Podcasts about legal theory

Rubens Glezer is a professor of Constitutional Law at the Getúlio Vargas Foundation Law School in São Paulo. He holds a PhD in Legal Theory from USP, a Master's in Law and Development from the Getúlio Vargas Law School and is a visiting researcher at NYU (New York University). Glezer is a specialist in Brazil's Supreme Court and is the author of several research and scientific works, as well as a frequent commentator in the media about the country's higher court. He is the author of the book "Resiliência e Deslealdade Constitucional" (Resilience and Constitutional Disloyalty), nominated for the prestigious book award Jabuti Prize in 2024.Brazil is going through challenging times. There's never been a more important moment to understand Brazil's politics, society, and culture. To go beyond the headlines, and to ask questions that aren't easy to answer. 'Brazil Unfiltered,' does just that. This podcast is hosted by James N. Green, Professor of Brazilian History and Culture at Brown University and the National Co-Coordinator of the U.S. Network for Democracy in Brazil. Brazil Unfiltered is part of the Democracy Observatory, supported by the Washington Brazil Office. This podcast is edited and produced by Camilo Rocha in São Paulo.https://www.braziloffice.org/en/observatory#activities

In the Global South, the possibility of a post-imperial reality self-determined by former subjects of the empire has been undermined by the dominant Western narrative that centers “humanitarian initiatives, politics of counterterrorism, and migration control”. Host Sahar Aziz will speak with expert, advocate and Law Professor Dr. Asli U. Bali to deconstruct the mainstream narrative that portrays the international system and its dominant actors as benevolent agents of humanitarianism in regions like Libya. Support the Center for Security, Race and Rights by following us and making a donation:Donate: https://give.rutgersfoundation.org/csrr-support/20046.html Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rucsrr Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/rutgerscsrr Follow us on Threads: https://threads.com/rutgerscsrr Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/rucsrr Follow us on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/rucsrr Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://csrr.rutgers.edu/newsroom/sign-up-for-newsletter/ 

In this episode, Jeff analyzes President Trump's handling of negotiations with Iran and its terror proxies, as well as America's jihadist universities, and demonstrates that the desire for the bestest of deals doesn't always end with good results for America and its allies. America needs a strong ideologue in place during these difficult times and not a used car salesman.The new four episode Max docuseries about the Sinaloa Cartel is out and you've got a review from the one person who actually knows the truth — Jeff — and he points out the obviously fabrications contained therein. If you real true crime stories you don't want to miss this podcast.

I spoke to Derek Robbins about his translated and edited volume on Tomoo Otaka, a Kyoto legal philosopher. The book: https://www.peterlang.com/document/1302755 My book: books.aosis.co.za/index.php/ob/catalog/book/319 My profiles: linktr.ee/undisciplined Art by MJ du Preez

In Trump v. United States, the Supreme Court held that the president has "absolute immunity from criminal prosecution" for official acts.To reach that conclusion, the High Court grappled with this question: how much power a president should have?And some legal scholars say the ruling draws on the unitary executive theory — which, in its most extreme interpretation, gives the president sole authority over the executive branch.But did it pave the way for Trump's second term and the constitutional questions it's raised: From the dismantling of federal agencies established by Congress to the deportation migrants to third party countries without due process?For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Email us at considerthis@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In this profound conversation, Tatiana and gkisedtanamoogk explore the profundity of understanding masculinity in relation to the cosmic feminine, and the significance of indigenous wisdom. They discuss the Eighth Fire prophecy, the shift in consciousness towards a love-based existence, and the role of ceremonial life in connecting to the sacred. The conversation emphasizes the need for men to restore their true humanity and the hope for future generations to embrace these teachings.gkisedtanamoogk, is Wampanoag from the Native Community of Mashpee located on cape cod south of boston, massachusetts; he is family member of Nkeketonseonqikom, the Longhouse of the Otter, and T8nuppatonseonqikom, the Longhouse of the Turtle; married to Miigam'agan, together with three Children and four Grandchildren. He was one of five Commissioners on the Maine Wabanaki State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission and taught for 10 years at the University of Maine, Orono Campus as an Adjunct Instructor and lecturer in the Native American Studies and the Peace and Reconciliation Programs. Since 2016 gkisedtanamoogk joined the faculty of the 6-day Upstander Academy, a summer teacher professional learning program highlighting Indigenous Peoples' challenge to false narratives of american education.His applied occupation includes Cultural and Legal Theory with particular interests pertaining to the social, political, legal, scientific, and spiritual Life of Wampanoag and Wabanaki Nations; he also engages in many activities of advocacy and interest to Indigenous Peoples including, Indigenous Law, Science, Linguistics, and Education.Presently, gkisedtanamoogk is a member of the Kairos Indigenous Rights Circle, Kairos initiated climate change program, For the Love of Creation, and a faculty member of the Upstanders Academygkisedtanamoogk resides with his Family at Esgenoôpetitj on the Burnt Church Reserve, occupied by new brunswick canada.

In this episode of Thinking Islam, we set out on a journey to explore the deeper mysteries of fasting and its connection to the month of Ramadhan with Shaykh Arif Abdulhussain. Beyond its physical form, fasting is a journey of spiritual refinement, mental discipline, and self-actualisation—but what does that truly mean in today's world? We discuss how fasting can free the mind, the spiritual benefits of the Laylatul Qadr nights, the challenges of moon sighting, and the evolution of the outward form of fasting and the realisation of its essence in the modern era.Shaykh Arif Abdul Hussain, founder and director of the Al-Mahdi Institute , is a Senior Lecturer in Legal Theory and Philosophy. A prolific author and speaker, he has extensively written and translated works on Islamic philosophy and legal theory, including the Islam and God-Centricity series and a translation of Durūs fī ʿilm al-uṣūl.

In this episode, Jeff finds a fresh low for Hamas: celebrations around the coffins of babies they kidnaped and massacred. When will the world stand up? When will President Trump open the gates of hell he promised? Jeff provides a quick plan to fix the terrorist threat from Gaza. Also, federal prosecutors in NYC rightly quit in protest of the Department of Justice's political decision to dismiss the indictment against NYC Mayor Adams — but don't think for a second they're above politics in their own actions: exhibit A is the phony 3.5 year investigation of James O'Keefe.

On Monday, President Trump terminated the employment of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, which was widely expected. However, what was not expected was that Trump also fired NLRB Member Gwynne Wilcox.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, returning guest Alex MacDonald, Co-Chair of Littler's Workplace Policy Institute, joins host Peter List to discuss the legal theory that may be behind the move.Follow Alex MacDonald on LinkedIn here.Follow Alex MacDonald's writings at the Federalist Society here.Prior Labor Relations Radio episodes with Alex MacDonald:* Labor Relations Radio, E149: An Accidental Outcome? Alex MacDonald returns to discuss how the NLRA's success has resulted in fewer unions & what might happen under a new administration in DC.* Labor Relations Radio E144—Alex MacDonald Explains How Unions' Right to"Exclusive Representation" May Be Unconstitutional* Labor Relations Radio E138 — Attorney Alex MacDonald On The Constitutionality Of 'Exclusive Representation' This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laborunionnews.substack.com/subscribe

President Trump's terminating NLRB General Counsel Abruzzo was expected; terminating NLRB Member Wilcox was not. WPI's Alex MacDonald explains the legal theories that may be behind the move.On Monday, President Trump terminated the employment of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, which was widely expected.However, what was not expected was that Trump also fired NLRB Member Gwynne Wilcox.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, returning guest Alex MacDonald, Co-Chair of Littler's Workplace Policy Institute, joins host Peter List to discuss the legal theory that may be behind the move.Follow Alex MacDonald on LinkedIn here.Follow Alex MacDonald's writings at the Federalist Society here.Prior Labor Relations Radio episodes with Alex MacDonald:Labor Relations Radio, E149: An Accidental Outcome? Alex MacDonald returns to discuss how the NLRA's success has resulted in fewer unions & what might happen under a new administration in DC.Labor Relations Radio E144—Alex MacDonald Explains How Unions' Right to"Exclusive Representation" May Be UnconstitutionalLabor Relations Radio E138 — Attorney Alex MacDonald On The Constitutionality Of 'Exclusive Representation'__________________________LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio is a subscriber-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a subscriber here.

In this new episode of Beyond the Legal Limit, Jeff unwinds all things Luigi: from the arrest to the initial state charges, to the upgraded First Degree Murder charge, to the shocking federal charges. Included is Jeff's insight on why everything seemed to change in the prosecution — the impact of the massive pro-Luigi public groundswell is the culprit. In other news, Jeff describes a trip to Florida for a plea on a multi-million dollar fraud case which incredibly ended with no conviction for his young client, and why a generous act a few days prior may have caused this result. Lastly, NYC Mayor Adams' big mouthed top aide gets indicted and she still can't stop talking to the press. An update to an earlier podcast lays all the stupidity out. In short, Jeff called this one early.

In this episode, Jeff dives into the trial of Daniel Penny, the former Marine charged in the death of Jordan Neely on a New York subway. With jurors grappling over manslaughter charges, Jeff explores the legal, cultural, and moral dimensions of the case. Was Penny a reckless vigilante or the hero every New Yorker prays for when chaos erupts underground? And how does Alvin Bragg, Manhattan's controversial DA, fit into this mess?Then, a dramatic shift in the Middle East: the Assad regime crumbled this past weekend with shocking speed, leaving Syria in rebel hands and Iran's terror network shattered. Jeff unpacks why this is more than just the fall of a dictator — it's the collapse of a decades-long “axis of resistance.” From Iran's humiliation to Hezbollah's downfall, find out how Israel pulled off what seemed impossible in just 14 months.

Jeffrey Lichtman dives into the art of trial summation, sharing how a line from a 1977 Robbie Benson film unexpectedly found its way into the John Gotti, Jr. summation. Bottom line: the more that's in your brain, the more that can come out — and help you —  at unexpected times.Next, Jeff unpacks the bail denial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, highlighting the challenges of defending a high-profile client when the media circus and public perception play a heavier role than the facts of the case. From alleged jailhouse rule-breaking to a judge unwilling to take the risk, Jeff explains why this outcome isn't surprising — and how defense lawyers need to be careful not to help the judge hurt their client.Finally, a blistering critique of Joe Biden: the President was spotted with a book by an anti-Israel provocateur while Americans remain hostages in Gaza. Jeff connects Biden's public nod to Palestinian propaganda with the surge of anti-Semitism in North America and abroad, calling out the administration's complicity in enabling global Jew-hate.

From July 27, 2023: Last month, Brazil's highest electoral court found that former President Jair Bolsonaro had abused his political power in the 2022 elections because of his conduct in a meeting with foreign ambassadors in Brasília in July 2022. For this violation of the country's election laws, the electoral court banned Bolsonaro from seeking public office until 2030.Lawfare Managing Editor Tyler McBrien sat down with Emilio Peluso Neder Meyer, Professor of Constitutional Law at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and Thomas Bustamante, Professor of Legal Theory at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, to discuss Brazil's search for accountability and justice in the aftermath of the coup attempt on Jan. 8, why the electoral court's ruling was not so much a legal innovation as a mere application of existing laws, and the significance of President Lula's decision not to rely on the military in his government's response. They also discussed what's next for Bolsonarismo.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/c/trumptrials.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Black Hawk Down (2001) describes the plight of the U.S. crew of a Black Hawk helicopter that is shot down during the Battle of Mogadishu during the civil war in Somalia in October 1993. The battle resulted in the death of 18 American soldiers and hundreds of Somalis; it also prompted the U.S. withdrawal from Somalia after images of dead U.S. soldiers being dragged through the streets of Mogadishu by enraged Somalis were broadcast on American television. Directed by Ridley Scott from a book by Mark Bowden, Black Hawk Down is a gritty action movie that captures the brutal nature of urban warfare. It also provides a window into a host of complex international legal and political issues surrounding humanitarian intervention in the aftermath of the Cold War. Joining me is Greg Fox, Professor and Director of the Program for International Legal Studies at Wayne State University in Detroit. Professor Fox is a widely cited authority on international law and international organizations and a leader in a variety of academic and professional organizations.Timestamps:0:00   Introduction1:40    A primer on Somalia and its history6:40   The legal framework for the international humanitarian intervention9:50   The opportunities for intervention after the end of the Cold War15:33  Preparing to go into Somalia19:16   The pros and cons of intervention23:04 The U.S. shift on military intervention after the Vietnam War24:43  The challenges of intervening in civil wars33:47  International humanitarian law and urban warfare43:14   Legacies of the Battle of Mogadishu52:06  Internal debates within the UN over humanitarian intervention 54:55  What happened in Somalia after the Battle of MogadishuFurther reading:Bowden, Mark, Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War (1999)Carroll, Jonathan, “Courage Under Fire: Reevaluating Black Hawk Down and the Battle of Mogadishu,” 29 (3) War in History 704 (July 2022)Fox, Gregory H., Humanitarian Occupation (2008)Hakimi, Monica, “Toward a Legal Theory on the Responsibility to Protect,” 39(2) Yale J. Int'l L. 247 (2014)Lee, Thomas H., “The Law of War and the Responsibility to Protect Civilians: A Reinterpretation,” 55 Harv. Int'l L.J. 251 (2014)Luttwak, Edward N., “Give War a Chance,” Foreign Affairs (July/August 1999)Hathaway, Oona A. & Hartig, Luke, “Still at War: The United States in Somalia,” Just Security (Mar. 31, 2022)Wheeler, Nicholas J., Saving Strangers: Humanitarian Intervention in International Society (2002)Law on Film is created and produced by Jonathan Hafetz. Jonathan is a professor at Seton Hall Law School. He has written many books and articles about the law. He has litigated important cases to protect civil liberties and human rights while working at the ACLU and other organizations. Jonathan is a huge film buff and has been watching, studying, and talking about movies for as long as he can remember. For more information about Jonathan, here's a link to his bio: https://law.shu.edu/profiles/hafetzjo.htmlYou can contact him at jonathanhafetz@gmail.comYou can follow him on X (Twitter) @jonathanhafetz You can follow the podcast on X (Twitter) @LawOnFilmYou can follow the podcast on Instagram @lawonfilmpodcast

In this episode, Jeffrey Lichtman dives into the aftermath of the 2024 election — Kamala Harris's resounding defeat and the unexpected national shift that defied nearly every major poll. Jeff openly admits he underestimated the American electorate, having repeatedly predicted that Trump could never win. But last week, Trump did just that, sweeping the popular vote, dominating in swing states, and leaving pundits scrambling to explain why they got it so wrong. Jeff reflects on the issues that broke in Trump's favor: from crime and immigration to economic and foreign policies that Americans across demographics were ready to change.Jeff also dissects the hypocrisy of the left's elite, who preached social justice and open borders while ignoring Americans' real needs. He explores the hard truths that Harris  and the Democrats refused to face, from soaring crime rates to economic strain and unchecked immigration. America had enough, and Jeff sees this election as a signal that the tide has turned. With the House and Senate now in his favor, Trump has a narrow window to make real changes, but as Jeff warns, he can't waste time this time around.

With Election Day looming, Jeff dives into the political desperation driving the Democrats' strategy—and why, for the first time, he's decided to vote for Trump. As smear campaigns and absurd accusations pile up, Jeff examines the stark reality of what's at stake and contrasts the Democrats' fearmongering with the mess they've actually created: open borders, sky-high consumer prices, and the normalization of anti-Semitic hate crimes. If the stakes weren't so high, he might sit this one out, but at this point, voting has become a defense mechanism for what remains of the country's sanity.Shifting gears, Jeff discusses how ineffective assistance of counsel claims made by imprisoned clients shouldn't ruffle a defense lawyer's feathers — the clients are in jail after all.  Using his own experience with high-profile clients, including El Chapo, he sheds light on the personal, ethical, and sometimes laughable aspects of these claims—and the mess the press often makes when covering them.Finally, Jeff pays a long-overdue tribute to the band Social Distortion, a band that's resonated with him for decades. More than just rockabilly punk, the band's music speaks to struggle, redemption, and raw honesty. From “When the Angels Sing” to “I Was Wrong,” Jeff shares why these tracks mean so much to him, urging listeners to give the band a chance beyond his podcast snippets.

Jeffrey Lichtman returns with a no-holds-barred breakdown of the upcoming election, offering his scathing analysis of the Harris/Biden administration's four years. He questions why Harris, after four disastrous years in office, refuses to say what she would do differently than Biden — when she could honestly answer that the last four years was Biden's fault. Harris' inability to answer even the simplest questions becomes a centerpiece of this episode, along with her jaw-dropping agreement with pro-Palestinian protesters that Israel has committed genocide. Lichtman highlights the terrifying implications of a continued administration that coddles terrorists while simultaneously lying to the American people about crime stats and the economy.In lighter news, Jeff shares his strong, hilarious warnings against going on a cruise—unless Legionnaire's disease and Baked Alaska are your idea of a good time. He then offers his thoughts on what it takes to win in the courtroom on big media cases, reflecting on his own experiences in high-profile trials. From Kamala's dangerous incompetence to the absurdities of cruises, Jeff covers it all in this blistering episode.

In this episode, we explore the role of imagination in social movements and the ongoing fight for justice. We investigate both how the imagination helps us think of how the world might be better and identify the problems of the moment. Our guest scholar in this episode is Dr. Michele Moody-Adams, Joseph Straus Professor of Political Philosophy and Legal Theory at Columbia University. --- Michele Moody-Adams is Joseph Straus Professor of Political Philosophy and Legal Theory at Columbia University, where she served as Dean of Columbia College and Vice President for Undergraduate Education from 2009-2011. Before Columbia, she taught at Cornell University, where she was Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Director of the Program on Ethics and Public Life. She has also taught at Wellesley College, the University of Rochester, and Indiana University, where she served as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education.  She has published on equality and social justice, moral psychology and the virtues, moral objectivity and moral relativism, and the philosophical implications of gender and race.  She is the author of Making Space for Justice: Social Movements, Collective Imagination and Political Hope, published in 2022.  She is also the author of a widely cited book on moral relativism, Fieldwork in Familiar Places: Morality, Culture and Philosophy, and a co-author on the multi-author work Against Happiness (May 2023).  Her current work also includes articles on academic freedom, equal educational opportunity, democratic disagreement, and what constitutes an epistemically and morally defensible understanding of history. A special focus of her work on democracy is the connection between democracy and the civic art and architecture of remembrance. ---While her full catalog of articles and books is far too long to list here, the publications below provide a useful introduction to her scholarship addressing the topic of imagination and justice: Moody-Adams, M. (2022). Making Space for Justice: Social Movements, Collective Imagination, and Political Hope. Columbia University Press. Moody-Adams, M. (2015). The enigma of forgiveness. The Journal of Value Inquiry, 49, 161-180. Moody-Adams, M. M. (2018). Democratic conflict and the political morality of compromise. Nomos, 59, 186-219. Moody-Adams, M. M. (2017). Moral progress and human agency. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, 20, 153-168. --- The Social Science for Public Good Podcast is a project of the ⁠Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance⁠ and ⁠VT Publishing⁠ intended to make social science theories accessible and available to individuals and organizations seeking to promote social change. Music: purple-planet.com

In this episode, Jeff analyzes the evidence against Mayor Eric Adams and finds him to be a low-level grifter with a penchant for obstruction of justice. But why did the federal prosecutors not request a dollar of bail for him when they successfully sought to detain Sean Combs pretrial? Adams sold out NYC to a Muslim terror state and Combs had sex parties. The uneven application of the law is startling.And Jeff recaps Israel's incredible week of decapitating Hezbollah in the most humiliating fashion. Why Kamala Harris wants Iran's strongest terror proxy to survive via ceasefire is shocking. How can peace in the Middle East be achieved when Iran is permitted to occupy and terrorize country after country? Israel had enough of this and acted alone, with historical success.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Jurisprudence and Legal Theory Jurisprudence, often referred to as the "philosophy of law," delves into the underlying principles that shape legal systems and the nature of law itself. This chapter introduces the reader to the scope and significance of jurisprudence, tracing the historical development of legal thought and its impact on modern legal practice. Definition and Scope of Jurisprudence At its core, jurisprudence seeks to answer fundamental questions: What is law? How should law be interpreted and applied? The scope of jurisprudence encompasses a broad range of topics, including the nature of law, the relationship between law and morality, and the role of law in society. Importance of Legal Theory in Legal Practice Legal theory isn't just for academics; it's a crucial tool for legal practitioners. By understanding the philosophical underpinnings of the law, lawyers can better interpret statutes, argue cases, and appreciate the broader social implications of legal decisions. Historical Development of Legal Thought The evolution of legal thought can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with significant contributions from Greek and Roman philosophers. Over centuries, different schools of thought have emerged, each offering unique perspectives on the nature and purpose of law. Overview of Major Schools of Legal Theory The chapter provides an overview of major legal theories, including natural law, legal positivism, legal realism, and critical legal studies, setting the stage for deeper exploration in subsequent chapters. The Relationship Between Law, Morality, and Society A recurring theme in jurisprudence is the relationship between law and morality. This section explores how different theories perceive this relationship and its impact on the legitimacy and enforcement of laws. Summary This chapter lays the foundation for understanding the complex and diverse field of legal theory, highlighting its importance in both academic and practical contexts. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/law-school/support

In this episode, Jeff provides updates on several high-profile cases. First, he breaks down the latest news surrounding his client, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of El Chapo, who arrived in the U.S. from Mexico with the world's biggest drug dealer in tow. An absurd international saga followed.Next, Jeff shares a positive outcome for his elderly client, former doctor Stephen Miller, who received probation instead of a prison sentence after assisting a terminally ill woman's suicide. With this disposition, Miller avoids spending his final years behind bars.Jeff then revisits his lawsuit against Columbia University, where pro-Hamas students overreacted to a harmless prank by two Israeli students involving a novelty fart spray. Despite clear evidence, Columbia's administration chose to punish the Israeli students while giving the terror-supporting students a pass. In the new school year, Columbia's administration shows it has learned nothing.Finally, Jeff reflects on Kamala Harris's dangerous appeasement of Hamas supporters, a troubling stance that raises serious concerns about her leadership as the world faces increasing instability.

In this episode, Jeff delves into the recent Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Kamala Harris swore she is the only one who can fix America's current problems while conveniently ignoring her role in creating the mess over the past four years. The real show, though, was outside, where pro-Palestinian rioters attempted to turn the convention into a war zone. Yet Democrats suddenly discovered the utility of walls—just not for our borders. Jeff breaks down the hypocrisy and the disturbing poll numbers showing that Democrats increasingly support Hamas over Israel. PS: Someone check Tim Walz's Google searches. Next, Jeff shares an update on his client, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of El Chapo. Despite claims that he captured the world's most notorious fugitive drug lord, Mayo Zambada, Joaquin now faces kidnapping charges from the Mexican government, which for some odd reason seems angry that the biggest criminal in their country is in custody.

We are pleased to be joined by Professor Randy E. Barnett, a member of the Legal Board of Reference for Convention of States. Barnett is the Carmack Waterhouse Professor of Legal Theory at the Georgetown University Law Center, where he teaches constitutional law and is Director of the Georgetown Center for the Constitution. Check out his new book 'A Life for Liberty,' available now. 

Medieval Muslim legal theorists devised increasingly complex categorisations of linguistic clarity and ambiguity. This paper traces the emergence of key terms including muḥkam, mutashābih, mujmal, and ẓāhir, which eventually crystalised in a four-fold Shāfiʿī classification and an eight-fold Ḥanafī one. Both these systems treated clarity and ambiguity not as features of the words and sentences of scripture, but as interpretive claims about the hermeneutical relationship between a text and a proposed interpretation of it. Both the Shāfiʿī and Ḥanafī systems served the same purpose, which was not to pin down meanings but to give the jurists as much interpretive power and flexibility as they reasonably could within the bounds of ordinary linguistic usage. Those legal theorists who resisted this combination of power and flexibility, including Ẓāhirīs and Akhbārīs, could not prevail against the flexible mainstream paradigm that took hold among Sunnīs and Imāmīs alike, and that still tacitly undergirds most legal discourse today. Today modern reformers and traditionalists alike exploit the vocabulary of clarity and ambiguity to support their interpretations. One highly original reformulation of these concepts comes from the Egyptian thinker Hassan Hanafi, who compounds the flexibility of the classical hermeneutic by retaining the flexible mainstream legal theorists' analysis of ambiguity, albeit transposed into the language of twentieth-century European phenomenology, and then adding two more layers of ambiguity or subjectivity through his theory of how language relates to phenomenal reality and human action. This aspect of Hanafi's hermeneutic has been much appreciated in some quarters, but all by itself interpretive flexibility is not the panacea some reformers take it to be, for flexibility cuts both ways: it can be used to justify reform or to uphold the status quo, and if anything is more readily amenable to the latter. As Hanafi himself illustrates, those who seek to justify the most radical reinterpretations cannot pin their hermeneutical hopes on the ambiguity of language, but are compelled to reconsider the whole theory of language and meaning on which classical legal theory rested.

The intricate relationships among the various sources of Islamic legal reasoning have long constituted some of the most vigorously discussed and contentious subjects. These include the relationships between: The Qurʾān and Sunna; text (naṣṣ) and reason (ʿaql); consensus (ijmaʿ) and the Qurʾān and Sunna; the internal dynamics within the religious texts themselves; the connections between analogical reasoning (qiyās) and textual evidence (al-adilla al-lafẓiyya), and others. Notably, the question of how conjectural Sunna (al-sunna al-ẓanniyya) like solitary narrations (pl. al-akhbār al-āḥād) relate to and potentially qualify (taqyīd) or specify (takhṣīṣ) the Qurʾān has been a pivotal topic extensively debated throughout the history of Islamic legal theory. Carrying profound implications on whether or not such solitary narrations possess the epistemic authority to specify and/or qualify the general indication of the Qurʾān or not. This paper aims to trace the historical evolution of the theory permitting ‘specifying of the Qurʾān through solitary reports' (takhṣīṣ al-Qurʾān bil-khabr al-wāḥid) , analysing perspectives from both Sunnī and Shīʿī traditions. Among Sunnī scholars, the issue sparked numerous debates and stark scholarly divisions. In contrast, the Imāmī Shīʿī majority endorsed such qualification/specification, albeit with certain significant exceptions from early scholars. I will review the major critiques levelled against this specification theory and the responses from its proponents, as well as examine both the methodological and epistemological grounds underlying its construction within Sunnī and Shīʿī legal theories. Additionally, I will address the crucial issue of delineating the relationship between qualifying or specifying the Qurʾān through solitary reports, and the theory of abrogation (naskh) of the Qurʾān through such narrations, along with the consequent implications. Building upon this analysis, I will evaluate and critique the fundamental premises of the specification theory and uncover the extent to which the specification or qualification of the Qurʾān by solitary narrations is present in the practise of ijtihād. This will be done by examining whether the Qurʾān actually contains any general indications (ʿumūmāt), such that a jurist is able to qualify or specify the general indication of the Qurʾān by a solitary report. This entails analysing the legal (sharʿī) nature of the Qurʾānic texts regarding their amenability to generalisation. Ultimately, conclusions will be drawn regarding the extent to which rejecting the theory of specifying or qualifying the Qurʾān through solitary narrations impacts the overall corpus of Islamic legal theory and the juristic edicts (pl. fatāwa) in contemporary times.

In this podcast, Jeff describes his hectic week which started with the startling news of the arrest of a 50 year fugitive, “El Mayo” Zambada and the murky circumstances around his capture. Jeff ended up in court in Chicago to represent Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the son of “El Chapo” and the second person on the plane with El Mayo when they touched down in Texas from Mexico.Jeff also discusses the anointment of Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, after it became crystal clear that Biden was set up in that debate, only to be forced out.  Harris is incredibly unlikable and incompetent, which is why she was trounced in the 2020 primaries; only if she could be installed at the last minute, without winning a single primary or vote, could the liberal press – which lampooned her for 3 ½ years – turn on a dime and push her cackling carcass across the finish line, all the while hiding her flaws.  To Jeff, what hurts the most is Harris' horrible treatment of Blacks in California when she was the San Francisco DA and the state's Attorney General: Blacks make up 6% of the population in California and Harris ensured that the prison population was 29% Black, including mothers whose children were truant from school and non-violent marijuana defendants.  That Blacks can forgive her for this treatment is both stupefying and sad. Finally, Jeff discusses the imminent war between Iran and Israel and notes that this is finally the time for the West to rid the world of the global cancer that is the Iranian regime and its terror proxies. Iran has only grown to become more of a threat globally and now may have nuclear weapons: if not now, when can the mullahs be destroyed, as they promise to kill civilians inside Israel, after directing the Hamas October 7 terror attack which killed citizens from all over the world?

My guest this week is philosopher and counselor Dr. Samir Chopra, author of the fascinating new book, Anxiety: A Philosophical Guide (affiliate link).  Topics we discussed included: The extent to which we are experiencing unique levels of anxiety in human history Philosophical inquiry that springs from anxiety The unconscious cognitive work we do to make the world sensible and navigable My guest's loss of both parents fairly early in life and the consequences on his psyche Comparing our experienced misfortunes to the visible misfortunes of others The fear of not making the best use of our lives Being in the moment as an antidote to continual anxiety The Buddhist explanation of why anxiety can persist even when all is well Freedom from suffering through seeing the persistence of self as an illusion Managing and reducing anxiety vs. living with it Viewing anxiety as an ever-present entity in one's life Samir Chopra, PhD, is a philosophical counselor and professor emeritus of philosophy at Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. He's the author and coauthor of many books, including Shyam Benegal, A Legal Theory for Autonomous Artificial Agents, and Eye on Cricket. His essays have appeared in the Nation, the Los Angeles Review of Books, Aeon, Psyche, and other publications. Find Samir online at his website where you can learn more about his work and contact him about counseling sessions.

In this episode of Beyond the Legal Limit, Jeff dissects the monumental news of Joe Biden dropping out of the presidential race. It's not because he recognized his incompetence, but because his disastrous debate performance left him without support. Jeff describes Biden's fall as a humiliation he richly deserved, detailing how his party, advisors, and even his family abandoned him, using and abusing him until there was nothing left.Moreover, Biden's parting shot—endorsing Kamala Harris—shows his true priorities: pushing a DEI agenda over competent leadership. Jeff pulls no punches in describing Harris as wholly unfit to handle global adversaries like Putin and China.Jeff then turns his attention to the troubling assassination attempt on Donald Trump. With the Secret Service seemingly asleep at the wheel, Jeff questions how a 20-year-old managed to come so close to changing history. From the roof left unguarded to the improbable sharpshooting skills of a previously inept gunman, Jeff explores the plot's glaring inconsistencies and leaves listeners pondering the deeper implications of such a security failure.Tune in for a scathing critique of political incompetence and a chilling look at how dangerously close we came to a national tragedy.

In this episode of Beyond the Legal Limit, Jeffrey Lichtman takes a trip down memory lane, recounting his teenage years during the Iran hostage crisis and his bold fashion choices at Spencer Gifts. Reflecting on his long-standing frustration with the stagnant state of world affairs, Jeff vents about the repetitive and disheartening news cycle that seems to never improve since his days on New York City talk radio.Shifting gears, Jeff dives into a compelling murder case he's currently handling in Queens, NY. A woman falls to her death from a sixth-floor apartment, and her boyfriend stands accused of murder. Jeff outlines the case's core question: was it suicide or foul play? A trial awaits.The episode also tackles the recent Trump-Biden debate. Despite his aversion to Trump, Jeff expresses his desperation, suggesting he'd crawl over glass to vote for Trump, as Biden is barely alive. Jeff lambasts the current administration which is doing all that it can the obvious fact that Biden is not fit for office. And a vote for Biden is essentially a vote for his far-left advisors, who are clearly the ones in charge and who have gotten us into this global mess. 

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring one key issue currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World. This week, The Times of Israel deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan speaks with Rachel Gur, the deputy CEO of the grassroots Lobby 99. Today, as part of the "what is good for Europe is good for Israel" import reform, the Knesset ministerial committee for tackling the high cost of living unanimously approved that European standards will apply automatically and will override the need for domestic regulatory standards approval. This comes after a recent report that food and beverage prices in Israel are 52 percent higher than the average among developed countries, second only to South Korea, according to comparative consumer price data released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in June and reported by Channel 12. Prices for bread and grains in Israel were found to be among the highest in OECD countries, at 49% above the average, with only Swiss prices coming in higher. Similarly, Israeli prices for dairy and eggs were the second most expensive among the 38 OECD countries, at 64% more expensive than the average, second to South Korea. And while some of these costs are linked to the ongoing war against Hamas, most are not and are rather linked to a dearth of competition in Israel's "free market" economy. Currently serving as the deputy CEO of Lobby 99 -- "the people's lobby" -- Gur moved to Israel from the United States at age 17 and served in the IDF Spokesperson's Unit. After demobbing, she earned an L.L.B. and B.A. in political science from the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya and an L.L.M. in Legal Theory from New York University Law School. (She also married The Times of Israel's senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and had four children.) So this week, as there is some optimism that the cost of living just might will be lowered for the little guy, we ask Rachel Gur, What Matters Now. What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Deputy CEO of Lobby 99, lawyer Rachel Gur. (Inbal Marmari)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I summarize my discussion of libertarian legal theory with Kasimir, an experienced AnCap debater. We explored the relationship between moral and legal actions within a libertarian framework, emphasizing self-ownership and the non-aggression principle (NAP). Kasimir explained how biblical commandments against murder, theft, and idolatry demonstrate self-ownership. We also delved into practical implications, edge cases where legal and moral considerations intersect, and the importance of objective legal standards to prevent aggression. The conversation highlights the need for clear principles and voluntary community standards in maintaining both legal and moral order.The Biblical Anarchy Podcast is part of the Christians For Liberty Network, a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute. Check out Jacob's other podcast at: daniel318.comAudio Production by Podsworth Media.

In today's episode, Jeff opens up about his deepening sense of hopelessness regarding the current state of America and its far-reaching implications for the world. He tackles the alarming rise of radical Islam combined with extreme liberalism and the surprising alliances formed with fringe far-right groups, all united by a shared hatred.Jeff doesn't mince words as he describes shocking incidents in New York City, including threats against Jewish individuals by Hezbollah supporters on the subway. He provides detailed accounts of these disturbing events, highlighting the lack of pushback and the growing acceptance of extremist ideologies. With a critical eye on how we've allowed such radical elements to proliferate, Jeff calls for urgent action and awareness, warning that our complacency could lead to disastrous consequences.This isn't a feel-good podcast, but a crucial wake-up call about the realities we face. If you're looking for light entertainment, this isn't the episode for you. But if you care about the future of America, listen on.Get episodes sent directly to you via email by subscribing at https://beyondthelegallimit.com/subscribe.

This week, I'll be diving into my reflections on recent debates and discussions, particularly my contentious debate with Andrew Wilson on The Crucible. We'll explore challenging topics like the role of government in moral issues, the intersection of Christian values and libertarian thought, and the concept of covenant communities as an alternative to state enforcement. I'll also share insights on how libertarianism and Christianity can complement each other in advocating for a just and virtuous society. This also will address some of the topics that can seem a little fuzzy within the study of libertarian legal theory and Christian political theory, setting up area for future elaboration.The Biblical Anarchy Podcast is part of the Christians For Liberty Network, a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute. Check out Jacob's other podcast at: daniel318.comAudio Production by Podsworth Media.

In this podcast, Jeff takes to task Donald Trump's defense attorneys who expressed their belief they never had a chance at trial. Does any high profile defendant have a decent chance in a criminal trial in NYC? Of course not — but that doesn't mean the lawyers should give a lackluster, whiny effort. Clear, avoidable mistakes were made and yet again, Trump's choice of lawyers results in an L. In other news, the Biden administration and the Democrats are doing all they can to keep Hamas in power and to destroy Israel. Not surprisingly, we now have Muslim terrorists and their supporters running wild on the streets of America. As America goes, so goes the world and the global anti-semtiism is at a level not seen since the Nazis. It is becoming increasingly rare to find good people to do the right thing when it comes to standing up to Muslim terror and for America: Jeff examines this phenomenon and asks you to harken back to his Oct 8, 2023 podcast where he predicted this sorry result.

In this explosive episode of Beyond the Legal Limit, Jeffrey Lichtman delves into the disturbing rise of extremist activities on college campuses, focusing on a recent incident at Columbia University where Jewish students were targeted by pro-Hamas radicals. Imagine sending your child to a prestigious university, only to find they're subjected to hate-filled tirades from supporters of terrorism, right in the heart of their college campus—a place they should feel safe.Lichtman doesn't just narrate the events; he paints a vivid picture of the parental nightmare and the ideological battleground that many top-tier universities have become. With tuition fees sky-high, parents and students alike are left questioning the value of an education marred by unchecked radicalism and administrative apathy.As Jeffrey peels back the layers on this issue, he exposes the network of funding and support that sustains such extremist activities, suggesting the need for a deeper investigation, perhaps even at the congressional level. This episode is a call to action: for parents, students, and policymakers to reclaim the sanctity of education from the clutches of radicalism. Tune in as Lichtman brings his trademark fiery analysis to this urgent issue, demanding accountability.Subscribe to BTLL Direct to get episodes delivered to your inbox each week: https://BeyondTheLegalLimit.com/subscribe

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In this podcast, Jeff discusses the Iranian missile attack on Israel which could have led to thousands of deaths if not for the skill of the Israelis and the incompetence of Iran. Regardless, a new status quo must be set: any Iranian terror proxy attack on Israel needs to be met with an attack on Iranian soil. Furthermore, the celebrations by the “ceasefire now crowd” as Iran was raining missiles down on Israel reveals the obvious: it was never about a wish for peace with the calls for ceasefire; it was always about saving Hamas to kill again. On a different note, Jeff compares two of the greatest rock bands of all time: The Who and Led Zeppelin. Despite The Who's massive catalogue of hits, they lack one volcanic element in their music which renders them in second place. Jeff reveals all, the dangers of looking for Satan in a backwards playing musical anthem, as well as only the second song that brings him to tears.

Kinsella on Liberty Podcast: Episode 428. I was a guest on Episode 316 of The Bob Murphy Show, entitled “Stephan Kinsella on Rothbard's Contributions to Legal Theory." Bob's shownotes: "Stephan joins Bob to discuss his new book, Legal Foundations of a Free Society. They cover Rothbard's contributions to legal theory, as well as Bob and Stephan's differing entry points into libertarianism." https://youtu.be/iWx8DKMwk30?si=54KjWm_BndPX4a_e

Kinsella on Liberty Podcast: Episode 428. I was a guest on Episode 316 of The Bob Murphy Show, entitled “Stephan Kinsella on Rothbard's Contributions to Legal Theory." Bob's shownotes: "Stephan joins Bob to discuss his new book, Legal Foundations of a Free Society. They cover Rothbard's contributions to legal theory, as well as Bob and Stephan's differing entry points into libertarianism." https://youtu.be/iWx8DKMwk30?si=54KjWm_BndPX4a_e

Stephan joins Bob to discuss his new book, Legal Foundations of a Free Society. They cover Rothbard's contributions to legal theory, as well as Bob and Stephan's differing entry points into libertarianism.Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:The YouTube version of this interview.Stephan's new book.Stephan's website.Stephan's previous appearance on BMS ep. 79.Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

In this April Fool's Day podcast, Jeff reminisces about simpler times and lemonade stands, a time before the internet and cell phones — and how kids used to learn about new music. Jeff opines on the over the top searches of Sean Combs' two homes as he reveals he's been hired to represent P. Diddy's son. The government rarely fights fair when they have a major target in its sights. Jeff discusses how two top American universities handled their Muslim terror students in diametrically opposite ways: depending on whether the schools want to protect the students or the terrorists. As parents, the choice is obvious where to send your kids.Why do white supremacists conspire with Middle Eastern terrorists? A tale as old as time (or at least back to Nazi Germany).  Finally, Jeff ends the podcast with a bang: he reveals the greatest rock album of all time. You can write to Jeff at https://BeyondTheLegalLimit.com/contact.

Jeff dives into the almost comedic legal saga of Michael Cohen, Trump's former fixer, and his quest to end his federal supervised release early. Despite the steep odds, Cohen found a lawyer dumber than him and hilarity ensues.Jeff's week also ran the gamut from representing Chapo's son in Chicago on Monday to being on the business end of an emotional meltdown from opposing counsel during a deposition on Friday.Switching gears, Jeff riffs on the raw, rebellious roots of punk rock, spotlighting The Clash as the epitome of the genre's defiance and the personal resonance it holds for him. Some fantastic music finds its way into this episode — including the song he plays in his ears as all his trials are about to begin.The conversation takes a serious turn as Jeff tackles the recent violent breach at the Texas border by migrants, signaling the Biden administration's surrender of the border solely for political gains. In short, our country has been sold out.Finally, Jeff notes the expected abandonment of Israel by the Democrats.  Iran is watching and the implications to our national security will be huge. For all these reasons, a change has to come in November — or else.

Episode 3474: The Liberal Legal Theory Of BS

Jeff explains how he discovered the band Devo — and led him to rediscover the Rolling Stones. All of this sets the stage for some disgusting stories about peanut brittle and school stairwells.In other news, Joe Biden is terrified of losing the Muslim terror vote in Michigan. So what if these voters openly support Hamas and claim the October 7 massacre in Israel was an inside job? Joe Biden needs these votes so our allies need to die for them. In short: Donald Trump is an idiot but you'd be a bigger idiot to vote for Joe Biden.

In this podcast, Jeff admits that although he is not a Trump fan, it's simply impossible to ignore the fact that the criminal and civil trials brought against him were done so to prevent his election. None of these cases were serious enough that they needed to be brought. But they were and it wouldn't be so painful if his opponent was even remotely competent. But Joe Biden has opened the floodgates to millions of illegals including criminals, terrorists and spies — and now we will all pay. Biden's foreign policy decisions regarding Israel are now wholly impacted by Hamas supporters in Michigan, a state he feels he can't afford to lose. So while dozens of Americans were killed and kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, Biden is hell-bent on saving Hamas in order to gain the Muslim terror vote. Claiming that Hamas doesn't speak for the Palestinian people is also an easily-proven lie.Two musical interludes today: Lou Reed/The Velvet Underground and Big Star. Two hugely important bands that were ahead of their time. Jeff describes his dinner with Lou Reed as the time of his life. Using the urinal next to Big Star's Alex Chilton was also a fine moment.And lastly, Jeff provides a huge update on his Assisting Suicide case in upstate New York.