TopPodcast.com
Menu
  • Home
  • Top Charts
  • Top Networks
  • Top Apps
  • Top Independents
  • Top Podfluencers
  • Top Picks
    • Top Business Podcasts
    • Top True Crime Podcasts
    • Top Finance Podcasts
    • Top Comedy Podcasts
    • Top Music Podcasts
    • Top Womens Podcasts
    • Top Kids Podcasts
    • Top Sports Podcasts
    • Top News Podcasts
    • Top Tech Podcasts
    • Top Crypto Podcasts
    • Top Entrepreneurial Podcasts
    • Top Fantasy Sports Podcasts
    • Top Political Podcasts
    • Top Science Podcasts
    • Top Self Help Podcasts
    • Top Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Top Stocks Podcasts
  • Podcast News
  • About Us
  • Podcast Advertising
  • Contact
Not in our directory?
Add Show Here
Podcast Equipment
Center

toppodcastlogoOur TOPPODCAST Picks

  • Comedy
  • Crypto
  • Sports
  • News
  • Politics
  • True Crime
  • Business
  • Finance

Follow Us

toppodcastlogoStay Connected

    View Top 200 Chart
    Back to Rankings Page
    Government

    Unwritten Law

    Every day, unelected federal agencies make decisions that affect your job, your business, your speech, your property, and your constitutional rights—often without Congress ever voting on them. From the rules that govern small businesses to the regulations that shape everyday life, the modern administrative state reaches further than most Americans realize.

    On Unwritten Law, constitutional lawyers Mark Chenoweth and John Vecchione break down the biggest legal battles involving federal agencies, government overreach, and the Constitution. Each episode explores real cases challenging the expanding power of the administrative state, explaining how these disputes affect ordinary Americans, businesses, and the future of limited government.

    Whether the topic is the Supreme Court, free speech, property rights, due process, jury trials, executive power, or the separation of powers, Unwritten Law explains the legal issues behind today’s biggest constitutional debates in clear, accessible language. You’ll hear directly from the attorneys litigating landmark cases, as well as clients whose lives and livelihoods have been changed by unlawful government action.

    Produced by the New Civil Liberties Alliance (NCLA), Unwritten Law takes listeners behind the headlines to explain how federal agencies exercise regulatory power, how constitutional challenges move through the courts, and why these cases matter—even if you’ve never stepped inside a courtroom.

    If you’ve ever wondered who really writes the rules that govern your life, why unelected bureaucrats hold so much authority, or how the Constitution protects individual liberty, Unwritten Law will give you the context, the legal insight, and the real-world stories behind today’s most important fights for civil liberties.

    Whether you’re a lawyer, business owner, public servant, student, or simply someone who wants to better understand how government power affects everyday life, Unwritten Law gives you the legal insight behind the headlines—and the constitutional principles that protect individual liberty.

    Subscribe each week for conversations about Supreme Court litigation, constitutional law, the administrative state, federal agencies, government accountability, civil liberties, free speech, property rights, due process, separation of powers, regulatory power, and the legal battles shaping the future of American government.

    Advertise

    Copyright: © Copyright 2026 Mark Chenoweth & John Vecchione

    • Apple Podcasts
    • Google Play
    • Spotify

    Latest Episodes:
    Government Doesn’t Appeal NCLA’s Victory in Labor Rule Case May 12, 2026
    Show notes

    In this episode of Unwritten Law, NCLA President and Chief Legal Officer Mark Chenoweth and Senior Litigation Counsel John Vecchione discuss a major victory in Flint Ave. LLC v. U.S. Department of Labor, after the federal government decided not to move forward with its appeal.

    The case challenged a Department of Labor rule that dramatically increased the salary threshold for employees classified as exempt from overtime and minimum wage requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act. NCLA argued that the rule unlawfully elevated salary level over the actual duties employees perform—contrary to the statute Congress enacted.

    John explains how the district court permanently set aside and vacated the rule nationwide, why the government’s appeal remained pending for more than a year, and what it means now that the Department of Justice has agreed to dismiss the appeal.

    The discussion also explores the practical consequences of the rule for businesses and workers who rely on flexible schedules, including part-time managers and employees who prioritize flexibility over rigid salary structures. Mark and John explain why the decision represents both a major victory for their client, Flint Ave. LLC, and an important reaffirmation that agencies cannot rewrite statutes through regulation.


    Judges Rally Behind Judge Newman at SCOTUS May 06, 2026
    Show notes

    In this episode of Unwritten Law, NCLA President and Chief Legal Officer Mark Chenoweth and Senior Litigation Counsel John Vecchione are joined by Litigation Counsel Andy Morris to discuss new developments in Newman v. Moore, an NCLA case asking the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether Judge Pauline Newman has a right to judicial review after being sidelined from the Federal Circuit for more than three years.

    The conversation focuses on a series of newly filed amicus briefs supporting Supreme Court review, including briefs from retired federal judges, former Federal Circuit clerks, legal scholars, and the D.C. Bar. Andy explains why many attorneys have been reluctant to publicly support Judge Newman despite widespread concern within the legal community, and why several amici argue the case raises profound questions about judicial independence and separation of powers.

    The episode examines claims that internal judicial administrative processes have been used to effectively remove an Article III judge from active service without impeachment or meaningful judicial review. Mark, John, and Andy also discuss the unusual refusal to transfer the matter to another circuit, concerns about secrecy and selective disclosure, and the argument that Judge Newman’s removal has had a chilling effect on dissent within the Federal Circuit.

    The discussion also highlights Judge Newman’s continued public appearances, her extensive record of influential dissents, and why amici argue the Supreme Court should intervene to clarify the constitutional limits of internal judicial disciplinary power.


    Sztrom v. SEC and Your Right to a Jury Trial May 01, 2026
    Show notes

    In this episode of Unwritten Law, NCLA President and Chief Legal Officer Mark Chenoweth and Senior Litigation Counsel John Vecchione are joined by Senior Litigation Counsel Russ Ryan to discuss Michael Sztrom and David Sztrom v. SEC, a case raising fundamental questions about administrative power and the right to a fair hearing.

    After settling an SEC enforcement action in federal court, the Sztroms were subjected to a second, follow-on administrative proceeding that could bar them from the securities industry—based on the same underlying allegations. Russ explains NCLA’s amicus brief supporting their appeal and why the case challenges the structure of SEC enforcement.

    The discussion focuses on whether individuals are entitled to an Article III court and jury trial when the government seeks to impose severe penalties such as industry bans—even when those penalties are labeled “non-monetary.” The episode also explores how SEC settlement practices limit defendants’ ability to challenge allegations, effectively precluding meaningful defense in subsequent proceedings.

    Mark, John, and Russ examine how this case builds on recent Supreme Court precedent, why agency adjudication raises serious constitutional concerns, and what’s at stake if courts allow administrative prosecutions to proceed without full judicial safeguards.


    16 Amicus Briefs Back Challenge to SEC Gag Rule Apr 29, 2026
    Show notes

    In this episode of Unwritten Law, NCLA President and Chief Legal Officer Mark Chenoweth and Senior Litigation Counsel John Vecchione are joined by Senior Litigation Counsel Peggy Little to discuss new developments in Powell v. SEC, a case asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the SEC’s long-standing gag rule.

    The discussion focuses on a wave of 16 amicus briefs filed in support of Supreme Court review, representing a broad coalition of organizations, legal scholars, and former SEC attorneys. Peggy walks through the key arguments raised across the briefs, including claims that the gag rule constitutes prior restraint, compelled speech, and an unconstitutional condition on settlement.

    The episode explores how the rule prevents individuals from ever publicly disputing the SEC’s allegations—even after settlement—while allowing the agency to control the narrative. The conversation also highlights the real-world consequences: reputational harm, career disruption, and the reality that most defendants settle not because they are guilty, but because they cannot afford the cost of fighting the government.

    Mark, John, and Peggy examine why the rule has persisted for decades, why it stands out as an outlier among federal agencies, and why this case could provide the Supreme Court with an opportunity to address a long-standing tension between administrative enforcement and the First Amendment.


    When the SEC Takes a Decade to Decide Apr 27, 2026
    Show notes

    In this episode of Unwritten Law, NCLA President and Chief Legal Officer Mark Chenoweth and Senior Litigation Counsel John Vecchione are joined by Senior Litigation Counsel Russ Ryan to discuss Lek Securities Corp. v. SEC, a case highlighting extreme delays in administrative adjudication.

    The case involves a nearly decade-long delay by the SEC in resolving an appeal from a New York Stock Exchange disciplinary action—raising serious constitutional and statutory concerns. Russ explains how the delay implicates due process, the Administrative Procedure Act’s requirement that agencies act within a reasonable time, and even the SEC’s own internal deadlines.

    The conversation explores why such delays matter: individuals and firms can be effectively punished long before a final decision is issued, facing reputational harm, business disruption, and prolonged uncertainty. Mark, John, and Russ also discuss potential remedies, including whether courts should set aside agency actions when delays become egregious.

    The episode highlights broader structural concerns about administrative adjudication, including lack of accountability, limited access to judicial review, and incentives that allow agencies to delay decisions without consequence.


    21 States Back Challenge to EPA Power: SCOTUS Push Apr 23, 2026
    Show notes

    In this episode of Unwritten Law, NCLA President and Chief Legal Officer Mark Chenoweth and Senior Litigation Counsel John Vecchione are joined by NCLA General Counsel Zhonette Brown to discuss new developments in Choice Refrigerants v. EPA, a case asking the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit the nondelegation doctrine.

    The conversation focuses on a wave of amicus briefs filed in support of Supreme Court review, including a brief led by West Virginia and joined by 20 other states, as well as submissions from organizations such as Americans for Prosperity Foundation, Cato Institute, Manhattan Institute, and Southeastern Legal Foundation.

    Zhonette explains the key arguments raised in those briefs, including how broad delegations of power to federal agencies can undermine federalism by displacing state authority, why doctrines like the “major questions” rule may not be sufficient to protect the separation of powers, and how shifting regulatory interpretations can create instability for businesses.

    The episode also examines arguments that delegation must be grounded in the Necessary and Proper Clause, concerns about courts and agencies effectively supplying their own “intelligible principles,” and why this case is viewed as a strong vehicle for the Supreme Court to take up the nondelegation issue.

    Mark, John, and Zhonette close by discussing the road ahead, including the timeline for responses and when the Court is expected to decide whether it will hear the case.


    Standing, Security, and the “Trump Ballroom” Apr 21, 2026
    Show notes

    In this episode of Unwritten Law, NCLA President and Chief Legal Officer Mark Chenoweth and Senior Litigation Counsel John Vecchione break down a recent decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit involving plans to construct a ballroom at the White House.

    The case—brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation—sought to halt construction, raising questions about historic preservation, executive authority, and whether private organizations have standing to challenge government building decisions on aesthetic grounds. The D.C. Circuit ultimately remanded the case to the district court, questioning the basis for an earlier injunction.

    Mark and John explore the key legal issues, including whether the plaintiffs have standing, the scope of statutory authority allowing the President to “improve” the White House grounds, and how national security considerations factor into the analysis—particularly regarding underground security features tied to the project.

    The episode also examines the practical realities of the case, including the fact that the original structure has already been demolished, raising questions about what relief is even possible at this stage of litigation.


    Birthright Citizenship at the Supreme Court Apr 10, 2026
    Show notes

    In this episode of Unwritten Law, NCLA President and Chief Legal Officer Mark Chenoweth and Senior Litigation Counsel John Vecchione break down Trump v. Barbara, a closely watched case before the U.S. Supreme Court addressing the scope of birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment.

    John shares firsthand insights from attending oral argument, where the Court considered whether the Constitution guarantees citizenship to all children born in the United States or whether limits may apply to the children of illegal immigrants and temporary visitors. The case stems from an executive order directing federal agencies to reinterpret the Citizenship Clause—raising both constitutional and administrative law questions.

    The discussion explores the historical understanding of the Fourteenth Amendment, the role of allegiance and jurisdiction, and key precedents such as United States v. Wong Kim Ark. Mark and John also examine competing arguments presented at oral argument, including concerns about retroactivity, congressional authority, and the practical consequences of altering long-standing interpretations of citizenship.

    The episode also highlights commentary from legal scholars, including an article by Philip Hamburger, and explains why the Court’s decision—expected later this term—could have major implications for immigration policy, constitutional law, and the separation of powers.

    Philip Hamburger's article in Law & Liberty: Allegiance, Birthright, and Citizenship

    https://lawliberty.org/allegiance-birthright-and-citizenship/


    State Department Admits First Amendment Violations Apr 06, 2026
    Show notes

    In this episode of Unwritten Law, NCLA President and Chief Legal Officer Mark Chenoweth, Senior Litigation Counsel John Vecchione, Senior Litigation Counsel Peggy Little, and Of Counsel Margot Cleveland discuss a major settlement in The Daily Wire, The Federalist, and the State of Texas v. U.S. Department of State.

    The case challenged a years-long effort in which State Department funds were routed through third-party organizations and technologies—such as the Global Disinformation Index and NewsGuard—to suppress and demonetize certain media outlets. According to the settlement, the government acknowledged that aspects of these activities violated the First Amendment and involved unlawful conduct.

    The episode explains how the alleged “boomerang effect” allowed the government to work through foreign and private intermediaries to impact domestic speech, the investigative work that uncovered the scheme, and the discovery that revealed the scope of coordination across agencies, nonprofits, universities, and technology platforms.

    Peggy and Margot walk through the key terms of the settlement, including restrictions on government coordination with censorship technologies, limits on grant funding tied to domestic speech, training and compliance requirements, and long-term oversight provisions designed to prevent similar conduct in the future.

    The discussion also highlights the role of journalists, plaintiffs willing to challenge the government, and the court in bringing the case forward—and why the outcome may have significant implications for free speech, government accountability, and the limits of federal power.


    Who Gets to Decide What’s a Crime? Apr 05, 2026
    Show notes

    In this episode of Unwritten Law, NCLA Senior Litigation Counsel John Vecchione is joined by NCLA Litigation Counsel Casey Norman to discuss Pheasant v. United States, a case asking the U.S. Supreme Court to consider whether Congress can delegate the power to create criminal laws to federal agencies.

    The case began when a man riding a dirt bike on Bureau of Land Management land was charged with a criminal offense—not because Congress passed a law making his conduct a crime, but because a federal agency created the regulation and attached criminal penalties to it. NCLA filed an amicus brief supporting Supreme Court review, arguing that allowing agencies to define criminal conduct raises serious constitutional concerns.

    The discussion explains the nondelegation doctrine, the “intelligible principle” test, and why criminal law raises special due process concerns when agencies—not Congress—decide what conduct can lead to fines or prison time. The episode also explores how modern courts interpret delegation differently than earlier courts and why this case could have major implications for the separation of powers.


    Previous 1 3 4 5 6 7 15 Next

    Related Podcasts

    Inside Strategic Coach: Connecting Entrepreneurs With What Really Matters

    1

    Inside Strategic Coach: Connecting Entrepreneurs With What Really Matters Business
    WSJ Your Money Briefing

    2

    WSJ Your Money Briefing Business
    FORTUNE Unfiltered with Aaron Task

    3

    FORTUNE Unfiltered with Aaron Task Business
    FORTUNE OnStage Presents: The Most Powerful Women

    4

    FORTUNE OnStage Presents: The Most Powerful Women Business
    Slate Money

    5

    Slate Money Business
    In The Dark – The New Yorker

    6

    In The Dark – The New Yorker Business News
    footer-logo

    Contact Us

    Toll Free: 844-670-7747

    Links

    • Home
    • Top Charts
    • Networks
    • Apps
    • Independents Podcasts
    • Podcast Advertising
    • Podcast News
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Analytics & Insights

    Stay Connected

      Privacy, Terms of Use & Our Code of Ethics Protecting Content Creators Copyrights