Is This Really Legal?

What should you do if you face intimidation at the polls? How can you be sure your vote is counted? What's going on in Alaska? And what happens if the results aren’t clear on election night?Earlier this week, we asked for your questions about the upcoming midterm elections. Now, Liz is joined by Stephen Richer, former recorder of Maricopa County, and Sam Oliker-Friedland, CEO of the Institute for Responsive Government, to answer them.Institute for Responsive Government resources:* Why We Can Trust Voting Machines* Why Mail Ballots Are Secure: Layered Safeguards* Why the President Can’t Nationalize Elections* Can the President Really Ban Mail Voting or Election Equipment?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 28, 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

Liz is joined by Mimi Rocah, former Westchester County District Attorney, to discuss what went wrong in the investigation of the alleged gang rape at Cornell University. Resources:National Sexual Assault Hotline: https://rainn.org/Domestic violence shelter and support in New York: https://mspny.org/Free legal services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in New York: https://www.pace.edu/law/centers-and-institutes/pace-womens-justice-centerPre-order Mimi’s book:Justice Still StandsHave 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 19, 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

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