OA267: Originalism and the Eighth Amendment (Bucklew v. Precythe)

<p>Today's breaking news episode takes an in-depth look at <em>Bucklew v. Precythe</em>, a recent Supreme Court decision that lays bare the "originalist" view of the Eighth Amendment.  Is it as bad as you think it is?  (Yes.)</p> <p>We begin, however, with a look at <em>Texas v. U.S.</em> and the recent news that the Trump administration "changed its mind" and "will no longer defend" the Affordable Care Act.  What does that mean?  Listen and find out!</p> <p>Then, it's time for our deep dive into <em>Bucklew v. Precythe</em>, the Supreme Court's analysis of how the 8th Amendment applies in capital punishment cases.</p> <p>After that, we go back to Yodel Mountain for some updates on the congressional investigations, including the <a href= "http://openargs.com/wp-content/uploads/Neal_Letter.pdf">Congressional request for Trump's tax returns</a> and an EPIC FOIA request.</p> <p>And if all that isn't enough for you, well, we end, as always, with a brand new Thomas Takes the Bar Exam Question #121 involving the constitutionality of Presidential executive orders.  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<br /></span></p> <p>Thomas was just a guest on <a href= "http://dissonancepod.com/episode-463-no-consumption/">the Cognitive Dissonance podcast; go check it out</a>!  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"><span style= "font-weight: 400">Show Notes & Links</span></span></p> <p>1. Wikipedia entry on sodium thiopental can be found <a style= "color: #41a62a" href= "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_thiopental">here</a>.<br /> 2. <a style="color: #41a62a" href= "https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-7955_aplc.pdf">G