The Counsel - podcast cover

The Counsel

CAFEcafe.com
Join Elie Honig as he unpacks the complex legal issues shaping our country. A former prosecutor and co-chief of the organized crime unit at the Southern District of New York, CNN senior legal analyst, and author, Honig brings sharp insight and clear perspective to the intersections of law, politics, and current events. New episodes every Friday. From CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Note From Elie: DOJ Should Bring Sedition Charges

Note From Elie is part of the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter. Audio recordings of Elie's Note are part of the CAFE Insider subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 11, 20219 min

Note From Elie: Will Trump Be Indicted?

Note From Elie is part of the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter. Audio recordings of Elie’s Note are part of the CAFE Insider subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 04, 202110 min

Note From Elie: How Much Is Too Much?

Note From Elie is part of the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter. Audio recordings of Elie's Note are part of the CAFE Insider subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 28, 202110 min

Tish Targets Trump

Elie Honig is joined by University of Alabama Law School student Kyra Perkins. They break down New York Attorney General Letitia James’ announcement that her office will pursue a criminal—not just civil—investigation into the Trump Organization. They also discuss what it means to conduct a fair investigation, and the political sensitivities involved with an announcement like this one. Transcript, references and supplemental materials are available on the CAFE website: https://cafe.com/third-degr...

May 21, 202124 min

Much Ado About McGahn?

Elie Honig breaks down the decision by the Biden administration to allow former White House counsel Don McGahn to testify before Congress about Donald Trump’s attempt to obstruct the Mueller investigation into Russian election interference in 2016. Join Elie every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Transcript, references and supplemental materials are available on the CAFE website: cafe.com/third-degree-podcast/much-ado-a...

May 19, 202114 min

The Business of Cooperation

Elie Honig discusses updates in the case of Joel Greenberg, the former Florida tax collector, who will plead guilty to sex trafficking charges—and what flipping Greenberg could mean for the fate of Florida GOP Representative Matt Gaetz. Join Elie every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Transcript, references and supplemental materials are available on the CAFE website: cafe.com/third-degree-podcast/the-business-of-cooper...

May 17, 202114 min

Prosecutors and the Media

Elie Honig is joined by NYU Law School student Safeena Mecklai. The pair discuss the latest in the prosecution of Derek Chauvin, including a Minnesota judge’s ruling on “aggravating factors” that could increase Chauvin’s prison sentence, and the federal indictment of Chauvin and three other former Minneapolis officers in connection with the murder of George Floyd. They also discuss the role of the media in shaping prosecutors’ charging decisions. Join Elie every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on ...

May 14, 202134 min

Hatchet Job

Elie Honig breaks down the latest development in the long saga of Bill Barr: a federal judge reprimanding the former attorney general for misleading Congress about whether Donald Trump should have been charged with obstructing the Russia investigation. Join Elie every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Transcript, references and supplemental materials are available on the CAFE website: https://cafe.com/third-degree-podcas...

May 12, 202113 min

Chauvin Charged (Again)

Elie Honig breaks down the federal grand jury indictment of Derek Chauvin and the three other ex-Minneapolis police officers in connection with the killing of George Floyd. Join Elie every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Transcript, references and supplemental materials are available on the CAFE website: https://cafe.com/third-degree-podcast/chauvin-charged-again/ Third Degree is brought to you by CAFE Studios and the ...

May 10, 202115 min

"The Shadow Docket"

Elie Honig is joined by Harvard Law School student Eli Nachmany. The pair discuss the likelihood of Supreme Court expansion, the Court’s “shadow docket,” and the (increasingly political) process for selecting Supreme Court justices. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a bit of a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students,...

May 07, 202128 min

The Court-Packing Debate

Elie Honig discusses the ascendant conservative majority on the Supreme Court, the Biden administration’s commission to explore court expansion, and possible reforms to the federal judiciary. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students exclusively for members of CAFE Insider. Become a memb...

May 05, 202113 min

The Rudy Raid

Elie Honig discusses the FBI’s raid of Rudy Guiliani’s home and office, and the likelihood that the Southern District of New York will bring charges against Guiliani, who made his name as the leader of that office in the 1980s. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students exclusively for me...

May 03, 202113 min

Third Degree Sample: Policing & Systemic Change

In this sample from Third Degree , Alabama Law student Kyra Perkins discusses her reaction to the guilty verdict in the Chauvin case, and the effectiveness of federal pattern or practice investigations into city police departments. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a bit of a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students, ...

Apr 30, 20217 min

Prosecuting the Insurrection

In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig calls on DOJ leadership to aggressively pursue charges against the individuals who inspired and carried out the January 6th Capitol insurrection. He also breaks down the partisan political battle blocking the formation of a congressional commission to investigate the insurrection. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a different flavor on Fridays, when Eli...

Apr 28, 202113 minSeason 1Ep. 31

Unfinished Business For DOJ

In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig discusses new developments in the investigation into Russia’s influence in the 2016 election, and why Merrick Garland can still pursue justice for the crimes committed. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students exclusively for members of CAFE I...

Apr 26, 202111 minSeason 1Ep. 30

Third Degree Sample: After the Chauvin Verdict

Elie Honig and NYU Law student Safeena Mecklai discusses her live reaction to the Chauvin verdict, and its greater implications for policing in America. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a bit of a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students, exclusively for members of CAFE Insider. Become a member at half the annual pri...

Apr 23, 20217 min

The Chauvin Verdict

In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig addresses the significance of the guilty verdict in the murder trial of Derek Chauvin. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students exclusively for members of CAFE Insider. Become a member at half the annual price with special code DEGREE at cafe....

Apr 21, 202112 minSeason 1Ep. 29

Chauvin Trial: The Final Stretch

In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig reflects on the state of the Chauvin trial as it nears the end, and looks ahead to week four: closing arguments and jury deliberations. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students exclusively for members of CAFE Insider. Become a member at ha...

Apr 19, 202112 minSeason 1Ep. 28

Third Degree Sample: The Chauvin Defense Rests

In this sample from Third Degree, Elie Honig and Harvard Law student Eli Nachmany discuss Derek Chauvin’s decision not to testify in his own murder trial. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a bit of a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students, exclusively for members of CAFE Insider. Become a member at half the annual p...

Apr 16, 20216 min

Stop, Cooperate and Listen

In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig discusses new developments in the investigation of Matt Gaetz—including the case of his collaborator, Joel Greenberg. A former Florida county tax collector who was indicted last year on sex trafficking charges, Greenberg may be cooperating with investigators. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a ro...

Apr 14, 202113 minSeason 1Ep. 27

Chauvin Trial: What’s Next

In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments in the murder trial of Derek Chauvin. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students exclusively for members of CAFE Insider. Become a member at half the annual price with special code DEGR...

Apr 12, 202114 minSeason 1Ep. 26

Third Degree Sample: Reflections on the Chauvin Trial

In this sample from the Third Degree podcast, Elie Honig and University of Alabama law student Kyra Perkins discuss the significance and difficulties of watching the Derek Chauvin trial. In the full episode, they further discuss the Chauvin trial, including the strength of the arguments made by the prosecution and defense, the circumstances in which a trial witness can plead the Fifth, and more. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making...

Apr 09, 20217 min

The Investigation of Matt Gaetz

In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig discusses the series of allegations against Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz—including for sex trafficking, extortion, transportation of a minor, and prostitution. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students exclusively for members o...

Apr 07, 202112 minSeason 1Ep. 25

Chauvin Trial Continues

In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig discusses the long first week in the trial of Derek Chauvin, from the effectiveness of the witnesses to the strength of the prosecution’s arguments. He also looks ahead to the focus of week two: the defense. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school...

Apr 05, 202113 minSeason 1Ep. 24

Third Degree Sample: Chauvin Trial - The Arguments

In this sample from the Third Degree podcast, Elie Honig and NYU Law student Safeena Mecklai assess the strength of the defense’s arguments in the trial of Derek Chauvin. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a bit of a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students, exclusively for members of CAFE Insider. To sign up for CAFE ...

Apr 02, 20217 min

The Battle Over Voting

In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig discusses the new Georgia law restricting voting rights and the possibility of H.R.1 — the sweeping piece of federal voting rights legislation — getting through the Senate. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students. Elie’s analysis doesn’t ...

Mar 30, 202112 minSeason 1Ep. 23

Chauvin Trial Begins

In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig breaks down what to expect in the trial of Derek Chauvin, including the composition of the jury, the charges, and the likely arguments from both the prosecution and defense. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students. Transcript, references ...

Mar 29, 202115 minSeason 1Ep. 22

Third Degree Sample: Prosecuting Sedition

In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig is joined by Harvard Law student and former Trump administration speechwriter Eli Nachmany to discuss the conduct of former DC Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin and the potential for sedition charges against the Capitol insurrectionists. Plus, Elie tells stories from the legal trenches of his former office, the Southern District of New York. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the hea...

Mar 26, 20217 min

Prosecuting Hate Crimes

In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig assesses the likelihood that hate crime charges will be brought against the shooter who killed eight people, including six Asian women, last week in Atlanta. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a bit of a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students. Elie’s analysis doesn’t end wi...

Mar 24, 202110 minSeason 1Ep. 21

Merrick Garland’s First Test

In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig breaks down the DOJ’s prosecution of the insurrectionists who attacked the Capitol on January 6th. Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a bit of a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students. Elie’s analysis doesn’t end with Third Degree.Sign up to receive the CAFE Brief, a weekly...

Mar 22, 202113 minSeason 1Ep. 20
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android