

Advisory Opinions
The Dispatch
Advisory Opinions is a legal podcast by The Dispatch. Hosts David French and Sarah Isgur meet twice a week to talk about the law, the courts, their collision with politics, and why it all matters.
Episodes
Mentioned books

33 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 9min
Judge v. (Unethical) Lawyer
Sarah Isgur and David French react to Donald Trump’s latest legal battles and talk to friend of the pod Judge Amul Thapar about his new wellness Substack.\The Agenda:—Birthright citizenship oral argument—Trump's use of Alien Enemies Act blocked—The FAFO bucket—Criminal contempt proceedings against the Trump administration—'An opinion for the ages'—Judges Thapar’s wellness adviceShow Notes:—Justice Alito's dissent on Alien Enemies Act—William Baude on the birthright citizenship oral argumentAdvisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

53 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 57min
The Collision Is Coming
The discussion dives into the dramatic case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and his illegal deportation saga. Legal tensions rise as they analyze Supreme Court orders and the influence of MAGA tactics on judicial strategies. The balance of executive power and individual rights is scrutinized alongside the government's responsibilities. Additionally, humorous parenting methods of Elon Musk are explored, merging ethics with unconventional approaches. All this culminates in a lively discourse on the intricate dynamics of law and culture.

22 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 58min
The Rights of Deportees
Dive into the intricate legal landscape surrounding detainees’ rights and the impact of habeas corpus, especially concerning El Salvador's prison system. Explore landmark cases that define the complex relationship between national security and individual liberties. The conversation also tackles extraordinary rendition, First Amendment challenges, and the media's role in free speech. Shift gears with insights on female friendships in media and the dynamics of masculinity in times of adversity, all while sharing humorous takes on the latest television trends.

22 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 41min
🚨 Trump (Kind Of) Wins On Alien Enemies Act
The discussion tackles the Supreme Court's emergency ruling on the Trump administration's application of the Alien Enemies Act. Key topics include due process, the 'clean hands' doctrine, and the challenges of forum shopping in immigration cases. The hosts explore complex legal nuances surrounding habeas corpus and the implications of removing individuals without notice. They also highlight the evolving roles of Justices Barrett and Roberts as new swing votes in critical decisions. A rich examination of constitutional issues within the immigration framework unfolds.

23 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 27min
Justice Barrett's RICO Revolution
The discussion centers on the implications of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act with its recent applications and challenges. Tariffs without congressional approval spark debate about executive power. The episode dives into vaping regulations, public health impacts, and a landmark Supreme Court ruling enhancing the FDA's authority. Philosophical reflections on legal interpretations through natural law are also explored, alongside humorous anecdotes about parenting while navigating complex legal discussions.

31 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 2min
Evangelizing vs. Proselytizing
Sarah Isgur and David French dive into the complex intersection of religious liberty and legal standards, discussing a pivotal Wisconsin tax case. They break down the distinct differences between evangelizing and proselytizing, exploring ethical implications of faith-sharing. The conversation also highlights the challenges faced by Catholic charities in maintaining tax-exempt status. Additionally, they analyze the strategic dynamics of legal advocacy and the impact of specialization versus generalization on Supreme Court cases.

22 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 11min
Aliens and Enemies
Dive into a wild blend of legal intrigue and personal anecdotes. Discover the absurdity of executive orders affecting law firms and the nuances of the Alien Enemies Act. Hear about a comical yet tense family encounter with a tornado. Explore the intricate dance of redistricting in Louisiana and its racial implications. Finally, ponder over the complexities of the non-delegation doctrine and how judicial reasoning shapes our legal landscape. Prepare for an engaging ride through politics and law!

43 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 25min
Second Amendment v. Ghost Gun Ban
In this engaging discussion, former Fifth Circuit judge Gregg Costa, now a partner at Gibson Dunn, shares his insights on ghost guns and their legal challenges. He highlights the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings surrounding the Second Amendment. The conversation dives into issues like universal injunctions and forum shopping, assessing the political dynamics in judicial rulings. Costa also unpacks the complexities of legal standing and discusses the relationship between emerging technologies and gun regulations, painting a vivid picture of today’s contentious legal landscape.

32 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 12min
Betrayal of the Law Firms
Dive into the legal tumult surrounding Paul Weiss and its unusual clashes with the Trump administration. Explore a law associate's bold challenge against a controversial executive order. The conversation touches on the vulnerabilities of the American legal system and the significant implications of judicial dissent on gun legislation. Additionally, they discuss the complexities of activism within the legal sphere and the evolving landscape of gun regulation, promising insights into past legal victories.

31 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 10min
Do You Have ‘Parental Rights’?
The podcast dives into Chief Justice Roberts' rare rebuke of Trump regarding court criticism. A gripping historical context on judicial impeachment highlights the balance between independence and accountability. There’s an engaging debate on the McDonnell Douglas framework in employment law, along with insights into a 11th Circuit case on parental rights related to gender identity. The conversation also tackles age restrictions on gun purchases and a racially charged academic controversy, blending law with personal experiences.


