Opening Arguments

T3BE74 First an exciting announcement! We're bringing back the original Q&A format where everyone can hang out for the livestream, but patrons get the extra special opportunity to ask questions in advance! Be sure to join us on YouTube on Sunday, June 22nd, at 3pm Pacific/6pm Eastern! If you'd like to play along with T3BE, here's what to do: hop on Bluesky, follow Openargs, find the post that has this episode, and quote it with your answer! Or, go to our Subreddit and look for the appropriate T3BE posting. Or best of all, become a patron at patreon.com/law and play there! Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do! This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.

Mari Latibashvili, a Georgetown law student and co-founder of the GU Law Coalition for Justice, passionately discusses her activism against law firms complicit with the Trump administration. She shares her experience organizing students to refuse interviews with problematic firms and highlights the growing influence of abolitionist thought in law education. Mari emphasizes the importance of civic rights advocacy for incarcerated individuals and the power of collective action in reshaping ethical standards within the legal profession.

The podcast tackles the legal and social aftermath of deploying troops in California, shining a light on civil rights issues. It also discusses the controversial indictment of Abrego Garcia and the complexities surrounding immigration enforcement. With humor, the hosts reflect on aging and personal experiences while analyzing the absurdities of a notable fraud case. The conversation raises concerns about political persecution and the integrity of the justice system, all while emphasizing the need for community resilience amid rising tensions in Los Angeles.

Heather Varanini, a bar exam prep expert, shares her insights on the challenges and humor involved in preparing for the bar exam. They explore a quirky property dispute illustrating adverse possession and break down legal complexities with wit. The conversation also flows into nostalgic discussions on naming inspired by fantasy literature and the intricacies of contracts in retro video game sales. Sprinkled with light-hearted banter, the hosts emphasize the importance of staying informed and engaged amid current events.

Anna Chu, the Executive Director at We the Action, discusses the launch of the Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network, which aids federal workers facing wrongful termination. She dives into the legal struggles these workers encounter, particularly due to actions from the previous administration. The conversation also highlights the importance of pro bono legal support and shares personal stories of transformation through community advocacy. Listeners gain insights into the vital role of collective action in fighting for workers' rights.

The discussion kicks off with a lively analysis of unanimous Supreme Court decisions that, while initially alarming, reveal intricate legal positives. Key rulings on gun manufacturer lawsuits and expanded tax exemptions for religious nonprofits are explored with humor and depth. Immigration enforcement issues are highlighted, revealing a chaotic landscape with serious implications. Additionally, the implications of reverse discrimination cases and the intersection of LGBTQ rights with employment law are examined, leaving listeners with much to ponder on these complex topics.

T3BE72 If you'd like to play along with T3BE, here's what to do: hop on Bluesky, follow Openargs, find the post that has this episode, and quote it with your answer! Or, go to our Subreddit and look for the appropriate T3BE posting. Or best of all, become a patron at patreon.com/law and play there! Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do! This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.

Valena Beety, a law professor at Indiana University and co-founder of the Indiana Innocence Project, discusses wrongful convictions of women, revealing shocking statistics—75% of exonerated females were convicted of crimes that never happened. She delves into systemic issues fueling these injustices, such as gender and ableism, and highlights tragic cases like Christine Bunch. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability in the legal system and calls for re-evaluation of flawed evidence and biases that lead to wrongful accusations.

OA1162 - It’s all good news from our favorite branch of government today! We review recent judicial wins in everything from illegal deportations to tariffs to the Trump administration’s wars on international students,  private law firms, and common-sense understandings of the expression “foreign policy.” Plus, Matt shares a footnote from the front lines of Trump’s mass deportation efforts to explain why an immigration judge 2000 miles away just left him an angry voicemail. MA District Court judge Brian Murphy’s preliminary injunction in DVD v. DHS (4/18/25) Judge Murphy’s denial of DHS’s motion to reconsider (5/26/25) Order to return O.C.G. to Guatemala (5/23/25) Judge Michael Fabiarz’s order on Mahmoud Khalil’s habeas claim (5/28/25) VOS v. USA decision from the Court of International Trade (5/28/25)  DC Circuit judge Tanya Chutkan’s decision in New Mexico v. Musk (5/27/2025) Judge Richard Leon’s order in Wilmer Hale’s challenge to Trump EO (5/27/25)

T3BE71 If you'd like to play along with T3BE, here's what to do: hop on Bluesky, follow Openargs, find the post that has this episode, and quote it with your answer! Or, go to our Subreddit and look for the appropriate T3BE posting. Or best of all, become a patron at patreon.com/law and play there! Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do! This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.