Is This Really Legal?

This morning, President Trump called off the livestream of Nidal Hasan's execution by the U.S. military. The execution via firing squad will still go forward. Is any of this legal? Liz and returning guest retired Navy Commander Bobby Jones give their best answers.Have a question about the legal news? Send Liz an email at [email protected] or leave a message at 202-495-1458.Note: this episode was recorded on October 14, 2026. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.isthisreallylegal.org

How did Ghislaine Maxwell get transferred to a minimum-security prison—and why is the government withholding the explanation? Liz Oyer talks with Bloomberg investigative reporter Jason Leopold about his fight for the records, his most surprising discoveries, and how anyone can use the Freedom of Information Act to demand answers.Jason’s Bloomberg articles:Ghislaine Maxwell’s Prison Transfer Application ReleasedPutin’s Assassination Targets Revealed in Declassified MemoFOIA documents referenced:Inspector General ReportIvana TrumpPutinEminemFOIA website:foia.govFor more of Jason’s work, check out his FOIA Files newsletter and his FOIA podcast Disclosure. Have a question about the legal news? Send Liz an email at [email protected] or leave a message at 202-495-1458. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.isthisreallylegal.org

Can a president ban reporters because he doesn’t like their coverage? Liz Oyer sits down with media law litigator Susan Seager to examine the White House's ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico and the constitutional questions it raises. They also discuss the president’s lawsuits against the media, efforts to uncover journalists’ confidential sources, and what these actions mean for the public’s right to know.Have a question about the legal news? Send Liz an email at [email protected] or leave a message at 202-495-1458.This episode was recorded on September 23, 2026, before the district court’s ruling. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.isthisreallylegal.org

This week, Liz uses Lindsay Clancy’s case as a starting point to discuss the overlooked experiences of women in prison. She is joined by Sara Bennett, a photographer and former public defender whose work focuses on women serving life sentences.View more of Sara Bennett’s work and purchase her book on her website: https://sarabennett.org/Have a question about the legal news? Send Liz an email at [email protected] or leave a message at 202-495-1458. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.isthisreallylegal.org

Liz Oyer sits down with Nathaniel Zelinsky, an attorney who is representing Congresswoman Joyce Beatty in her lawsuit challenging the Kennedy Center’s renaming and planned shutdown.They discuss the fight over the Kennedy Center, the White House ballroom, and the proposed 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery—and explain why even a potentially unlawful project can be difficult to stop.Have a question about the legal news? Send Liz an email at [email protected] or leave a message at 202-495-1458. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.isthisreallylegal.org