

The Counsel
CAFE
Join Elie Honig as he unpacks the complex legal issues shaping our country. A former prosecutor and co-chief of the organized crime unit at the Southern District of New York, CNN senior legal analyst, and author, Honig brings sharp insight and clear perspective to the intersections of law, politics, and current events. New episodes every Friday. From CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 10, 2023 • 10min
Note from Elie: What Do We Do With Congressional Scoundrels?
The podcast discusses the dilemma of Congressional scoundrels. It explores the indictments of Representative George Santos and Senator Robert Menendez, highlighting the constitutional dilemma of expulsion and the presumption of innocence. The discussion also focuses on the motion to expel Representative George Santos and the opposition to the measure, emphasizing the importance of not abandoning constitutional principles.

Nov 3, 2023 • 11min
Note from Elie: Why Halfway Cooperation Doesn’t Work
Note From Elie is part of the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter. Audio recordings of Elie’s Note are part of the CAFE Insider subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 27, 2023 • 8min
Note from Elie: Watergate, Trump, and How History Speaks to Us
Reflections on John Dean's opinion on Gerald Ford's pardon of Nixon and the impact on future presidents, including the concept of deterrence and the boundaries of the law in light of Trump's ultimate fate.

Oct 20, 2023 • 11min
Note from Elie: My Name
The podcast discusses reporters in overwhelming news situations, the Jewish ceremony of consecration, the speaker's personal experience with their Hebrew school teacher, their name change from Elliot to Ellie and back, and the enduring nature of a name and its ties to family history and community.

Oct 13, 2023 • 12min
Note from Elie: The Known Unknowns of Trump’s Immunity Defense
This podcast explores the scope of immunity defense for federal officials, including the president, and whether Trump's conduct falls within the boundaries of his job. It also discusses the president's authority in regulating elections and the impact of his potential crimes on his immunity.

Oct 6, 2023 • 10min
Note from Elie: Why Trump Opted Not to Seek Removal to Federal Court
The podcast discusses the reasons behind Trump's decision not to seek removal to federal court, including strategic considerations such as having a broader jury pool and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals overseeing the proceedings. It also explores the background of the judges involved and highlights previous rulings that may have influenced Trump's decision.

Sep 29, 2023 • 10min
Note From Elie: The Prosecution’s Worst Witness
They discuss Bill Barr's potential role as a witness in the prosecutions of Donald Trump, exploring his complicated relationship with Barr. Examining Barr's credibility as a witness, they delve into his support of Trump's false election fraud claims and its impact on the January 6th insurrection, suggesting that his testimony may undermine the prosecution's case against Trump.

Sep 22, 2023 • 11min
Note from Elie: The Importance of Who Decides, and Where
The speaker shares personal experience of taking their child to college and people's interest in the criminal justice system. Discussion on Trump's attempt to recuse Judge Tanya Chuckkin and a potential motion to move the federal case. Influence of trial location on outcomes, using Trump's trial and the January 6th event in D.C. as examples.

Sep 15, 2023 • 9min
Note from Elie: The Forgotten Special Counsel
Exploring Rotten Tomatoes and film industry manipulation. Comparing lack of information in Biden investigation to media frenzy during Trump investigation. Speculating on progress clues. Comparing investigation lengths and potential outcomes including no charges or pursuing criminal charges against Biden.

Sep 8, 2023 • 9min
Note from Elie: The End of Unprecedented
The podcast explores recent indictments of former president Donald Trump and the charges against him. It also discusses the possibility of presidential pardons in state level cases and the process of disqualifying a candidate under the 14th amendment. The hosts raise concerns about unilateral declarations and the need for due process in determining a candidate's eligibility.


