

Opening Arguments
Opening Arguments Media LLC
Opening Arguments is a law show that helps you make sense of the news! Comedian Thomas Smith brings on legal analysts to help you understand not only current events, but also deeper legal concepts and areas!
The typical schedule will be M-W-F with Monday being a deep-dive, Wednesday being Thomas Takes the Bar Exam and patron shoutouts, and Friday being a rapid response to legal issues in the news!
The typical schedule will be M-W-F with Monday being a deep-dive, Wednesday being Thomas Takes the Bar Exam and patron shoutouts, and Friday being a rapid response to legal issues in the news!
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 26, 2024 • 1h 13min
Law School Doesn't Have to Suck
T3BE 25 I am pleased to introduce you all to Heather Varanini! In her role as Director of Academic Achievement, Heather spends her days helping students succeed in law school and prepare for the Bar. She's onboard to serve as the Official Opening Arguments Bar Tutor and teach us a lot along the way! In this episode we'll hear more about her journey and the values that she brings to her work; for this week, we do a full Bar Question and Answer to give a sense of what we're in for with her! The traditional staggered Q&A will commence next time!

May 24, 2024 • 55min
Benjamin Netanyahu: International Fugitive?
Benjamin Netanyahu, an international figure with legal controversies, is discussed in the podcast. Topics include ICC arrest warrants for leaders of Hamas and Israel, jurisdiction challenges, and implications for global justice. The podcast also covers consumer dissatisfaction with Reese's Halloween snacks and the importance of fair compensation in settlements.

May 20, 2024 • 1h 10min
Why Is Alito Like This
Exploring Justice Alito's controversial evolution from a Reagan/Buckley conservative to an ultra-right Trump/Scalia conservative who ended abortion rights. Delving into Alito's 1985 memo on overturning Roe v. Wade and the strip search case dissent. Analyzing legal liabilities of stocking a private lake with piranhas. Reflecting on Rudy Giuliani's downfall, Alito's legal history, and the multifaceted consequences of his judicial decisions.

May 17, 2024 • 56min
Liz Warren's CFPB Saved By... Originalism?
Clarence Thomas saves CFPB using originalist reasoning, Boeing non-prosecution agreement analysis, Washington State felony for duplicate names in elections, fish farm legal case, and check on Trump's trial in NY.

May 13, 2024 • 1h 9min
Steve Vladeck's Taxonomy of Court Reform
Legal expert Steve Vladeck discusses Supreme Court reform proposals, shadow docket, and court accountability. They explore emergency relief grants, Congress's role, and historical accountability methods. Also, the episode covers legal analysis of music performance substitution and complexities in contract delegation.

May 10, 2024 • 1h 16min
Cannabis Rescheduling; Judge Cannon Stops Trump Trial
Discussing the Biden administration's move to reschedule marijuana, with concerns about its impact on criminal and social justice. Exploring delays in Trump's trial with Judge Cannon, highlighting his success in postponing the RICO trial. Thomas Takes the Bar Exam segment adds a comedic touch with unusual legal scenarios.

May 6, 2024 • 1h 6min
Trump's Attorney Fails To Impeach Witness So Badly He's Forced To Apologize
The podcast discusses Trump's attorney's failed impeachment attempt, leading to a hilarious 'juggler' vs 'jugular' debate. The episode also reveals Andrew's departure from the show, witness testimonies, and courtroom drama unfolding during the trial. Speculations on trial duration and an exciting opportunity for listeners to audition for the podcast are highlighted.

May 3, 2024 • 55min
Judge Merchan: I Have Nothing BUT Contempt for This Trump
Judge Merchan, involved in the Trump trial, discusses Trump being held in contempt of court, the implications of criminal contempt in New York, a mini-dive on the National Enquirer's history, and the upcoming trial fireworks.

Apr 29, 2024 • 1h 11min
Just How Bad Were the Oral Arguments Re: Presidential Immunity?
Exploring the Supreme Court's oral arguments on presidential immunity post-January 6 events, the complexities of prosecuting former presidents, and hypothetical scenarios of presidential actions. Delving into legal arguments, government powers, and the implications for democratic stability amidst the confusion around defining official acts.

Apr 26, 2024 • 55min
Your Guide to The People v. Trump
Delving into the legal intricacies of prosecuting Donald Trump for paying off Stormy Daniels, analyzing key players in the trial, exploring STI claims and potential witnesses, and uncovering legal irregularities in a complex financial scheme. The podcast also examines the allegations against Trump, contrasting his treatment with minorities and discussing prosecution strategies and jury dynamics.


