Watch That Bullshit Law

2017
1 Season

That Bullshit Law is a podcast series produced and hosted by the Reveal team at The Center for Investigative Reporting. This show aims to investigate and expose the flaws and injustices in the United States legal system. Each episode discusses a different law or legal practice, examining its history, impact, and reasons for existence.

The show's host, Al Letson, is a seasoned journalist and storyteller who brings his unique perspective and style to every episode. Letson is a masterful interviewer who knows how to ask the right questions and elicit compelling answers from his guests. His ability to weave together complex legal concepts, personal stories, and political realities makes this show an engaging and thought-provoking listen.

Each episode of That Bullshit Law focuses on a particular legal topic, such as mandatory minimum sentencing, civil asset forfeiture, or the use of private prisons. The show’s storytelling style often incorporates real-life cases and experiences, highlighting the impact these laws have on individuals and communities. For instance, in the first episode, “Blue on Blue,” Letson examines the legal doctrine of qualified immunity, which shields police officers from civil lawsuits when they use excessive force. He speaks with a man who was shot and paralyzed by the police and explores why it is so difficult to hold law enforcement officers accountable for their actions.

One of the strengths of That Bullshit Law is its ability to explain complex legal concepts in a way that is accessible to a general audience. Letson and his guests use clear language and analogies to make these often-technical topics more understandable. However, they do not shy away from the nuance and complexity of these issues, and the show does not try to oversimplify them. Instead, it presents a fair and comprehensive analysis of each law or practice, allowing listeners to come to their own conclusions.

Another notable aspect of the show is its commitment to highlighting voices that are often overlooked in mainstream media coverage of legal issues. Letson and his team bring in a diverse range of guests, including academics, journalists, lawyers, and activists, all of whom offer unique perspectives on how the legal system affects people's lives. The show is particularly strong when it centers the experiences of individuals who have been harmed by these laws, allowing them to tell their stories in their own words.

Overall, That Bullshit Law is an excellent podcast for anyone interested in understanding the flaws and injustices of the American legal system. Its smart, engaging, and informative episodes offer a critical lens on some of the most pressing legal issues of our time. By shedding light on the impact these practices have on individuals and communities, the show encourages listeners to re-examine their assumptions and challenge the status quo.

That Bullshit Law is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between November 27, 2017 and on Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting

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Seasons

4. Voter Suppression

November 27, 2017

The 1965 Voting Rights Act was an attempt by Congress to fix an unequal and unjust system that prevented certain minority groups from voting. Since then, it has been a crucial preventative measure to ensure that every American is afforded the right to vote. But over the last few years, local and federal lawmakers have begun passing measures that weaken it.

3. T.R.A.P.

November 27, 2017

Roe v. Wade was a landmark Supreme Court decision that solidified a woman's right to choose, but it was not the final word on abortion. In fact, a lesser-known ruling that followed decades later has truly defined how and when women are able to access abortions. This ruling has led to what some call Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers, or TRAP laws, forcing more than 70 clinics to close.

2. Kids Representing Themselves in Court

November 27, 2017

When you picture someone well versed in immigration law, you probably don't imagine a 4-year-old child. It's surprising, but some federal courts are forcing minors - some toddlers - to represent themselves in immigration proceedings. While the Constitution guarantees a defendant the right to a lawyer for criminal offenses, it's not afforded to those charged with violating immigration law.

1. Failure to Protect

November 27, 2017

On paper, failure to protect laws sound logical: Punish legal guardians who don't intervene when their child is being abused. But the reality is far more complicated. Some advocates say these laws have become a legal tool that scapegoats women for political gain. These charges have led to situations in which victims of abuse are sentenced to prison for decades longer than their alleged abusers.

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Where to Watch That Bullshit Law

That Bullshit Law is available for streaming on the Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch That Bullshit Law on demand at Amazon.