OA248: The Cert(iorari) Show!

<p>Today's episode features a deep dive into a bunch of different issues around granting the writ of certiorari -- "cert" -- and some of the intricacies of how the Trump administration is trying to take advantage of the activist Supreme Court.  Oh, and we also tackle a lawsuit that's being grossly misrepresented by the media.</p> <p>We begin with a discussion of the unique procedure of "cert before judgment."  What is it, how rare is it, and... why is the Trump administration trying to deploy it with alarming frequency?  Listen and find out!</p> <p>Then, we revisit litigation regarding the census that we first discussed back in <a href= "https://openargs.com/oa232-trumps-plan-to-weaponize-the-census-bridgegate/"> Episode 232</a>, and the administration's effort to... get cert before judgment (of course).</p> <p>Our main segment looks at something Andrew has never seen before:  essentially, a four-justice <em>dissent</em> from a denial of certiorari.  Why is this weird?  Listen and find out as we dissect that very opinion in <em><a href= "https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/012219zor_8759.pdf">Kennedy v. Bremerton School Dist</a>.</em></p> <p>Next, we tackle a recent clickbaity headline involving a dishwasher allegedly showered with money for "skipping work to go to church."  Find out why the reporting on this case has been totally irresponsible and what really happened.</p> <p>After all that, it's time for the answer to Thomas Takes The Bar Exam #111, which involved a contract for defective water bottles.  As always, remember to follow our Twitter feed (<a href="https://twitter.com/openargs">@Openargs</a>) and like our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/openargs/">Facebook Page</a> so that you too can play along with #TTTBE!</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Appearances</span></p> <p>None!  If you’d like to have either of us as a guest on your show, drop us an email at <a href= "mailto:openarguments@gmail.com">openarguments@gmail.com</a>.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Sh