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Associate Solicitor General Joe Whalen, who argued one of the four cases involved in the Obergefell decision on same sex marriage in 2015, looks back on what led up to that landmark case and what its like to go before the highest court in the land.

2021 saw a nearly 40 percent increase in consumer complaints. Division of Consumer Affairs Director Claire Marsalis walks us through the top complaint categories and how you can protect yourself.  www.tn.gov/consumer 

Voting rights in Tennessee changed when a young lawyer - new to Nashville- convinced the U.S. Supreme Court that the state's residency requirements were unconstitutional. Vanderbilt Law Professor James Blumstein takes us back to 1970 when he challenged Tennessee state law and found himself arguing the case- his first-before the United States Supreme Court. The Court's 6-1 ruling in his favor was announced 50 years ago on March 21, 1972.  James Blumstein | Faculty | Law School | Vanderbilt University

Bobby Richey was in high school when he joined the movement to end segregation in Nashville restaurants and stores. In this episode of Making the Case he takes us back to 1960 when he participated in the protest at lunch counters downtown. Richey was arrested- an event that changed the course of his life.  Joined by his daughter, Stephanie Richey, an investigator with the Tennessee Attorney General's Office, the two discuss the generational impact of the civil rights movement on Nashville, the nation, and their family.

If a 26 billion settlement agreement with major opioid distributors and Johnson & Johnson  goes through, Tennessee could see $613 million for abating the opioid crisis state-wide. Marie Williams, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services,  along with lead attorneys from the Tennessee Attorney General's Office, talk about the historic effort to reach a settlement and how these funds can make a life-changing difference for Tennesseans moving forward.   Episode notes: Attorney General Slatery Leads $26 Billion Agreement with Opioid Distributors/Manufacturer (tn.gov) Substance Abuse Services (tn.gov)

For families of crime victims and victims themselves, the judicial system can be confusing, disheartening, and frustrating.  Sierra Ragland and Tracy Taylor go beyond what the law requires, fully informing, guiding, and comforting family members through the stages of the criminal appeals process. Hear their stories as the state of Tennessee recognizes and honors homicide victims during this year's Season to Remember.  Episode notes:  Watch the livestream of Season to Remember 12-2-21 at 5:30 pm here: www.youtube.com/FirstBaptistChurchNashville

In this special Veterans Day episode,  Assistant Attorney General Tessa Ortiz-Marsh shares her story of military service and how it relates to the practice of public law. In 2006, she was deployed to Baghdad where she served the first of two tours as a combat medic in the U.S. Army.  "That's where I learned to love people," says Ortiz-Marsh, who now practices law in the Tennessee Attorney General's Office.  "I grew up with farms and cows. The next thing I knew at nineteen I was across the world experiencing new food, culture, languages and religions." 

The Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) within the Office of the Tennessee Attorney General is investigating complaints about recruitment schemes offered by various Bitcoin websites.  The complaints coincide with an uptick in companies claiming to use artificial intelligence and Bitcoin to maximize returns on investment. These companies offer money for every additional investor you recruit. Assistant Attorney General Tate Ball tells us what the Tennessee Attorney General's Office can do and what you should look for to avoid falling for a similar scheme. Episode notes: If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly by a company, file a complaint with the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs at tn.gov/consumer. Pyramid distributorship schemes can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission. For questions concerning an investment type or to file a complaint regarding fraudulent investment activity, please visit tn.gov/securities.   

September 17th is Constitution Day. This federal holiday commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. As we all learned in high school civics class, the Constitution defines the structure of our federal government. It is the most remarkable political charter in history.  In this episode with Tennessee Appeals Court Judge Andy Bennett  learn who wrote the most famous words in the Preamble: We the People. Hint- it wasn't James Madison. www.constitutioncenter.org www.archives.gov

How a national organization that started in Hendersonville, Tennessee is helping reduce youth suicide- the second leading cause of death for teenagers. Former Attorney General Paul Summers tells Making the Case how he first got involved with The Jason Foundation and how the National Association of Attorneys General plays an active role in helping save lives. The Jason Foundation (JTI) www.jasonfoundation.org (615) 264-2323 Attorneys General State Program | The Jason Foundation, Inc.

Several concerts had been scheduled in Tennessee before Elvis Presley's untimely death on August 16th, 1977. A court battle ensued over how to handle unclaimed ticket refunds. One of the attorneys who handled the case on appeal, Deputy Larry Lewis, tells Making the Case what happened and why you can still get a refund.

A recent law school graduate describes what it's like to work in the Solicitor General's Office (OSG) where some of the most high profile cases are managed. Apply here: Tennessee OSG Honors Fellowship (tn.gov)