

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

5 snips
Jun 11, 2024 • 1h 11min
Offensive T-Shirts Get Their Day in Court
The podcast covers the laws of war in response to a hostage rescue operation in Gaza. They also discuss free speech rights, controversial t-shirts, and the far-right's claims of freedom being under attack. The conversation delves into historical religious impositions in public schools and the interplay between power and liberty throughout history.

20 snips
Jun 7, 2024 • 1h 9min
The 3-3-3 Body Problem
Sarah and David delve into the Supreme Court analysis using data, covering topics like the three-body problem, radical court decisions, and racial discrimination. They discuss the challenges of defining legal terms, AI in legal interpretation, and the risks and promises of using language models. The podcast also explores the debate over burritos and tacos as sandwiches, showcasing a mix of legal and fun discussions.

4 snips
Jun 4, 2024 • 1h 4min
Will President Biden Pardon His Son?
Sarah and David discuss Hunter Biden's legal troubles, potential presidential pardon, and implications for the political landscape. They also explore selective prosecution, plea deals, and insights into the Supreme Court's decision-making process.

May 31, 2024 • 1h 13min
The Rights the Constitution Doesn’t Tell You About
Yale Law Professor Akhil Amar discusses unenumerated rights in the Constitution, focusing on gun regulations and historical contexts. Topics include Supreme Court cases on gun rights, interpretations of the Second Amendment, and the significance of American customs and traditions. The conversation also touches on evolving concepts of unenumerated rights, unusual punishments, and the boundary between government persuasion and coercion in speech.

6 snips
May 31, 2024 • 36min
Indictment Watch Live: Trump's Guilty Verdict
Discussing Trump's guilty verdict in a historic case, the hosts delve into sentencing expectations, appeal efforts, and potential impacts on voters. They analyze legal complexities, explore New York law, and debate the implications of a potential conviction on Trump's presidency. The podcast also touches on candidate running from prison, constitutional violations, selective prosecution, and trial strategy with a focus on obstruction statute and witness testimony.

7 snips
May 23, 2024 • 1h 11min
On Racial Redistricting
The podcast delves into SCOTUS ruling on racial gerrymandering, random swipes at text, history and tradition, amending the amendment process, codifying the judicial filibuster, and Justice Samuel Alito flag watch.

May 21, 2024 • 1h 15min
When to Recuse
Is Justice Alito an election denier? Controversy over an upside-down flag. Zina Bash not making a white power symbol. Nixon tapes vs. Biden's interview. Tacos are sandwiches? Dealing with bullies.

May 16, 2024 • 1h 3min
Should Judges Get Political?
Judge Lee Rudofsky and Orin Kerr debate judges' societal roles beyond judging, touching on ethical considerations, historical examples, and the impact on university culture. They discuss the importance of maintaining judicial impartiality while advocating for law reform and public trust. The podcast also explores the Supreme Court's decision on the CFPB funding and the court's stance on high-reaching cases like Roe and the Voting Rights Act.

9 snips
May 14, 2024 • 1h 1min
Presidential Stakes
The podcast discusses Trump's trials in New York, chilling speech over anti-Israel protests, mocking Michael Cohen, Civil forfeiture SCOTUS ruling, AYER ruling, prison guards shaving a Rastafarian's dreads, and firing gay teachers.

6 snips
May 9, 2024 • 1h 12min
Class in Session: Jurisdiction Stripping
Eleventh Circuit Judge Kevin Newsom teaches about jurisdiction stripping and balance of power between branches of government. Topics include exceptions clause, Marbury powers, constraints on Congress, and Congress's role in constitutional interpretations. Also, discussions on judiciary act of 1979, two-tier theory of jurisdictions, and evolving dynamics between branches of government.


