Shows
modus SCOTUSEp. 29 Shurtleff, Concepcion and Ted Cruz for SenateThis week, Bill and Venesia take a look at three recent hearings: (1) Shurtleff v. Boston, a First Amendment establishment clause argument; (2) Concepcion v. United States, a resentencing argument concerning the First Step Act; and (3) Federal Election Commission v. Ted Cruz for Senate, an election financing argument. Plus we touch on the history of the SCOTUS building. For more information, see:Our website: https://modusscotus.wixsite.com/modusscotusFor more information on these cases:Shurtleff v. Boston, oral argument: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2021/20-1800Oyez: https://www.oyez.org...
2022-01-241h 10modus SCOTUSEp. 28 NFIB v. OSHA and Biden v. MissouriWelcome back! It has been too long. Bill and Venesia finally get together to catch up and talk about the same thing that everyone is talking about: vaccines! Specifically, what SCOTUS has to say about vaccine mandates in two recent cases: National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) v. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Biden v. Missouri.Our website: https://modusscotus.wixsite.com/modusscotusFor more information on these cases:NFIB v. OSHA, oral argument: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2021/21A244Oyez: https://www.oyez...
2022-01-1758 minmodus SCOTUSEp. 27 Houston CCS v. Wilson and Austin v. ReaganBill and Venesia have a lot to say about speech! That is, speech under the First Amendment, specifically in Texas. SCOTUS recently had two oral arguments coming out of Texas regarding free speech rights: one regarding censures and the other about billboard signs. (Not exactly what you had in mind when thinking about the First Amendment, right?) Tune in to hear our thoughts on Houston Community College System v. Wilson and City of Austin, Texas v. Reagan National Advertising of Texas Inc.Our website: https://modusscotus.wixsite.com/modusscotusFor more information on these cases:
2021-11-211h 01modus SCOTUSEp. 26 Whole Woman's Health and N.Y. Rifle & Pistol AssociationThis week, Bill and Venesia discuss abortion and gun rights. Talk about small-talk! Learn about what is going on with Texas’ SB8 law providing a private right of action against individuals who obtain an abortion after 6 weeks, and anyone who aids in the process. And learn about the newest attack on New York gun regulations. For more information on these cases, see:Whole Woman’s Health v. Jackson, Oral Argument: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2021/21-463Oyez: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2021/21-463New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Brue...
2021-11-151h 32modus SCOTUSEp. 25 Thompson v. Clark and U.S. v. TsarnaevThis week, the Justices had a little fun contemplating how the criminal justice system should handle fictional characters such as Jean Valjean and centaurs. Bill and Venesia try to decipher the possible Fourth Amendment argument in Thompson v. Clark and the possible Eighth Amendment argument in U.S. v. Tsarnaev.Warning: this episode contains graphic descriptions of the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing.For more information on this week’s cases, check out:Thompson v. Clark, oral argument: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2021/20-659Thompson, Oyez: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2021/20-6...
2021-10-181h 00modus SCOTUSEp. 24 Wooden and ZubaydahWelcome back! Bill and Venesia are back at it. Bill and Venesia are feeling warm and fuzzy knowing that the justices are all (almost) back together and doing what they do. This week, Bill and Venesia get together (virtually) to discuss two hearings: Wooden v. United States, a case about a career criminal statute in Georgia and United States v. Zubaydah, a case about federally protected CIA information. We also discuss some fun trivia about chief justices. Check out our website for the full story! https://modusscotus.wixsite.com/modusscotusCases discussed:Wooden v...
2021-10-1157 minmodus SCOTUSEp. 23 Reviewing the 2021 SessionBill and Venesia get together to discuss the upcoming 2021 session. Hearings begin again on October 4th, so tune in to hear about the big cases coming up!Music by ViraLöde.
2021-10-0348 min
modus SCOTUSEp. 22 RECAP: AFP, Guzman Chavez and BrnovichThey're back! Bill and Venesia finally get around to discussing the final few opinions of the 2020 session: Americans for Prosperity Foundation v. Bonta, Johnson v. Guzman Chavez and Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee. Buckle up; this one is a bumpy ride! For more information:AFP v. Bonta: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/19-251_p86b.pdfJohnson v. Guzman Chavez: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/19-897_c07d.pdfBrnovich v. DNC: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/19-1257_new_4g15.pdfCheck out the modusSCOTUS website f...
2021-08-291h 35modus SCOTUSBONUS - Check in and bar statusBill and Venesia are survive. Two days out from the bar exam, the Modus SCOTUS team briefly shares their takeaways from the study process thus far.
2021-07-2506 minmodus SCOTUSEp. 21 RECAP: NCAA, Mahanoy, Lange and Cedar PointHappy Fourth of July weekend! After you are done celebrating America’s independence, eating hotdogs and sipping seltzer, tune in to hear about some recent opinions. Bill and Venesia discuss NCAA, Mahanoy, Lange and Cedar Point: Fair trade, First Amendment, Fourth Amendment and Fifth Amendment. Perfect topics for Independence Day!NCAA v. Alston: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20-512_new_7mi8.pdfMahanoy v. B.L.: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20-255_g3bi.pdfLange v. California: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20-18_new_6k47.pdfCedar Po...
2021-07-051h 23modus SCOTUSEp. 20 RECAP: Terry, Greer and FultonBill and Venesia finally get some of the decisions they have been waiting all term for! And the results are rather unexpected (except for the ones that we PERFECTLY predicted). SCOTUS released the opinions in Terry v. U.S., Greer v. U.S. and Fulton v. City of Philadelphia. Tune in to hear a little about why these cases came out the way they did and for some fun trivia about Father's Day!For more information about this episode:Justice Breyer robbed at machete-point during Caribbean vacation: https://www.cnn.com/2012/02/13/us/justice-breyer-robbed/index.html
2021-06-201h 06modus SCOTUSEp. 19 Van Buren v. United StatesBill and Venesia are back again (off schedule) because Venesia decided to go on vacation during an episode week. The nerve. So that means there will not be a new episode next Sunday. But we make-do by discussing statutory interpretation in Van Buren v. United States, and reflecting on the recent Fourth Amendment case, Caniglia v. Strom, as it will likely be applied to an Eighth Circuit case, Sanders v. United States. We also briefly reflect on some of the important victories for LGBTQ+ rights that passed through SCOTUS.Check out our website for more information and...
2021-06-0652 minmodus SCOTUSEp. 18 Guam, Caniglia, Edwards and BPWe're back! Bill and Venesia cover some of the newest decisions from May 2021: Territory of Guam v. United States, Caniglia v. Strom, Edwards v. Vannoy and BP p.l.c. v. Mayor and City Council of Baltimore. Did we guess BP v. Baltimore correctly??? Tune in! Or check out our new website, https://modusscotus.wixsite.com/modusscotusFor more information regarding the discussion:National Constitution Center, Breyer Talk: https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/educational-video/justice-breyer-on-the-constitution-civil-discourse-and-the-courtsTerritory of Guam v. United States: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20-382_869d.pdfCaniglia v. S...
2021-05-311h 07modus SCOTUSEp. 17 Terry v. United StatesBill and Venesia wrap up the 2020-2021 term with a discussion of the final oral argument and a brief review of past and future decisions. ModusSCOTUS will be putting out new podcasts BIWEEKLY during the term break so that Bill and Venesia can study for the July bar exam. Yay. But don't worry! We will keep an eye out for SCOTUS opinions and stay up-to-date on all of the SCOTUS happenings during our biweekly roundups. If you miss us: find us on Twitter or Instagram!Information from this episode:Terry v. United States, oral argument...
2021-05-161h 05modus SCOTUSEp. 16 Americans for Prosperity v. BontaBill and Venesia fall down another rabbit hole of First Amendment questions. This time, we are discussing the April 26th hearing, Americans for Prosperity v. Bonta (Rodriquez), and whether charities can be forced to disclose the names of their donors. After that, we discuss Stare Decisis and Justice Thomas' latest push to overrule past precedent in his dissent to the denial of cert. in Doe v. United States. Find more about these cases and other topics below: Americans for Prosperity v. Bonta, oral argument: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2020/19-251Americans for Prosperity v...
2021-05-091h 05modus SCOTUSEp. 15 Mahanoy v. B.L. and Jones v. MississippiBill and Venesia discuss 1st Amendment and 8th Amendment questions raised by SCOTUS in the April 28th oral argument, Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L., and the April 22nd decision, Jones v. Mississippi. Learn about when and where students are not protected by the 1st Amendment right to freedom of speech and the progeny of sentencing limits for juveniles. See below for more information on the discussion. Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. oral argument: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2020/20-255Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L., Oyez: https://www.o...
2021-05-021h 07modus SCOTUSEp. 14 Greer v. US and Florida v. GeorgiaBill and Venesia discuss appellate procedure and environmental law (sort of). Can an appellate court look outside of the trial record when affirming a conviction? Is Georgia ruining Florida's oyster fisheries? Plus: SCOTUS shuts down the FTC's attempt to collect damages from Dirty Money's Scott Tucker. Tune in to hear about these recent cases and more!Greer v. United States, Oyez: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2020/19-8709Greer v. United States, oral argument: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2020/19-8709Florida v. Georgia, SCOTUS opinion: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/22o142...
2021-04-2652 minmodus SCOTUSEp. 13 Court Packing, Politics and the Shadow DocketAnother week without new court hearings! So Bill and Venesia discuss the recent executive order for a SCOTUS commission, the Congressional attempts to set a number of Court seats, the secretive nature of the Court's "Shadow Docket" and Justice Breyer's lecture on keeping politics out of the Court. Plus: when have presidents refused to enforce the decisions of the Supreme Court? All this and more!Harvard's 2021 Scalia Lecture, presented by Justice Breyer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHxTQxDVTdU&t=363sExecutive Order on the Establishment of the Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of...
2021-04-181h 10modus SCOTUSEp. 12 Facebook v. Duguid (and Section 230 info)Bill and Venesia try to recall their grade school grammar lessons while reviewing the April 1st opinion in Facebook v. Duguid. Bill gives an introduction to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 and how it impacts First Amendment rights on social media. If you liked this review of §230: good! Bill will be sharing more in future episodes. For now, feel free to reach out to us with questions or comments at modusSCOTUS@gmail.com and find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ModusScotusFind more about the cases discussed:Facebook v. Dugid, Opinion: https://w...
2021-04-121h 03modus SCOTUSEp. 11 National Collegiate Athletic Association v. AlstonBill and Venesia discuss the March 31st hearing in NCAA v. Alston and the March 25th opinion in Torres v. Madrid. Also: happy birthday, Bill!NCAA v. Alston, Oyez: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2020/20-512Torres v. Madrid opinion: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/19-292_21p3.pdfMusic by ViraLöde.
2021-04-051h 12modus SCOTUSEp. 10 Cedar Point Nursery v. HassidBill and Venesia discuss the March 22nd oral argument in Cedar Point Nursery v. Hassid and the opinion relating to the denial of cert. for Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association v. Raimondo. Also mentioned: Dominion lawsuits, the changing number of SCOTUS justices throughout the years and a tiny dog named Bean. Find more information:Cedar Point, Oyez: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2020/20-107Cedar Point oral argument: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2020/20-107Massachusetts Lobstermen's Assn. opinion: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20-97_jiel.pdfFirefighters save a little dog...
2021-03-2953 minmodus SCOTUSEp. 9 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service v. Sierra Club, Inc.No hearings this week! So Bill and Venesia reflect on an opinion that came out on March 4. Why? Because it is Justice Barrett's first SCOUTS opinion! Plus, it's spring break, so we are keeping it short and fun for this episode. Find more information about U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service v. Sierra Club, Inc. below.Oyez: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2020/19-547SCOTUS Opinion: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/19-547_new_i42k.pdfMusic by ViraLöde.
2021-03-2130 minmodus SCOTUSBONUS - Uzuegbunam v. PreczewskiBill, Venesia and guest, Sam Lindeyer, briefly review the recent SCOTUS opinion in Uzuegbunam v. Preczewski. Oyez: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2020/19-968Case Opinion: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/19-968_8nj9.pdfMusic by ViraLöde.
2021-03-1509 minmodus SCOTUSEp 8. SPECIAL - LGBTQ rights vs. religious freedomBill and Venesia are joined by guest, Sam Lindeyer, a local chemist and frisbee golf enthusiast. In this special episode, the group will debate the ongoing struggle between LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom. Cases:Obergefell v. Hodges: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2014/14-556Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2017/16-111Bostock v. Clayton County: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2019/17-1618In re Mary Hall: https://www.jstor.org/stable/3304630?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contentsFulton v. City of Philadelphia: https://w...
2021-03-151h 03modus SCOTUSEp. 7 Brnovich v. Democratic National CommitteeBill and Venesia discuss voting laws. This week, the constitutionality of two AZ voting regulations was argued before SCOTUS while the House of Representatives passed a voting rights reform act. Which side will win?? Learn about Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and what constitutes a "voting standard, practice, or procedure that results in the denial or abridgement of the right of any citizen to vote on account of race, color, or membership in a language minority group." Learn more about the discussion here:Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee oral argument: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral...
2021-03-0759 minmodus SCOTUSEp. 6 Lange v. CaliforniaBill and Venesia cover the February 24, 2021 hearing in Lange v. California, Justice Thomas' dissent in Republican Party of PA v. Degraffenreid, and some Justice Marshall and Justice Thomas trivia. Learn a little about the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution and some possible upcoming exceptions to that protection. As always: none of this information constitutes legal advice. Please seek assistance from a lawyer if you have concerns about your Fourth Amendment rights! Learn more about the discussed cases here:Fourth Amendment: https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/Lange v. California: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2020/20...
2021-03-0156 minmodus SCOTUSEp. 5 Federal ExecutionsDISCLAIMER: This episode contains some graphic descriptions of violent crimes. Listener discretion is advised. Bill and Venesia review the recent Federal executions that occurred at the end of 2020 and beginning of 2021. Executions include the January 12th execution of Lisa Montgomery; January 14th execution of Cory Johnson; and the January 15th execution of Dustin John Higgs. The Dunn v. Smith death penalty stay is also discussed. Justice Coney Barrett joined the liberal Justices in staying an execution?? Plus, who was the youngest Justice to serve on the bench? Learn more about the discussed cases here:Jefferson D...
2021-03-011h 06modus SCOTUSEp. 4 BP P.L.C. v. Mayor and City Council of BaltimoreBill and Venesia discuss the January 19, 2021 hearing in BP P.L.C. v. Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, SCOTUS romance and Churches during COVID-19. Cases Discussed: BP P.L.C. v. Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, SOUTH BAY UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, ET AL., v. GAVIN NEWSOM, GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA, ET AL., HARVEST ROCK CHURCH, ET AL. V. NEWSOM, GOV. OF CA, GISH, WENDY, ET AL. V. NEWSOM, GOV. OF CA, ET AL.Find more information on these cases here:BP v. Baltimore hearing: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2020/19-1189S...
2021-03-011h 03modus SCOTUSEp. 3 Pham v. GuzmanBill and Venesia talk about the January 11, 2021 hearing in Pham v. Guzman. This case is a statutory interpretation question regarding immigration status and placement. Make yourself a sandwich and tune in. Find more information on this case here:https://www.oyez.org/cases/2020/19-897https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2020/19-897Music is brought to you by ViraLöde.
2021-03-011h 12modus SCOTUSEp. 2 Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. CuomoToday we are talking about the recent opinion that was published on November 25, 2020 regarding Church operations during COVID-19 restrictions in NY. Find more about this case at:https://www.oyez.org/cases/2020/20A87https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/20a87.htmlMusic is brought to you by ViraLöde.
2021-03-0153 minmodus SCOTUSEp. 1 modus SCOTUS IntroWelcome to modus SCOTUS! The podcast where two law students pretend to understand what is going on at the Supreme Court of the United States. Meet Venesia Hurtubise and Bill Kehoe, your hosts who will try to consume and regurgitate the law and happenings at the Supreme Court... so you don't have to!This podcast is for anyone and everyone who is interested in learning about what is currently happening at the Supreme Court. Enjoy!Music is brought to you by ViraLöde.
2021-03-0105 min