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Opening Arguments

Opening Arguments is a law show that helps you make sense of the news! Comedian Thomas Smith and lawyer Matt Cameron help you understand not only current events, but also deeper legal concepts and areas! The schedule is M-W-F, with the main show on Monday and Friday and Vapid Response on Wednesday!

Latest Episodes:

OA828: Trump Howls As His Boys Plead SO MUCH Amnesia on the Witness Stand Nov 03, 2023

Show notes

Liz and Andrew catch you up on all of Trump's travails, from the civil investigation in New York to the two federal cases in DC and Florida. Oh, and we also learn more about Halloween from our listeners!

Notes

Trump DC docket

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67656595/united-states-v-trump/

Trump SDFL docket

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67490069/united-states-v-trump/

SDFL superseding indictment

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.flsd.648652/gov.uscourts.flsd.648652.85.0_4.pdf

Marcy Wheeler on Trump production

https://www.emptywheel.net/2023/10/29/the-piles-of-chris-kise-bullshit-devlin-barrett-claims-to-believe/

Jencks Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3500.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/3500

Underwear ATL

https://abovethelaw.com/2022/09/florida-federal-court-using-underwear-shop-for-phone-storage-is-most-florida-thing-ever/

-Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law

-Follow us on Twitter: @Openargs

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openargs/

-For show-related questions, check out the Opening Arguments Wiki, which now has its own Twitter feed! @oawiki

-And finally, remember that you can email us at openarguments@gmail.com

OA827: The Law of Halloween! Nov 01, 2023

Show notes

In an entirely Trump-free show, Liz and Andrew break down the law of Halloween! Is it illegal to be a witch? Do you have to disclose your house is haunted before selling it? Can you sue Satan? And much, much more! NotesCharles West, Pope Leo of Bourges, Clerical Immunity and the Early Medieval Secular, in Early Medieval Europe (2021)

https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/169821/1/Pope%20Leo%20of%20Bourges%2C%20clerical%20immunity%20and%20the%20early%20medieval%20secular.pdf

Constitutions of Clarendon, 1164

https://avalon.law.yale.edu/medieval/constcla.asp

Mullaney v. Wilbur, 421 U.S. 684 (1975)

https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=1049931246973296361

Stambovsky v. Ackley

https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=3290684836490834623

Mayo v Satan

https://casetext.com/case/united-states-ex-rel-gerald-mayo-v-satan-and-his-staff

2016 US News article on Creepy Clown Sightings

https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2016-10-31/floridians-arm-themselves-against-creepy-clowns-on-halloween?context=amp

Richard Ellis says he represented the seller

https://www.ellissothebysrealty.com/blog/2016/10/31/haunted-house-the-legend-of-1-la-veta-place-nyack/

VA Beach 23-3

https://library.municode.com/va/virginia_beach/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH23OF_ARTIMIOF_S23-3PRTRTRAC

Forsyth, IL 94-155

https://forsyth-il.gov/vertical/sites/%7B18717005-44FD-438D-B0BC-B86101984F4F%7D/uploads/Master_Copy.pdf

Alabama can’t dress like clergy

https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/2020/title-13a/chapter-14/section-13a-14-4/

Hollywood silly string ordinance

https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2004/04-0772_ORD_176176_10-06-2004.pdf

Fortune-telling in SF

https://www.loweringthebar.net/2006/08/fortunetelling_.html

Fortune-telling New Orleans

https://library.municode.com/la/new_orleans/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH54CRCO_ARTVIOFAFPUGE

OA 648

https://openargs.com/oa648-more-from-the-right-wing-war-on-free-speech/

-Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law

-Follow us on Twitter: @Openargs

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openargs/

-For show-related questions, check out the Opening Arguments Wiki, which now has its own Twitter feed! @oawiki

-And finally, remember that you can email us at openarguments@gmail.com

OA826: Trump (Re-)Gagged, Ivanka Subpoenaed & SCOTUS Has D*cks on the Docket Oct 30, 2023

Show notes

Liz and Andrew tackle two stories. In the A segment, the duo discuss Trump's civil trial in New York and his (so far unsuccessful) efforts to block the gag order entered against him in federal court in DC. Then they break down a case headed for oral argument at the Supreme Court in a few days, Vidal v. Elster, which presents the unfortunately timely question of whether someone can trademark a joke about Donald Trump's... hands (without his permission). SHOW NOTES Trump DC docket https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258148 Trump Reply Sup Stay of Gag Order https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258148/gov.uscourts.dcd.258148.123.0_3.pdf Gentile v. State Bar of Nevada, 501 U.S. 1030 (1991) https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=12991687764638238096 In re Brunetti https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=14505087584960254163 15 USC § 1052 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1052 Vidal v. Elster petitioner’s brief https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/22/22-704/272918/20230725195926740_22-704tsUnitedStates.pdf Vidal v. Elster opposition brief https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/22/22-704/278867/20230905184138600_Elster%20Merits%20Brief.pdf OA 165 https://openargs.com/oa165-you-heard-it-here-first-abortion-rights-gun-control-and-offensive-trademarks/

-Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law

-Follow us on Twitter: @Openargs

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openargs/

-For show-related questions, check out the Opening Arguments Wiki, which now has its own Twitter feed! @oawiki

-And finally, remember that you can email us at openarguments@gmail.com

OA825: Speech is Free, Witness Intimidation Will Cost Ya Oct 27, 2023

Show notes

Liz and Andrew tackle two stories today. First, they break down exactly what is going on with Trump's various gag orders and his behavior in court in New York.

Then, it's time for a classic deep dive about qui tam actions and how they've been hijacked with the help of possibly Trump's worst judicial appointment and weaponized against women. It's a story you need to know.

In the Patreon bonus, the duo compare and contrast legal ethics between George Santos and Donald Trump and come out in favor of... George Santos??!? You heard us!

Notes

Trump Fulton County docket

https://www.fultonclerk.org/DocumentCenter/Index/142

False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. Subchapter III

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/31/subtitle-III/chapter-37/subchapter-III

31 U.S.C. § 3730

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/31/3730

Doe v. PP Complaint

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txnd.343972/gov.uscourts.txnd.343972.2.0_5.pdf

Kacsmaryk 2022 Order denying Motion to Dismiss

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txnd.343972/gov.uscourts.txnd.343972.71.0.pdf

George Santos Superseding Indictment

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nyed.497086/gov.uscourts.nyed.497086.50.0_1.pdf

DOJ Conflicts motion- George Santos / Joseph Murray

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nyed.497086/gov.uscourts.nyed.497086.51.0_2.pdf

Gentile v. State Bar of Nevada, 501 US 1030 (1991)

https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=12991687764638238096

-Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law

-Follow us on Twitter: @Openargs

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openargs/

-For show-related questions, check out the Opening Arguments Wiki, which now has its own Twitter feed! @oawiki

-And finally, remember that you can email us at openarguments@gmail.com

OA824: MAGA Mean Girl Jenna Ellis Shoves Rudy Under the Fulton County Bus Oct 25, 2023

Show notes

Liz and Andrew urge caution on some breaking news stories, including the ABC report that Mark Meadows has "flipped." Then, the duo tackle the Jenna Ellis plea in Fulton County, GA and a barrage of bizarre filings by Donald Trump in his federal case in DC.

In the Patreon Bonus, Liz and Andrew analyze Jenna Ellis's legal advice as to how to steal the 2020 Election.

Notes Trump Fulton County docket

https://www.fultonclerk.org/DocumentCenter/Index/142

Jenna Ellis plea

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu7uzRFDpTY

Jenna Ellis original Fulton County indictment

https://www.fultonclerk.org/DocumentCenter/View/2108/CRIMINAL-INDICTMENT

Jenna Ellis superseding Accusation

https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24079495/criminal-accusation-for-ellis-102423.pdf

Jenna Ellis sparklemagic law memos!

https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000017d-a4d0-dac5-abff-a5ddcf600000

OCGA 16-10-1

https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2022/title-16/chapter-10/article-1/section-16-10-1/

OCGA § 16-10-20

https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2022/title-16/chapter-10/article-2/section-16-10-20/

Raffensperger letter

https://sos.ga.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/Letter_to_Congress_from_Secretary_Raffensperger_%281-6-21%29.pdf

Trump DC Indictment

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.1.0_7.pdf

113 - MTD on Constitutional Grounds

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.113.0_1.pdf

114 - MTD on Statutory Grounds

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.114.0_2.pdf

115 - Motion to Strike

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.115.0.pdf

116 - MTD for Selective and Vindictive Prosecution

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.116.0_1.pdf

OA823: Alex Jones Can't Duck the Connecticut Sandy Hook Plaintiffs (& We're Cheeseless!) Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

Liz and Andrew cover two main stories: (1) the plea bargain agreed to by Ken Cheseboro in Fulton County, Georgia, and (2) the ruling out of bankruptcy court that certain debts are "non-dischargeable in bankruptcy." What does that mean? Listen and find out!

In the Patreon bonus, Andrew and Liz deep dive into the specific jury instructions and more to figure out why the results were different for similar plaintiffs in Texas.

Notes Heslin v. Jones, Docket via Court Listener

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/66982798/heslin-v-jones/

Wheeler v. Jones, Docket via Court Listener

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/66983329/wheeler-v-jones/

11 U.S. Code § 523 - Exceptions to discharge

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/523

The Federalist, “Sidney Powell’s Plea Proves Fulton County Prosecutor Went Nuclear To Get Trump”

https://thefederalist.com/2023/10/20/sidney-powells-plea-proves-fulton-county-prosecutor-went-nuclear-to-get-trump/

Justice Engoron Gag Order

https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/ViewDocument?docIndex=jHhVNANx9_PLUS_/cjyUwT3y0zw==

US v. Trump SDFL Docket via Court Listener

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67490069/united-states-v-trump/

US v. Trump DDC Docket via Court Listener

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67656595/united-states-v-trump/?order_by=desc

-Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law

-Follow us on Twitter: @Openargs

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openargs/

-For show-related questions, check out the Opening Arguments Wiki, which now has its own Twitter feed! @oawiki

-And finally, remember that you can email us at openarguments@gmail.com

OA822: The Cheese Stands Alone! Oct 20, 2023

Show notes

Liz and Andrew break down Sidney Powell's plea deal and much, much more!

Notes Alliance for Fair Board Recruitment v SEC https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/21/21-60626-CV0.pdf

ORDER ON DEFENDANTS’ MOTIONS TO DISMISS UNDER THE SUPREMACY CLAUSE AND FIRST AMENDMENT (Cheseboro & Powell) https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24040510-23sc188947-order-sc-1st-amend-denial

Jack Smith DC indictment https://www.justice.gov/storage/US_v_Trump_23_cr_257.pdf

Sidney Powell Waiver of Indictment https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24041662/sidney-powell-deft-waiver-of-indictment.pdf

Sidney Powell Accusation https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24041649/23sc190370-criminal-accusation.pdf

OCGA § 21-2-597. Intentional Interference With Performance of Election Duties https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2022/title-21/chapter-2/article-15/section-21-2-597/

Trump Lawyer Acknowledged Political Agenda in Election Suit, Emails Show https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/18/us/politics/kenneth-chesebro-trump-2020-election.html

-Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law

-Follow us on Twitter: @Openargs

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openargs/

-For show-related questions, check out the Opening Arguments Wiki, which now has its own Twitter feed! @oawiki

-And finally, remember that you can email us at openarguments@gmail.com

OA821: Trump Gagged, Lindell Dragged & Jim Jordan... Can't Do Math? Oct 18, 2023

Show notes

Liz and Andrew break down the mechanics of the vote for Speaker of the House, explain the incredibly narrow gag order issued by Judge Chutkan in the DC insurrection case against Donald Trump, and finish with a hilarious story of how Mike Lindell can't keep his terrible lawyers.

Notes Tweet re Hannity https://twitter.com/juliegraceb/status/1713694255841992765?s=46&t=-f7nMHlPqmL9yztYDAx_1g

Jan 6th Committee Final Report https://www.jan-6.com/_files/ugd/acac13_ffa28ed6c2694272a265860e447122c7.pdf

Lindell Eric Coomer Reply Supporting Plaintiff’s Motion for Sanctions https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cod.215068/gov.uscourts.cod.215068.210.0.pdf

Written gag order Chutkan https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.105.0_2.pdf

Powell Motion in Limine https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24032438/powell-motion-in-limine-on-legal-authority-issue.pdf

-Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law

-Follow us on Twitter: @Openargs

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openargs/

-For show-related questions, check out the Opening Arguments Wiki, which now has its own Twitter feed! @oawiki

-And finally, remember that you can email us at openarguments@gmail.com

OA820: Bad Judges, Bad Judges, Whatcha Gonna Do? Oct 16, 2023

Show notes

Liz and Andrew round up a bunch of stories, from the Speaker of the House race to the responses to various trans and drag show bans.

-Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law

-Follow us on Twitter: @Openargs

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openargs/

-For show-related questions, check out the Opening Arguments Wiki, which now has its own Twitter feed! @oawiki

-And finally, remember that you can email us at openarguments@gmail.com

OA819: Trump's Participation Trophy Oct 13, 2023

Show notes

Liz and Andrew cover a bunch of stories, from the hapless Republican effort to find a Speaker of the House to this week at the Supreme Court & much, much more!

-Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/law

-Follow us on Twitter: @Openargs

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openargs/

-For show-related questions, check out the Opening Arguments Wiki, which now has its own Twitter feed! @oawiki

-And finally, remember that you can email us at openarguments@gmail.com

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