif takes us into a French heritage and oil and gas issue in the Fifth Circuit, exploring property rights and ancient doctrine. They also touch on the court's certification to the Louisiana Supreme Court and the complexities of the case.
Nov 30, 2023 • 0sec
Short Circuit 300 | The Cause of Action Community
This episode of the podcast explores the right to sue for voting rights and the attempts to keep former President Trump off the ballot. The hosts discuss the Eighth Circuit's interpretation of the Voting Rights Act and the limitations on suing to enforce rights. They also dive into the legal case against Trump's candidacy in the New Hampshire primary, examining the concept of political competitor standing.
Nov 22, 2023 • 59min
Short Circuit 299 | The Gambler
The podcast explores court cases involving drone regulations and constitutional rights. It discusses challenges to privacy rights, First Amendment issues, and preemption claims. The hosts disagree with court actions and discuss privacy violations by drones. They also delve into a case involving a poker game robbery and the search of iCloud data for evidence. Additionally, the podcast explores the usage and meanings of the phrase 'mine run' in legal opinions.
Nov 16, 2023 • 49min
Short Circuit 298 | Everything Causes Cancer
This podcast explores the controversy surrounding cancer warning labels in California and the First Amendment. They discuss the skepticism towards the classification of glyphosate as a carcinogen and the debate on accurate warning labels. The hosts also delve into disclosure requirements and explore whether warning labels qualify as commercial speech. They touch on a case involving suing the right person and the challenges of appealing legal cases. The episode ends with the announcement of a new season of 'Bound By Oath' podcast.
Nov 9, 2023 • 41min
Short Circuit 297 | Working in a Coal Mine with TikTok
Explore the significance of the preamble in a legal case involving black lung disease benefits. Discover the court battle between TikTok and Mashi over the transfer of a case. Analyze the decision-making process of a court case and a puzzling lawsuit in the Western District of Texas.
Nov 2, 2023 • 48min
Short Circuit 296 | Parenting Is Hard
A podcast discussing cases involving First Amendment retaliation, qualified immunity, and parental rights. The hosts explore specific court cases, including one where an officer was denied qualified immunity, the significance of inculpatory evidence in a malicious prosecution case, and the need to protect parental rights and consider the impact on teenagers' lives when their parents are incarcerated.
Oct 26, 2023 • 43min
Short Circuit 295 | Nightmare on Law Street
Spooky Halloween special! IJ attorneys Erica and Bert tell terrifying tales: a small town thwarting a property owner and a lawsuit with a haunting twist at oral argument. They discuss corrupt land use regulations, insidious activity, legal battle between municipalities and streaming companies, importance of jurisdiction in oral arguments, and complexities of jurisdiction for corporations and LLCs.
Oct 19, 2023 • 50min
Short Circuit 294 | A Blast from the Past
Occupational liberty case in Chicago public school, campaign finance expertise, challenging government licensing and campaign finance laws, burdens of campaign finance on small organizations, discussion on panels and judge appointments.


