Catholic Church – Opening Arguments

Today’s episode takes a deep dive into a 2003 Supreme Court decision, Stogner v. California, and discusses the Constitution’s ex post facto clause. Why? Listen and find out!

After that, we break down the $95 million lawsuit filed by Roy Moore against Sacha Baron Cohen alleging defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and fraud. Is it meritorious? Who’s Moore’s lawyer? Will you laugh? There’s only one way to know!

Finally, we end with Thomas Takes the Bar Exam Question #92 regarding the introduction of testimony against a gang member. Remember to follow our Twitter feed (@Openargs) and like our Facebook Page so that you too can play along with #TTTBE!

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Show Notes & Links

Here’s the link to Stogner v. California, 539 U.S. 607 (2003).
Click here to read the $95 million lawsuit filed by Roy Moore against Sacha Baron Cohen.

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

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For show-related questions, check out the Opening Arguments Wiki

And email us at openarguments@gmail.com

Direct Download

Today’s episode tackles two big church/state separation stories currently circulating right now: the recent lawsuit filed by the owner of the Masterpiece Cakeshop, and the Pennsylvania grand jury investigation of the Catholic Church. And, of course, there’s no better guide to these issues than friend of the show and Director of Strategic Response for the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Andrew Seidel.

We begin the Masterpiece, going in depth on the case we first discussed back in Episode 201. Find out what the Andrews think will happen to this case — and along the way, you’ll learn something about Younger abstention!

After that, we turn to the Pennsylvania grand jury investigation regarding the Catholic Church, discuss statutes of limitation, and learn what we can do about it going forward.

Finally, we end with an all new Thomas (and Andrew!) Take The Bar Exam #91 involving — by sheer coincidence! — the First Amendment and prayers at a student graduation. If you’d like to play along, just retweet our episode on Twitter or share it on Facebook along with your guess and the #TTTBE hashtag. We’ll release the answer on next Tuesday’s episode along with our favorite entry!