SCOTUS Likely to Strike Down the Law Used to Convict Hunter Biden

OA1241 - This Rapid Response Friday:* everything you need to know to explain to anyone who will listen exactly why what the US is doing in Iran is illegal. We also review oral arguments in an unusual case involving the federal statute under which Hunter Biden was  recently convicted which has brought weed, guns, and Amy Coney Barrett’s illegal Ambien habit (?) before the Supreme Court at the same time.

Finally, in today’s footnote: A man who drinks unpasteurized milk, swims in sewage, and once left a dead bear in Central Park has some opinions about what we should be putting in our coffee--and Matt might agree with him? Can RFK Jr really stop America from running on Dunkin?

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*N.B.: this episode was recorded before the news of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s forced departure, but we’ll have plenty more to say about her and replacement nominee Markwayne Mullin next week!

1. “Top Experts’ Backgrounder: Military Action Against Iran and US Domestic Law,” Brian Egan and Tess Bridgeman, Just Security (2/28/2026)

2. “AUTHORITY TO USE MILITARY FORCE IN LIBYA,”DOJ Office of Legal Counsel memorandum, (4/1/2011)

3. Certiorari petition in United States v. Hemani (6/2/2025)

4. Audio from oral arguments in United States v. Hemani  (3/2/2026)

5. “Six Senators Accuse Deputy Attorney General of “Glaring” Crypto Conflict, Cite ProPublica Investigation,” Corey G. Johnson, ProPublica (1/29/2026)

6. “RFK Jr. wants Dunkin’ to prove drinking its iced coffee is safe,” Tal Kopan, The Boston Globe, (3/4/2026)

7. “Dunkin' Nutritional Facts” (2026) [PDF]