Frontline Season 28 Episode 18 Law & Disorder

In the "Law & Disorder" episode of Frontline's 28th season, viewers are taken inside the criminal justice system in St. Louis, Missouri. The episode explores the experiences of those on both sides of the justice system, including police officers, prosecutors, public defenders, and incarcerated individuals and their families.

The episode begins with a focus on the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, which has a history of discriminatory practices, including racial profiling and excessive use of force against Black residents. Viewers are introduced to a young Black man who was a victim of police brutality, recounting his experience of being beaten by police officers after a traffic stop.

The episode then pivots to the experiences of public defenders in St. Louis, who are tasked with representing those who cannot afford to pay for their own legal defense. We see the challenges faced by public defenders, including crushing caseloads and limited resources, which can lead to inadequate representation for their clients. Viewers are introduced to a young woman who was wrongly accused of a crime and is now facing a lengthy prison sentence due to the lack of resources available to her public defender.

As the episode progresses, we are introduced to a range of other individuals impacted by the criminal justice system in St. Louis. This includes a community activist who is fighting to end police violence against Black residents, as well as a police officer who is dedicated to improving the relationship between police and the communities they serve. We also meet the family members of incarcerated individuals, who share their experiences of trying to remain connected to their loved ones despite the barriers created by the prison system.

Throughout the episode, we are presented with a nuanced view of the criminal justice system, highlighting the challenges and limitations faced by those working within it, as well as its impact on those who find themselves enmeshed in it. The episode also touches on broader themes related to race and class, highlighting the ways in which the criminal justice system disproportionately targets and harms Black and low-income individuals.

"Law & Disorder" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on the complex realities of the criminal justice system in St. Louis and beyond. Through its detailed and humanizing storytelling, the episode encourages viewers to reflect on their own assumptions and biases about the justice system and grapple with the urgent need for systemic change.