Legal Podcast Review with Attorney LaFond
We’ve all listened to the podcast Serial at this point (if you haven’t do you live under a rock?), so what’s next on your morning/evening commute? For all you true crime lovers out there, here are a few reviews of some of my favorites. Comment on this post today with your recommendations for me as I drive through Wisconsin defending the rights of the accused.
My Favorite Murder
If you enjoy comedic relief AND true crime, this is the podcast for you. Karen and Georgia spend each episode discussing a murder of their choice (usually for no rhyme or reason). The discussions are filled with their blatant opinions and sometimes too inappropriate commentary but there won’t be an episode where you aren’t laughing uncontrollably and/or gasping in horror and disbelief. Karen and Georgia are so entertaining that they have spent the last couple years touring the world doing live shows. They are coming to Milwaukee in May for two shows, and sorry, they were both sold out in seconds so you’ll have to get your fix from your favorite podcast app. But seriously check it out. This podcast is one of a kind!
Q: Is this REALLY a true crime podcast or is this just a comedy podcast with a true crime twist?
A: Well, yes it’s a true crime podcast in a sense that the hosts discuss real cases, but no in a sense that they actually know what they are talking about. Karen and Georgia make a point to tell the listeners that they don’t do a lot of research and don’t have any background in the field. In fact Karen is actually a comedian so that explains why this podcast often gets categorized that way. This podcast also doesn’t explore the court system and what happens to cases once they get there so if that’s what you are looking for try one of my other recommendations.
In the Dark
So far there are two seasons of this podcast and I really hope that there will be more. APM reports presents two separate cases that have brought on questions by many. The first season explores police and investigative errors that led to a case being unsolved for 27 years. The second season explores the same topics, but brings it into the court system to try and unpack how one defendant could be subjected to 7 trials and 6 reversals on appeal over a 20 year period. Both seasons present serious social and political issues that impact how our criminal justice system functions (or doesn’t function). Stay tuned for upcoming additions to season 2 as the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up the case of Curtis Flowers (subject of season 2) to determine whether or not the prosecutor racially discriminated in jury selection; thus depriving Mr. Flowers of his constitutional right to fair trial.
Q: Is this podcast a genuine representation of the criminal justice system?
A: Yes. A lot of research and work goes into each one of these episodes. The host is an investigative journalist and she has a whole team of researchers and investigators that assist in the behind the scenes work. They even conduct studies through the podcast to further their knowledge. If you are looking for a true and accurate representation of how a case moves through the system from start to finish, this is a podcast to add to your queue.
Sword & Scale
This podcast came out my first year as a lawyer, so as I was driving, representing clients in courts across the state, I downloaded a few episodes at the recommendation of a colleague just to see what it was all about. She warned me to only listen if I had thick skin—which is essentially a warning that the host Mike gives in nearly every episode. Sword & Scale has covered some of the most interesting and shocking criminal masterminds and cases that I had ever heard of. And what makes Sword & Scale stand out from some of the other similar podcasts is the amount of “real” case material that is actually used. Sword & Scale plays the 911 calls, the interrogation of the suspects, and the follow up interviews with witnesses that you are dying to hear. Each episode is carefully laid out and prepared. To this day it is the one podcast that I download the latest episode of the very second it comes out. Sword & Scale offers early access and supplemental episodes to patreon supporters but if you have student loans like I do, you’ll have to wait the two weeks and avoid the online spoilers!
Q: I hate how true crime podcasts seem to focus on the perpetrators, does this podcast discuss the victims at all?
A: Yes. Each episode is different in format; there will be episodes that focus on a perpetrator or suspect but there are also episodes that are dedicated to the victims of the heinous crimes described. Several episodes include interviews with family members of victims. Sword and Scale is a nice balance for true crime lovers who often feel that a victim’s story is never told or is even forgotten.
Interested in learning more about the Law? Attorney Britteny LaFond at Petit & Dommershausen, SC, is routinely out in the Northeast Wisconsin community serving her clients and staying connected. Contact the firm today to learn more.