Opening Arguments

OA1220 - What’s an FBI agent to do when a notorious low life reports a local cop is asking for a bribe? Turn him into a confidential information of course, and see how far you can get that dirty cop to go. A tale of two assholes, steadily making each others’ lives worse and worse, while one is wearing a wire. Now, why does the Supreme Court care about any of this? Half the conviction hinges on whether this cop “exceeded authorized access” under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), and no one can agree what that means… including your cohosts. Hear Thomas try to figure out why Amy Coney Barrett is so obsessed with the definition of the word “so”, and Jenessa… defend Clarence Thomas?! This case is a hot mess, but the good news is everyone sucks here and no one wins. The relevant language: “The Act subjects to criminal liability anyone who “intentionally accesses a computer without authorization or exceeds authorized access,” and thereby obtains computer information. 18 U. S. C. §1030(a)(2). It defines the term “exceeds authorized access” to mean “to access a computer with authorization and to use such access to obtain or alter information in the computer that the accesser is not entitled so to obtain or alter.” §1030(e)(6).” Barrett’s ruling: “In sum, an individual “exceeds authorized access” when he accesses a computer with authorization but then obtains information located in particular areas of the computer—such as files, folders, or databases—that are off limits to him.” Van Buren v. United States, 593 U.S. 374 (2021) United States v. Van Buren, 940 F.3d 1192 (11th Cir. 2019) Full text of the CFAA: 18 U.S.C. § 1030 Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do!

Matt Cameron, a skilled immigration attorney and legal analyst, joins to discuss recent developments in U.S. cannabis policy. They dive into Trump’s recent proposal to reclassify marijuana, reflecting on Biden's earlier attempts. Matt explains the complexities of cannabis rescheduling and its potential legal implications, including tax and immigration issues. The conversation also explores the history of cannabis scheduling and even touches on the fascinating story of Boston's early 'War on Christmas' in 1659, adding an unexpected twist to the festive theme.

Newly released DOJ documents reveal shocking details about Jeffrey Epstein's plea deal and the extent of high-profile connections, including multiple trips taken by Trump on Epstein's plane. The discussion dives into questionable prosecutorial tactics, aggressive defense strategies, and emails showcasing cozy relationships between defense lawyers and prosecutors. Additionally, the hosts highlight the impact on victims and the alarming redactions in grand jury transcripts. The conversation concludes with a focus on political repercussions and the push for greater transparency.

Janessa Seymour, an attorney and voting rights advocate, dives into the impact of First Amendment rights for public employees. She discusses the landmark Pickering v. Board of Education case, illuminating how it defines the balance between free speech and workplace efficiency. Janessa emphasizes that public employees, like teachers, generally have strong protections when criticizing policies on platforms like Facebook. The conversation also addresses modern implications surrounding firings and the necessary evidence for workplace disruption amid public backlash.

Matt Cameron, an immigration attorney, shares crucial insights on recent travel bans and the alarming push from The Federalist for a return to 1920s immigration policies. The conversation explores how these bans exploit arbitrary country selections and the dark history of eugenics tied to past quota systems. They dissect Trump's rhetoric, comparing contemporary policies to fascist ideologies, and highlight the negative impacts on families and naturalization processes. A lighter footnote about a UK trademark dispute adds a fun twist to their serious discussions.

Immigration attorney Matt Cameron joins to dissect a New York Times article blaming Biden for border issues. He highlights the complexities of pandemic-era migration and dissects the flawed framing of Biden's immigration policies. Cameron underscores Biden's early actions and debunks the 'open border' narrative by examining real data on migrant encounters. He also discusses the economic benefits of immigration and critiques media portrayal that exacerbates public fear. The conversation reveals the nuanced truth behind the border situation and challenges mainstream narratives.

In this insightful conversation, Christopher Blackwell, an incarcerated journalist and activist, shares his compelling journey through the brutal realities of solitary confinement. He describes his first harrowing experience at just twelve and its lasting psychological impact. Christopher argues that solitary is used as a control mechanism rather than for rehabilitation, revealing its dehumanizing effects. He discusses his organization, Look2Justice, advocating for change and healing through trauma-informed programs, while emphasizing society's tragic neglect of prison abuses.

Matt Cameron, an immigration attorney and legal analyst, delves into the implications of the FTC’s independence amid political pressures. He discusses the risks of mergers like Warner Bros. Discovery's with big names, revealing potential legal red flags. The conversation shifts to the Supreme Court case Trump v. Slaughter, where Cameron critiques how it could reshape independent agencies. Additionally, he highlights the controversial Trump Gold Card proposal, exploring its transformative effects on immigration pathways and equity in the system.

A Christian influencer argues against empathy in policy, prompting fiery critiques from the hosts. They dive into Josh Hammer's defense of aggressive military action, scrutinizing his legal interpretations. Ross Douthat offers a provocative take on Trump’s Christian nationalism, suggesting it lacks genuine Christian values and humanitarianism. The hosts challenge Douthat's views, emphasizing the risks of idealized religious politics and the rise of hardline influence in modern conservatism. It's a lively conversation that questions the intersection of faith and policy.

Matt Cameron, a practicing attorney and regular legal analyst, joins to discuss recent court victories against the Trump administration's policies. They highlight how lower courts are pushing back on extreme executive actions, even facing challenges from the Supreme Court. Matt explains the impact of resignation waves at the DOJ and reviews several critical injunctions, including those protecting churches from ICE and blocking unlawful deportations. Their conversation also delves into voting remedies and the significance of restoring checks and accountability in governance.