Advisory Opinions

In this emergency episode, Sarah Isgur and David French break down the Supreme Court’s historic 6-3 decision striking down President Donald Trump’s tariff authority under IEEPA.The Agenda:– The 6-3 decision–Chief Justice Roberts’ straightforward opinion–Major questions doctrine explained–The Festivus Concurrence begins–The refund mess–Why this is the most important caseShow Notes:–Quick Thoughts...

Sarah Isgur and David French are in Dallas, Texas, at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law to discuss Justice Samuel Alito’s potential next moves, the alternative to federalism, and attorney-client privilege in AI.The Agenda:–Justice Alito’s book release has raised eyebrows–Judge Amul Thapar, fitness influencer–A question from the best history teacher ever–Can the courts subpoena...

Sarah Isgur and David French discuss another set of Trump administration indictments rejected by a grand jury, the memo from Chief Judge Jeffrey Sutton of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissing the complaint against U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, and finally, Grifter Sarah comes out to play in the Texas Senate race.The Agenda:–The DOJ’s dropping success rate with cases–David goes...

Hot takes from James Comey, the 5th Circuit weighs in on habeas corpus petitions, and does being a lawyer suck? Sarah Isgur and David French weigh in.Note: SCOTUSblog is hiring. Find more details and apply at this link, or send a cover letter and resume to scotusblog@thedispatch.com.The Agenda:–Introducing the Interim Relief Docket Stat Pack–Where are all the U.S. attorneys?–Supreme Court allows...

Sarah Isgur and David French investigate the case of Don Lemon and the church disruptors. Plus: Trump sues Trump and two circuit court split decisions.The Agenda:–Chess, the musical—What are these clerks going on about?—Trump v. IRS—The issue of selective admissions policies—Compelled speech and pronouns in school–Taking bets on the tariffs decisionNote: SCOTUSblog is hiring. Find more details...

Sarah Isgur and David French are hosted by the Rockefeller Center for Public Policy and Social Sciences at Dartmouth to discuss the United States at 250 and where the Supreme Court stands today.Pre-order Sarah’s book: Last Branch Standing: A Potentially Surprising, Occasionally Witty Journey Inside Today's Supreme CourtThe Agenda:—The Swing Justice era of the court is the exception—Thank you...

Sarah Isgur and David French explore the intricate legal landscape surrounding the TikTok deal and its compliance with the ban or sale law. Then, they delve into the Federal Tort Claims Act, and review a few circuit court cases.The Agenda:–TikTok sale is complete–First Amendment and content moderation–Federal Tort Claims Act overview–Meth and the Second Amendment–Where can I bring my gun in...

Sarah Isgur and David French discuss the differences between the fatal shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and invite Orin Kerr, professor of law at Stanford Law School, to talk about judicial and administrative warrants.The Agenda:–Comparing the two ICE shootings–Supremacy Clause and federal cases–Fourth Amendment rights–Racial gerrymandering in Texas–Answering our favorite...

Sarah Isgur and David French break down Paul Clement’s “thousand duck-sized horses” argument before the Supreme Court in the Trump administration’s case over the firing of Lisa Cook, and what it means for for-cause removal at the Federal Reserve.The Agenda:–Paul Clement the GOAT–Prediction: Lisa Cook will stay–The conservatism of the Supreme Court and MAGA’s legal movement–Going “full...

Sarah Isgur and David French explain the latest developments in Lisa Cook's case challenging her firing from the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors and a challenge to Hawaii's "vampire rules" regarding concealed carry.The Agenda:—Lisa Cook Federal Reserve case—Hawaii's "vampire rules"—Geofence warrants and Fourth Amendment—True Threats Doctrine—Commerce Clause and federal power—Satanic Temple...