Podcast appearances and mentions of sarah isgur

When the president orders a strike, who decides if it's legal? Sarah Isgur and David French unpack the commander in chief's powers after a hit on an alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessel. The Agenda:—The laws of armed conflict—Violating the Constitution?—The complexity of terror designation—SCOTUS to decide fate of Trump's tariffs—Interim docket before the emergency docket—Sarah name-drops Jonah Goldberg—SCOTUS interim docket decision on immigration stops in L.A. Show Notes:—Orin Kerr on Los Angeles immigration enforcement case Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett joins Sarah Isgur and David French from the Lawyer's Room at the Supreme Court. They begin with a lightning round of questions (Emergency docket? Certiorari pronunciation?) before diving into ACB's thoughts on originalism and discussing her new book, Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and the Constitution. The Agenda:—Lightning round!—Give up, “equity docket,” David—Do oral arguments even matter anymore?—All about originalism—Life as a Justice Antonin Scalia clerk—Law school: to go or not to go? Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a battle of flagship podcasts, Steve Hayes invites Sarah Isgur to share her biggest takeaways from her interview with Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Then, listen in as the Advisory Opinions crew speaks with ACB about the strengths and limitations of originalism, insights from her new book, and her writing style. The Agenda:—Sarah's takeaways—Lightning round!—Give up, “equity docket,” David—Do oral arguments even matter anymore?—All about originalism—Life as a Justice Antonin Scalia clerk—Law school: to go or not to go?—Click HERE to subscribe to Advisory Opinions Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David French and Sarah Isgur speak with Nico Perrino to discuss the origin story of Advisory Opinions and the few free speech issues where they disagree with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). Show Notes:—Origin story of Advisory Opinions—Disagreements between FIRE and AO—Why FIRE doesn't editorialize on the content of speech—Limits of presidential power—Free speech, the dread of tyrants—The prosecution of political figures—Cracker Barrel—State of the conservative legal movement Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the limits of presidential power? How many days has it been since President Trump's TikTok ban moratorium went into place? What is the state of the conservative legal movement? And where did former FIRE president David French go on his first date? French and Sarah Isgur of the popular legal podcast “Advisory Opinions” join the show to answer these questions and discuss the few free speech issues where they disagree with FIRE. Timestamps:  00:00 Intro 02:18 Origin story of “Advisory Opinions” 08:15 Disagreements between FIRE and AO 15:04 Why FIRE doesn't editorialize on the content of speech 24:27 Limits of presidential power 43:30 Free speech, the dread of tyrants 51:01 The prosecution of political figures 58:01 Cracker Barrel 01:00:09 State of the conservative legal movement Enjoy listening to the podcast? Donate to FIRE today and get exclusive content like member webinars, special episodes, and more. If you became a FIRE Member through a donation to FIRE at thefire.org and would like access to Substack's paid subscriber podcast feed, please email sotospeak@thefire.org.

Steve Hayes, Jonah Goldberg, Sarah Isgur, and Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle debate whether Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Donald Trump exhibit similar authoritarian tendencies, discuss the role of elites in democracies, and explore the Democratic Party's ongoing identity crisis. The Agenda:—Trump's first and second terms—Can the president do whatever he wants?—Historical context of presidential power—Weak democracies and crisis—Is this all our fault?—The future of Democratic messaging Show Notes:—Nick Catoggio's Boiling Frogs newsletter—Megan McArdle's column on lawfare The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French talk about flag burning and protected free speech in the wake of President Donald Trump's executive order on the same subject. Then, husband-wife duo Sanford and Cynthia Levinson, authors of Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights, and the Flaws that Affect Us Today, join to discuss why they believe some of our contemporary political problems stem from our founding document. The Agenda:—President Trump's executive order—Texas v. Johnson—Dinkus vs. Dingus—Greenbag.org—NIH v. American Public Health Association—Intro to constitutional law for non-lawyers Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senior Editor at The Dispatch, Sarah Isgur, discusses how President Trump is taking on his political enemies and explores the key question: how far can Trump expand his crackdown on crime?

Sarah Isgur and David French analyze the legalities of the FBI's raid on former National Security Adviser John Bolton's home. Then, an interview with Saikrishna Bangalore Prakash on his forthcoming book, The Presidential Pardon: The Short Clause with a Long, Troubled History. The Agenda:—What could have triggered an FBI raid on John Bolton?—Is Chris Christie next on the investigation list?—Mortgage fraud investigations—More and more norm violations—The double-edged sword of pardons Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French analyze Justice Brett Kavanaugh's concurrence in the NetChoice v. Mississippi case and whether or not states can enforce unconstitutional laws. The Agenda:—Battle of the irreparable harms—SCOTUS and political battles—Revisiting minors' First Amendment rights—Dissential battle raging at the 6th Circuit—White House joins TikTok—Let the drag shows continue—Christian Legal Society vs. Martinez Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French break down President Donald Trump's far-reaching use of executive powers—from calling in the National Guard at home to pushing the limits of tariff authority abroad. Then, they continue part two of life advice for lawyers with 9th Circuit Judge Patrick Bumatay. The Agenda:—Sarah and David and Putin, oh my!— “Presence patrols" in the nation's capital”—Trump administration's 28(j) letter—Judge Readler claps alone for the 6th Circuit—The physics of guns and “bad man stays in jail doctrine”—Navigating failures in legal careers—Answering audience questions Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie joins Sarah Isgur and David French to give advice to all young attorneys and aspiring legal professionals. Plus: some war stories from Trump Force One. The Agenda:—Frenemies—Christie's time as a U.S. attorney—The difference between a podium and a lectern—No class reunions at the White House—We've all crashed out at some point—‘I'm not a potted plant'—Should Christie wear make-up?—VeggieTales and David French Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

J. Joel Alicea, professor at Catholic University's Columbus School of Law, joins Sarah Isgur and David French to discuss race-conscious redistricting. Then, they viciously attack Professor Alicea for thinking text, history, and tradition right. The Agenda:—Congressional acquiescence—Louisiana v. Callais—On questions presented—Bruen Was Right by J. Joel Alicea—The three eras of originalism—Listener email: Has Bruen made any babies? Show notes:—SCOTUSblog coverage of Louisiana v. Callais—Allen v. Milligan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senior Editor at The Dispatch Sarah Isgur breaks down the high-stakes redistricting battle in Texas, how Census data is shaping political maps, and what it all means for the fight over control of Congress in 2026.

Sarah Isgur and David French are joined by Miriam Ingber, associate dean of admissions & financial aid at Yale Law School, and Kristi Jobson, dean of admissions at Harvard Law School, to discuss what they're looking for in applicants. The Agenda:—Who even reviews applications these days?—The influx of applications—AI applications—Up in arms about the LSAT—The role of accommodations—Financial aid decisions Show Notes:—Ingber and Jobson's podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Never shy of small talk, Jonah Goldberg is eager to discuss the Sydney Sweeney outrage, the American genetics movement, and G.K. Chesterton. Plus: his thoughts on the new Superman movie and the shifting nature of aesthetics. Show Notes:—Remnant AMA with Sarah Isgur, Part 1—Remnant AMA with Sarah Isgur, Part 2—Advisory Opinions podcast—This week's Dispatch Podcast—Jonah's Wednesday G-File—Jonah for The Dispatch: “Don't Call This Conservatism” The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including Jonah's G-File newsletter, regular livestreams, and other members-only content—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Megan McArdle joins Steve Hayes, Jonah Goldberg, and Sarah Isgur to discuss President Donald Trump's various trade deals and their effect on the latest economic numbers. The Agenda:—Thank you, Scott Bessent—Texas' mid-cycle redistricting—DoorDash discourse—Parsing Israel news coverage—Famine is a plural word—The new political tribes—NWYT:What are our hosts' favorite movies? Show Notes:—John McCormack for The Dispatch: ‘We're Just Hoping the Ship Sinks'—Michael Brendan Dougherty's National Review—Jason Furman's New York Times piece The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur, Advisory Opinions host and Dispatch senior editor, is back for more, joining Jonah Goldberg on The Remnant to answer fans' questions and offer up some life advice. Listen along to learn about the happiest days of Sarah and Jonah's lives, common accusations, lifehacks, smells, and more. Show Notes:—The Advisory Opinions Podcast The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including Jonah's G-File newsletter, regular livestreams, and other members-only content—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French break down a few 9th Circuit cases, including one on gender ideology and free speech rights. Plus, a super sexy snippet on state standing. The Agenda:—First Amendment and foster parents—15 minutes to buy a gun—No background checks for ammunition—Lower courts struggle with text, history and tradition—The hot mess of state standing—What heavy metal band is each Supreme Court justice?—The great professionalization shift of the 21st century  This episode is brought to you by Burford Capital, the leading global finance firm focused on law. Burford helps companies and law firms unlock the value of their legal assets. With a $7.2 billion portfolio and listings on the NYSE and LSE, Burford provides capital to finance high-value commercial litigation and arbitration—without adding cost, risk, or giving up control. Clients include Fortune 500 companies and Am Law 100 firms, who turn to Burford to pursue strong claims, manage legal costs, and accelerate recoveries. Learn more at burfordcapital.com/ao. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a much-anticipated episode of The Remnant, Sarah Isgur—Advisory Opinions host and Dispatch senior editor—joins Jonah Goldberg to answer fans' questions. Listen along to learn about their friendship, favorite legal dramas, midlife career changes, parenting, and much more. Show Notes:— Sarah's Advisory Opinions podcast The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including Jonah's G-File newsletter, regular livestreams, and other members-only content—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French discuss how Jeffrey Epstein's ex-girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, is attempting to get out of jail on a technicality. Could a deal with the Department of Justice involving Epstein extend to her? Agenda:—Ghislaine's team identifies a circuit split—MAGA and the Epstein list—189 days of lawlessness on the TikTok ban—The emergency docket is a mess—Justice Elena Kagan's dissent and the precedential value of interim orders—SCOTUS gaining favorability ⁠⁠ This episode is brought to you by Burford Capital, the leading global finance firm focused on law. Burford helps companies and law firms unlock the value of their legal assets. With a $7.2 billion portfolio and listings on the NYSE and LSE, Burford provides capital to finance high-value commercial litigation and arbitration—without adding cost, risk, or giving up control. Clients include Fortune 500 companies and Am Law 100 firms, who turn to Burford to pursue strong claims, manage legal costs, and accelerate recoveries. Learn more at ⁠⁠burfordcapital.com/ao⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French discuss Alina Habba's removal as U.S. attorney pick and the one consistent position of the Trump administration: We get to do what we want. —Scrutinizing the Vacancies Reform Act—Friendly vs. hostile U.S. Senates—Good luck to the criminals in the Northern District of New Jersey—Listener question: change the vesting clause?—Second Circuit issues decision on remand for Nat'l Rifle Ass'n of Am. v. Vullo.—If you're going to charge a conspiracy, there better be a conspiracy—Critical race theory curriculum—Poisonous fruit of the Garcetti tree—Who has rights over blood spots? ⁠ This episode is brought to you by Burford Capital, the leading global finance firm focused on law. Burford helps companies and law firms unlock the value of their legal assets. With a $7.2 billion portfolio and listings on the NYSE and LSE, Burford provides capital to finance high-value commercial litigation and arbitration—without adding cost, risk, or giving up control. Clients include Fortune 500 companies and Am Law 100 firms, who turn to Burford to pursue strong claims, manage legal costs, and accelerate recoveries. Learn more at ⁠burfordcapital.com/ao⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senior Editor at The Dispatch, Sarah Isgur, explains what Tulsi Gabbard's accusations against Obama officials actually mean and whether or not criminal charges could be filed.

Sarah Isgur and David French discuss the use of autopens as a permission structure and David's Very Big Problems with technology and the pardon power. —What is an autopen?—The problems with David's problems—Buckets of pardons—Day 182 of ignoring the TikTok law—Dispensing power vs. autopen power—Bullying our way to cultural victory—Mandatory reporting and Catholic priests—Responding to Supreme Court clerks—TL;DR concurrence Show Notes:—New York Times article on Biden's pardons—McMahon v. New York—Andy Smarick's piece for The Dispatch—Bob Bauer piece on progressives This episode is brought to you by Burford Capital, the leading global finance firm focused on law. Burford helps companies and law firms unlock the value of their legal assets. With a $7.2 billion portfolio and listings on the NYSE and LSE, Burford provides capital to finance high-value commercial litigation and arbitration—without adding cost, risk, or giving up control. Clients include Fortune 500 companies and Am Law 100 firms, who turn to Burford to pursue strong claims, manage legal costs, and accelerate recoveries. Learn more at burfordcapital.com/ao. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A voice-conscious Jonah Goldberg is flying solo at the Chautauqua Institution and ready to flesh out his morning thoughts. He ruminates over the Epstein-Trump drama, discusses attempts to lower the voting age, and explains the importance of terms.Plus: a review of the week's Remnant episodes with guests Tomer Persico and Sarah Isgur. Show Notes:—This week's Dispatch Roundtable Podcast—This week's Remnant with Tomer Persico—This week's Remnant with Sarah Isgur—Last week's Remnant with Chris Stirewalt—WSJ Epstein Birthday Letter Article The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including Jonah's G-File newsletter, regular livestreams, and other members-only content—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur, David French, and Kannon Shanmugam again reunite for the annual Paul, Weiss summer associate live recording. The three discuss Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's mysterious jurisprudence, political pressure on the Supreme Court bench, and firmly bound, braggadocious briefs.Plus: billable hours, a (not) blockbuster term, and Sarah's insecurity over Texas' quaint size. The Agenda:—The Biter and Aqua Girl—Trump v. Casa, injunctions, and class actions—Pushback on Justice Jackson as the #Resistance justice (and how to write an email)—Splitting the baby on paper vs. digital cert petitions—Guess where Kannon puts his Supreme Court quill pens—It wasn't a blockbuster term—Circuit court crash course—Don't mess with Texas—My big fat 9th Circuit Court—Free speech or parental rights? United States v. Skrmetti and Mahmoud v. Taylor This episode is brought to you by Burford Capital, the leading global finance firm focused on law.Burford helps companies and law firms unlock the value of their legal assets. With a $7.2 billion portfolio and listings on the NYSE and LSE, Burford provides capital to finance high-value commercial litigation and arbitration—without adding cost, risk, or giving up control.Clients include Fortune 500 companies and Am Law 100 firms, who turn to Burford to pursue strong claims, manage legal costs, and accelerate recoveries.Learn more at burfordcapital.com/ao. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah Goldberg, fresh from the San Juan Islands, is joined by longtime friend and host of the Advisory Opinions podcast, Sarah Isgur, to review the recent Supreme Court term sans legalese. They discuss the court's middle element, nationwide injunctions, and Congress' inability to alleviate pressure on the judiciary.Plus: their thoughts on common good constitutionalism and the “Truman Show” lifestyle of the justices. Show Notes:—Advisory Opinions podcast—Jonah's LA Times column: "The Supreme Court's role in our partisan polarization has been greatly exaggerated" The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including Jonah's G-File newsletter, regular livestreams, and other members-only content—click here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French, live from the FIRE Student Network Summer Conference, discuss free speech in non-profits and schools before Sarah takes listeners through the history of Citizens United. Before the youth bring their questions, Sarah and David talk Clinton documentaries and how campaign financing could be a little better. The Agenda:—Can 501(c)3's endorse a candidate?—No “false” pronouns in Florida classrooms—The pain of campaign history and the core of protected speech—Citizens United, yay!—Put your money where your speech is—Why Citizens United didn't matter—Discontent in the American public is the American public's fault—Why super PACs stink—Put your money where the name is—Free speech and David's disagreement with FIRE—Mahmoud: right outcome, wrong reasoning This episode is brought to you by Burford Capital, the leading global finance firm focused on law. Burford helps companies and law firms unlock the value of their legal assets. With a $7.2 billion portfolio and listings on the NYSE and LSE, Burford provides capital to finance high-value commercial litigation and arbitration—without adding cost, risk, or giving up control. Clients include Fortune 500 companies and Am Law 100 firms, who turn to Burford to pursue strong claims, manage legal costs, and accelerate recoveries. Learn more at ⁠burfordcapital.com/ao⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Warren is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Sarah Isgur, and Kevin Williamson to react to the latest internal fights within Donald Trump's White House on Ukraine and explain the logic behind flip-flops on immigration enforcement. The Agenda:—Rogue pause on Ukraine aid—Freelancing at the Pentagon—Trump vs. the restrainers—ICE raids in Los Angeles—Trump's flip-flop on immigration—The hispanic vote—UFC on the South Lawn The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur returns to her home state of Texas to join a panel of leading constitutional scholars for a deep dive into the most significant Supreme Court decisions of the term. Alongside experts Jonathan Adler, Daniel Epps, and Frederick Lawrence, she examines key cases and explores the growing influence of politicians and the media on how the court is viewed by the public. The Agenda:—Is there a play in the joints between religion clauses and the First Amendment?—Why is it called United States. v Skrmetti?—The Fifth Circuit is the new Ninth Circuit—Will the court rein in excesses of state criminal justice? This episode is brought to you by Burford Capital, the leading global finance firm focused on law. Burford helps companies and law firms unlock the value of their legal assets. With a $7.2 billion portfolio and listings on the NYSE and LSE, Burford provides capital to finance high-value commercial litigation and arbitration—without adding cost, risk, or giving up control. Clients include Fortune 500 companies and Am Law 100 firms, who turn to Burford to pursue strong claims, manage legal costs, and accelerate recoveries. Learn more at burfordcapital.com/ao. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pardon our legal nerd-out as Sarah Isgur, David French, Amy Howe, David Lat, and Zachary Shemtob—our dream team of SCOTUSBloggers and Advisory Opinions hosts—break down the biggest moments from the Supreme Court's term. What made this term so mellow? Which rulings came out of left field? And is Justice Jackson the Supreme Court's breakout star? The Agenda:—Mellow vibes all around—Emergency Docket vs. Merits Docket—Cert petition surprises and denials—Oral argument highlights—Justice Clarence Thomas' post-Dobbs influence—Looking ahead Show Notes:—SCOTUSblog's Stat Pack This episode is brought to you by Burford Capital, the leading global finance firm focused on law. Burford helps companies and law firms unlock the value of their legal assets. With a $7.2 billion portfolio and listings on the NYSE and LSE, Burford provides capital to finance high-value commercial litigation and arbitration—without adding cost, risk, or giving up control. Clients include Fortune 500 companies and Am Law 100 firms, who turn to Burford to pursue strong claims, manage legal costs, and accelerate recoveries. Learn more at burfordcapital.com/ao. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On June 27, 2025, the Supreme Court delivered its final decisions of the 2024–25 term. In this episode, Steve Vladeck of the Georgetown University Law Center and Sarah Isgur of SCOTUSblog join to discuss the significant cases from this Supreme Court term.    Resources Trump v. CASA, Inc. (2025)  Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025) DHS v. DVD (2025) Steve Vladeck, “163: A New Kind of Judicial Supremacy,” One First (June 30, 2025) Advisory Opinions podcast Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen. Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Support our important work. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate

Sarah Isgur and David French break down the biggest takeaways from the Supreme Court's latest term using SCOTUSblog's stat pack as their guide. They also explain the outcomes in the Texas explicit content case and the “pride puppy” case. The Agenda:—OT25 in review—The most influential justice—What makes a case “important”—Free Speech Coalition, Inc. v. Paxton—Explaining tiers of scrutiny—The pride puppy case—Curriculum opt-outs— Mahmoud v. Taylor This episode is brought to you by Burford Capital, the leading global finance firm focused on law. Burford helps companies and law firms unlock the value of their legal assets. With a $7.2 billion portfolio and listings on the NYSE and LSE, Burford provides capital to finance high-value commercial litigation and arbitration—without adding cost, risk, or giving up control. Clients include Fortune 500 companies and Am Law 100 firms, who turn to Burford to pursue strong claims, manage legal costs, and accelerate recoveries. Learn more at ⁠burfordcapital.com/ao⁠. Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Divided Argument hosts Daniel Epps and William Baude join Sarah Isgur to unpack the Supreme Court's decision (ahem, non-decision) on birthright citizenship. Plus: a little showdown between two justices. The Agenda:—What the Supreme Court did NOT decide—What the Court DID decide—Similarities to Marbury v. Madison,Loper Bright, and Chevron—Justice Amy Coney Barrett v. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson—Judicial supremacy?—Sir, this is not a Denny's—Injunction influx—The future of forum shopping—A big July for Advisory Opinion Show Notes:—SCOTUSblog on the 6-3 decision itself This episode is brought to you by Burford Capital, the leading global finance firm focused on law. Burford helps companies and law firms unlock the value of their legal assets. With a $7.2 billion portfolio and listings on the NYSE and LSE, Burford provides capital to finance high-value commercial litigation and arbitration—without adding cost, risk, or giving up control. Clients include Fortune 500 companies and Am Law 100 firms, who turn to Burford to pursue strong claims, manage legal costs, and accelerate recoveries. Learn more at burfordcapital.com/ao. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French face the muddiness of a case on moving criminal aliens to South Sudan, the messiness of death penalty cases, and the potential abortion distortion of a plain ol' statutory question. Today's dessert, though, is analyzing an interview of Justice Samuel Alito by the Hoover Institution. The Agenda:—Mark Justice Clarence Thomas off your bingo card—Supreme Court's yellow light for moving criminal aliens to third-party countries—Gutierrez v. Saenz—Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic—Sarah's pet peeve: 18th century life expectancy stats—Chief + Gorsuch = criminal justice case—Alito time This episode is brought to you by Burford Capital, the leading global finance firm focused on law. Burford helps companies and law firms unlock the value of their legal assets. With a $7.2 billion portfolio and listings on the NYSE and LSE, Burford provides capital to finance high-value commercial litigation and arbitration—without adding cost, risk, or giving up control. Clients include Fortune 500 companies and Am Law 100 firms, who turn to Burford to pursue strong claims, manage legal costs, and accelerate recoveries. Learn more at burfordcapital.com/ao. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We celebrate the 100th episode of the podcast with a special cross-over episode with Sarah Isgur at Advisory Opinions! Sarah, Will, and Dan break down today's blockbuster decision in Trump v. CASA, forbidding universal injunctions (and not saying much about birthright citizenship).

Sarah Isgur and David French cover two less-exhilarating Supreme Court decisions (faxes, anyone?) and re-visit the Skrmetti decision. It's four decisions from the district courts, though, that really steal the show. The Agenda:—TikTok ban ticks on—Diamond Alternative Energy v. EPA—McLaughlin Chiropractic Associates, Inc. v. McKesson Corp.—What constitutes gender dysphoria?—Free expression in the spa?—Supreme Court won't bother with Trump's call on the National Guard now—New Mexico kidnapping and murder case and the commerce clause—Public schools' 10 Commandments This episode is brought to you by Burford Capital, the leading global finance firm focused on law. Burford helps companies and law firms unlock the value of their legal assets. With a $7.2 billion portfolio and listings on the NYSE and LSE, Burford provides capital to finance high-value commercial litigation and arbitration—without adding cost, risk, or giving up control. Clients include Fortune 500 companies and Am Law 100 firms, who turn to Burford to pursue strong claims, manage legal costs, and accelerate recoveries. Learn more at burfordcapital.com/ao. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it time to take out Iran's Fordow nuclear site? As pundits gaze through their crystal balls attempting to determine what President Trump will do next, Trump administration officials are fighting over the United States' direct involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict. Sarah Isgur, Steve Hayes, Jonah Goldberg, and John McCormack analyze the many factions of MAGA and the future of Iran. The Agenda:—Israel and Iran: what's next?—Tulsi Gabbard trying to be relevant—The cult of Trumpism—We're against political violence Show Notes:—Jonathan Ruhe's piece for The Dispatch—Jonah's Remnant with Ken Pollack The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French break down the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision to uphold Tennessee's law that bans transgender medical intervention for minors. It's about age, not sex. The Agenda:—Banning TikTok—Trump defies Congress—Tennessee's ban on certain medical treatment for transgender minors—Queasy about judge-made doctrines—The girls are fighting—Just call it cert Show Notes:—Jack Goldsmith on Iran This episode is brought to you by Burford Capital, the leading global finance firm focused on law. Burford helps companies and law firms unlock the value of their legal assets. With a $7.2 billion portfolio and listings on the NYSE and LSE, Burford provides capital to finance high-value commercial litigation and arbitration—without adding cost, risk, or giving up control. Clients include Fortune 500 companies and Am Law 100 firms, who turn to Burford to pursue strong claims, manage legal costs, and accelerate recoveries. Learn more at burfordcapital.com/ao. Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French break down Israel's latest strikes on Iran and the legal questions surrounding them. Was it a justifiable preemptive move, a murky act of prevention, or simply part of an already ongoing war? The Agenda:—Hypotheticals and lawful acts of war—The role of international law—Iran's response—Trump's national guard deployment—Raiding Los Angeles—Wrong, wrongy wrong, McWronger face—Time for some role play—Justice Amy Coney Barrett: A New Era in the Supreme Court This episode is brought to you by Burford Capital, the leading global finance firm focused on law. Burford helps companies and law firms unlock the value of their legal assets. With a $7.2 billion portfolio and listings on the NYSE and LSE, Burford provides capital to finance high-value commercial litigation and arbitration—without adding cost, risk, or giving up control. Clients include Fortune 500 companies and Am Law 100 firms, who turn to Burford to pursue strong claims, manage legal costs, and accelerate recoveries. Learn more at burfordcapital.com/ao. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes, Sarah Isgur, David French, and Jonah Goldberg break down what counts as an “insurrection” after the L.A. riots—and why the chaos might be hurting Trump in the optics war. The Agenda:—Unrest in Los Angeles—In defense of norms—What is an insurrection?—Polling on Los Angeles unrest—"Worse the better"—Tulsi Gabbard's strange nuke video—SANE / FREEZE part two—NWYT: Child rot summer Show Notes:—Jonah Goldberg on Trump and carnage The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French check the temperature on Thursday's Supreme Court hand downs (cold term, anyone?), diving into a case where federal agents raided the wrong house. The Agenda:—Death penalty stuff and successive habeas petitions—Gorsuch the libertarian—FBI raid gone wrong—Explaining the Federal Tort Claims Act and Bivens—Conspiracy theory time—Associated Press and their access to press—We're all ‘cranckpots' —Is yoga protected by the First Amendment? Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French break down the legal merits of the Trump administration's mobilization of the National Guard and the latest opinions from the liberal side of the Supreme Court. The Agenda:—Federalization of National Guard troops—Liberal justices, conservative outcomes—AI's bad legal analysis—Reverse employment discrimination—Suing gun manufacturers—Catholic charities—Class-action lawsuit and kiosks Show Notes:—Mitch Landrieu on The Dispatch Podcast Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French discuss the hottest case on everyone's lips—Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County—and how buzz around Abundance Democrats may have influenced the outcome. The Agenda:—Some regulatory papers are longer than the railroads entities were requesting to build—Subbing in recused SCOTUS judges, what could go wrong?—Abortion battles in Texas—Yes, maybe having Steve Bannon's case at the Supreme Court is a good thing—Judges act differently on camera Show Notes:—John Ross' "Short Circuit" newslette Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French discuss the legal back and forth regarding President Donald Trump's tariffs before turning to his attacks on the Federalist Society. The Agenda:—Court of international trade blocks Trump's tariffs—Appeals court reinstates tariffs—Major questions, explained—Jack Goldsmith on IEEPA—Trump goes after Leonard Leo—What is the difference between a lie and criminal fraud?—Granting and revoking immigration statuses—Blue Book reform Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French explain the Supreme Court opinion in Trump v. Wilcox on presidential removal limits. Plus: an update on the religious charter schools case. The Agenda:—Future of religious charter schools—Trump v. Wilcox—Can Congress limit executive removals?—“Only two genders” T-shirt—The Court's First Amendment jurisprudence—“Beat the children with sticks”—A gumbo footnote—Tips for the bar exam: Don't do what Sarah and David did Show Notes:—Seila Law  Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Steve Hayes, and Michael Warren to discuss Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson's new reporting out of Original Sin on Joe Biden's cognitive decline.  Plus, Dispatch Capitol Hill reporter Charles Hilu joins to break down the House's "big beautiful bill." The Agenda:—Big beautiful explanation—No tax on tips?—Biden's Original Sin—Media accountability—“The media gets a C minus at best.”—NWYT: Is AI taking entry-level jobs? Show Notes:—Rep. Keith Self on the “big beautiful bill”—Scott Lincicome on AI and jobs The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah Goldberg has found himself in some serious legal trouble, forcing him to invite Sarah Isgur to Chez Remnant to talk horrible bosses, the 14th Amendment, Kristi Noem's loose grasp of habeas corpus, and the increasing ennui associated with American politics. Plus: Sarah and Jonah's sage advice for the class of 2025 and the Isgur-Goldberg love line segment. The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including Jonah's G-File newsletter, regular livestreams, and other members-only content—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French are joined by William Baude, professor at the University of Chicago Law School, to discuss the scandalizing origins of originalism. But first, a recap of SCOTUS cases. The Agenda:—Narrowing the Fourth Amendment— Where is Kilmar Abrego Garcia?—AARP v. Trump is an unfortunate case name—Facebook post raises eyebrows for Maine lawmakers—Correcting the color of our briefs—Dissents, dissental, disgrantle—Move over Robert Bork Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur and David French invite Judge Kevin Newsom of the 11th Circuit to discuss his time clerking for Justice David Souter and the strong humility that defines the late justice's legacy. Then, Sarah and David recap their annual Legal Eagles trip to Gettysburg. The Agenda:—Justice David Souter's independent mind and the significance of his judicial philosophy—6th Circuit Judge Chad Readler breaks down Legal Eagles trip to Gettysburg—The Constitution and the Civil War with 6th Circuit Chief Judge Jeffrey Sutton—Chief Judge Edmund Sargus of the Southern District of Ohioshares the story of Thomas Drummond and his overlooked role in the Civil War—Pickett's Charge! Show Notes:—SCOTUSblog: “David Souter, Retired Supreme Court Justice, Dies at 85” Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings, ⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices