We're back to discuss more head-scratching personal injury lawsuits this week! First, a man successfully sues his parents for throwing out his extensive collection of "adult" films. Then, we discuss a prank gone wrong where the legal result would likely make Kevin McCallister and Dennis the Menace a little nervous. But it's not all pesky kids and porn stashes; we've got some legal insight too. 

Join us for a fun discussion of some of the most notable, lambasted, and misunderstood personal injury lawsuits in American history. There will be coffee, beer, and sandwiches (talked about, of course, this is a podcast. But we'd treat you if we could). 

To what extent does the First Amendment protect obscenity (i.e. pornography). What is pornography and what is artistic expression? Learn all about this titillating subject on this episode of DJM.

DJM is going back to school this week as we discuss the movement around increasing parental involvement in public schools. Can lawmakers ban books? Can parents dictate curriculum choices? And how does the First Amendment fit into all of this? We don’t have a magic school bus, but we do have an interesting discussion of new legislation and previous Supreme Court cases related to education.

If you're a home gardener or live in an area where there's a lot of farming going on, you've probably heard of Roundup. In this Sidebar, Joe and Vaidehi discuss the ongoing lawsuits based on Roundup weed killer's potentially harmful side effects and why its maker, Monsanto, has a 50/50 record in these disputes so far. 

Does pleading the Fifth make you look guilty? Should you plead the Fifth even if you're innocent? This week our hosts discuss the Fifth Amendment's protection against self-incrimination, also known as "pleading the Fifth." Come for information about constitutional rights, stay for Joe's impression of a certain interior decorator who probably should have refused to answer questions from the FBI.

For more information, check out Joe's blog post about pleading the Fifth. 

In 2021, we covered the stranger-than-fiction case of Alex Murdaugh, the attorney from a prominent family who was charged with planning his own murder for the insurance money. 

Now, he's charged with murdering his wife and son. Our hosts discuss the circumstances and allegations against Murdaugh, who if charged and convicted of these and other allegations is approaching serial killer territory. 

Join us in the Wayback Machine to talk about the ever-timely issue of the separation of church and state. This episode we discuss the Enlightenment, the Wars of Religion, and what was going on in the minds of Thomas Jefferson & Co. when the Founders drafted the Bill of Rights. And because we don't want to be so serious all the time, we also talk about Rhode Island's troublemaking youth and invite you to play a drinking game. 

WNBA star Brittney Griner was detained in Russia in February after airport authorities found a marijuana vape cartridge in her luggage. The Biden administration is working on a prisoner exchange to bring her home, but what happens if you're arrested abroad and not quite as well-connected? 

This episode, our hosts discuss Griner's case, extradition, and international criminal law. 

Doing anything to protect your children is understandable. But when "anything" involves attempted murder, don't be surprised when you face consequences. This sidebar episode our hosts discuss the criminal and civil cases involving Cain Velasquez, the WWE wrestler and two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, who is now suing his child's alleged molester from behind bars. 

We're back to wrap up the end of the U.S. Supreme Court's frantic 2021-2022 term. With no shortage of impactful decisions to choose from, this time we cover West Virginia v. EPA (taking power away from federal agencies), Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta (how state governments handle criminal matters with tribal authorities), and two First Amendment cases that emphasize the free exercise of religion (Carson v. Maikin and Kennedy v. Bremerton School District).   

Read more on FindLaw:

• A Touchdown for Religious Expression
• SCOTUS Again Extends Religious Expression
• Supreme Court Gives States Expanded Power Over Native Tribes
• SCOTUS Limits EPA Emission Control Powers

The U.S. Supreme Court's 2021-2022 session wrapped up in June. And while the decision that overturned Roe v. Wade arguably grabbed the most headlines, there were quite a few groundbreaking opinions from the court this term. In this episode, our hosts discuss Vega v. Tekoh (limiting Miranda rights), Biden v. Texas (ending "Remain in Mexico"), and New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen (expanding Second Amendment rights). 

Learn more about these topics on FindLaw:

Miranda v. Arizona Case Summary

Despite SCOTUS Ruling, New York Aims to Restrict Gun Carrying

Supreme Court Allows Biden Administration to End "Remain in Mexico" 

Truth is stranger than fiction, which is why Netflix's "Our Father" documentary left the DJM hosts shaking their heads. This sidebar episode our hosts tackle the legal issues involved in artificial insemination and the inexplicable actions of Donald Kline, a fertility doctor from Indianapolis who . . . well, listen to the episode. A short description doesn't do it justice. 

For more on paternity law, visit https://www.findlaw.com/family/paternity/

From legal wrangling in states over gender-affirming care to several Biden Administration executive orders, there's a lot to discuss regarding LGTBQ+ laws. And is Bostock v. Clayton County safe in light of recent Supreme Court decisions? This episode our hosts walk through a few things to note.

For more comprehensive coverage, check out FindLaw's new section devoted to LGBTQ+ rights and legal issues: www.findlaw.com/lgbtq-law.html

Happy Pride Month!

No, it is not. But in a recent indictment against Jeffery Lamar Williams, a.k.a. Young Thug, Fulton County prosecutors submitted lyrics as evidence indicating Williams' involvement in a criminal organization. He is being prosecuted under RICO.

Is Young Thug the head of an Atlanta street gang? We have no idea. But Laura has a thing or two to say about using rap lyrics as evidence of criminal intent. 

Come for the celebrity gossip, stay for the interesting legal aspects of the defamation case heard ‘round the world. Our hosts discuss the elements of defamation, the actual malice standard, and why the Heard vs. Depp trial got so messy and salacious.

We're back with Part 2 of our discussion of the Dobbs leaked draft opinion. Check out Part 1 for a full discussion of Roe v. Wade and a history of abortion jurisprudence.

This week, we're discussing other "privacy" cases that could be impacted by the Dobbs decision, a list that includes birth control, private sexual acts, same-sex and interracial marriage, and others. 

Justice Alito's leaked draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health made worldwide news. In response, we're revisting the history of abortion jurisprudence in the U.S. Join us to get a fuller understanding of Roe v. Wade, how courts have historically viewed the constitutional right to privacy in regard to pregnancy and abortion, and Justice Alito's arguments in the draft opinion.

For more in-depth analysis of abortion law, check out the following FindLaw articles:

Roe v. Wade Case Summary: What You Need to Know

Explaining Alito's Leaked Draft Opinion Overturning Roe v. Wade

Could Roe v. Wade Be Overturned?

Walt Disney World is truly a special place. Not just because of Mickey, but also because the Reedy Creek Improvement District upon which Disney World rests is a one-of-a-kind special district under Florida law. Disney is responsible for almost all of the public services in the district, including trash disposal and issuing property taxes (which it pays to itself). At least, that’s how it was until now. The special district status is in jeopardy after Florida legislators took umbrage at Disney’s public opposition to Florida's HB 1557, commonly known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

Will Disney World lose its Vatican-like status? What happens if it does? Are there First Amendment issues to consider? We discuss on this sidebar episode.

Schenck v. United States: Case Summary

Brandenburg v. Ohio: Permissible Restrictions on Violent Speech

Student First Amendment Rights

The Separation of Church and State: Everson v. Board of Education