Divided Argument Divided Argument

The Based Direction

Jul 27, 2026 · 54m

Summary

Hosts Dan Epps and Will Bode discuss the Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision in *TM v. University of Maryland Medical System*, which revived the Rooker-Feldman doctrine to bar federal district courts from reviewing state court judgments. The episode analyzes the unusual ideological split, with Justice Sotomayor joining conservative justices, and debates whether the doctrine stems from statutory jurisdiction or functional necessity. The hosts also touch on recent congressional testimony by Justices Kagan and Barrett regarding court security and the "shadow docket."

Topics discussed

Intro: Welcome to Divided Argument and episode predictions Listener feedback, merchandise, and favorite episodes Philosophy debate and AI analysis of past predictions Prediction markets, gambling regulation, and insider trading Justices' security, testimony, and the 'shadow docket' TM v. UMMC: Introduction to the Rooker-Feldman Doctrine Core Rooker-Feldman principles and the case outcome Majority opinion and statutory basis for the doctrine Dissenting views and functional critiques of the doctrine Collateral estoppel vs. jurisdictional dismissal Justice Thomas's concurrence and original jurisdiction Justice Barrett's dissent and future legal impact Outro: Ratings, reviews, and contact information
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