Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Law School in Plain English: Torts & Criminal Law.

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In this explosive episode of Law School in Plain English, we break down product liability—the law that decides who pays when everyday products fail in catastrophic ways. From exploding soda bottles to flaming hair spray, defective cars, and billion-dollar talcum powder verdicts, we take you from the basics all the way to real-world courtroom outcomes.

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Buck v. Bell: The Supreme Court Case That Inspired Hitler’s Eugenics Nightmare. In 1927, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 8-1 that states could forcibly sterilize “undesirables” like Carrie Buck—a young woman falsely labeled “feeble-minded” for being poor and pregnant out of wedlock. Justice Holmes’ infamous line? “Three generations of imbeciles are enough.” We unpack this dark chapter of American eugenics, how it greenlit 70,000+ forced sterilizations nationwide, and its chilling global ripple: Nazis modeled their 1933 sterilization law after it, citing Buck in Nuremberg defenses to justify 400,000 procedures and pave the way for the Holocaust. In plain English, discover the “science” that wasn’t, the human cost, and why this ruling—never overturned—still haunts reproductive rights today. Essential for law students, history buffs, or anyone asking: How did America export eugenics to Hitler?

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They called it progress.

Thomas Edison called it science.

But when the Supreme Court gave its blessing, electricity became something else entirely — a state-sanctioned killer.

In this eerie Halloween edition of Law School in Plain English, Jeff pulls back the curtain on one of the most haunting legal moments in American history: when innovation met execution.

This is the story of how a courtroom turned the light of invention into the spark of death — and why the Justices believed it was humane.

We’ll unpack the real case behind the electric chair, the shocking public experiments that led up to it, and how law, morality, and fear collided in the name of “civilization.”

Because sometimes the law doesn’t just decide what’s legal — it decides what it means to be human.

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In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we explore the limits of defending your property.  What actions can you take when someone damages or intrudes on what’s yours?  We break down the legal boundaries of reasonable force, when deadly force is never an option, and how this defense applies in real-world and playful sibling scenarios.  Tune in to learn where the law draws the line!

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What happens after an arrest?  In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we dive into preliminary hearings-how they test the evidence, shape the case, and set the stage for trial.  Using the O.J. Simpson case, we explore how both sides used this critical step to build their arguments.  Tune in for an inside look at this pivotal phase of criminal law!

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In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we explore the defense of others—when you can step in to protect someone else and how the law determines if your actions are justified. Using a dramatic family reunion scenario and real-world examples, we break down the key elements: imminent threat, reasonable belief, and proportional response. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of this powerful legal defense and its real-world applications. Tune in as we continue to demystify legal concepts one episode at a time!

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In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we dive into the defense of self-defense — when the law allows you to protect yourself and what limits apply.  Join us as we continue to make legal concepts simple and engaging.

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What is probable cause, and why is it the cornerstone of the criminal justice system?  In this episode of Law School In Plain English, we break down the concept of probable cause and its importance in ensuring that arrests and searches are lawful.  Using the O.J. Simpson case as our guide, we explore the safeguards built into the legal system to prevent abuse, the standards required to prove probable cause, and what happens when it’s challenged in court.

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How far can someone go before interfering with your personal belongings becomes a legal issue?  In this episode we dive into the tort of trespass to chattels.

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What happens when someone’s actions go beyond rude or offensive and cause extreme emotional harm? In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we unpack the tort of intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED). Through engaging examples—including a humorous sibling squabble—we break down what it takes for conduct to cross the line into legal liability. By the end, you’ll know the difference between ordinary annoyance and outrageous behavior that the law won’t tolerate. Ready to dive into the emotional side of torts? Let’s go!

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Is blocking someone’s way out or detaining a shopper for suspected theft false imprisonment?  In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we dive into the boundaries of this often-misunderstood tort.  Using relatable scenarios and real-world examples, we explore what counts as false imprisonment, when it’s legally justified, and how intent and perception play a key role.  By the end, you’ll have the tools to spot the difference between a valid confinement and a violation of rights.  Tune in and learn to we both sides of the story!

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What does it mean to charge someone with murder? In the episode of Law School in Plain English, we break down one of the most serious criminal charges: murder.  Using the O. J. Simpson case as our guide, we’ll explore how prosecutors decide on a murder charge, the legal definition of murder, and what sets it apart from other homicides like manslaughter.

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In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we break down actus reas - the  guilty act - a crucial component in proving any crime.

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You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Equal protection under the law.”

But what happens when the law looks fair on paper… and is used unfairly in real life?

In this episode, Jeff dives into one of the most overlooked Supreme Court cases in U.S. history — Yick Wo v. Hopkins (1886) — where a Chinese laundry owner in San Francisco stood up to a city ordinance that claimed to be “neutral,” but was anything but.

This story isn’t just a history lesson — it’s a Hidden Verdict brought into Law School in Plain English. Because behind every rule lawyers memorize, there’s a human story that shaped it.

We’ll break down how this one man’s fight redefined the meaning of fairness, equal protection, and what the Constitution really promises — all in plain, clear English.

🎧 The law isn’t just about statutes and citations — it’s about people. And sometimes, those people change everything.

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In this episode, we tackle the concept of battery - exploring when unwanted contact crosses the line into a legal offense.  Join us as we unpack what counts as battery, dive into real-life scenarios, and break down how intent and offensiveness come into play.

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In this episode, we explore the concept of trespass to land - when crossing boundaries becomes a legal issue.  We’ll dive into what qualifies as trespass, from uninvited guest to accidental entries, and break down how the law protects your right to control who steps onto your property.  By the end, you’ll know exactly when a simple misstep turns into a matter of trespass.

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In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we dive into one of the most critical concepts in criminal law: mens rea, or the “guilty mind.”  Using the famous O.J. Simpson trail as our guide, we’ll explore how intent is established in a criminal case and why it is essential for proving guilt.  Hear how both the prosecution and defense approached mens rea through powerful opening and closing statements, and learn how this concept can mean the difference between conviction and acquittal.  Whether you’re a law student, considering going to law school, or a true crime enthusiast, this podcast is for you as it breaks down the complexities of criminal law - once concept at a time.

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In this episode, we dive into the legal concept of assault, exploring how a simple threat or gesture can cross the line into a legal offense - even without physical contact.  Join us as we break down what counts as assault, unpack key examples, and reveal how intent and perception come into play.  By the end, you’ll know exactly where the line is drawn.

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In this premier episode of Law School In Plain English: Criminal Law, we dive into the heart of criminal law, using one of the most famous trials in history:  The People v. O.J. Simpson.  Join us as we unpack what criminal law truly is, how it differs from civil law, and why it plays a crucial role in society.  With over 85 trials as a former prosecutor and defense attorney, your host brings a unique perspective, guiding you through the basics — one concept at a time.  Whether you’re a law student, considering law school, or just a crime junkie, this series will sharpen your understanding of the law behind the headlines.
 

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In this episode, join CAT B FIT, our sleek and clever legal guide, as she breaks down the concept of conversion’ — when borrowing turns into taking ownership.  CAT B FIT isn’t just a name; each letter represents one of the seven intentional torts in law: Conversion, Assault, Trespass to land, Battery, False Imprisonment, Intentional infliction of emotional distress, and Trespass to chattels.  We’ll explore how a simple act, like holding onto someone else’s belongings, can cross the legal line.  Tune in as CAT B FIT makes learning torts easy, fun, and memorable!

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Join us as we dive into the concept of duty and what happens when it is ignored.  In this episode, we explore real-life stories from recent events to show how the law decides when responsibility falls short and harm is caused.  We’ll uncover how courts handle these cases and what it really means when someone is held accountable for negligence.

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Meet Superhero Duty, the protector of responsibility, as he swoops in to save the day when people forget their legal obligations.  In this episode, we break down what `duty’ means in everyday life and how it helps keep everyone safe.  Simple, clear, and fun — because `Hold up, wait a minute, something ain’t right!’

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Join us as we explore but-for causation through a sibling chase gone wrong! When a TV comes crashing down, we ask the key legal question: would it have happened without your actions?  Find out how this simple but crucial concept shapes the law and who gets blamed when things go wrong.

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Join us as we explore the famous Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad case through a playful sibling chase that spirals out of control.  We’ll break down key legal concepts like causation and foreseeability, and discover how far responsibility really goes when things go wrong.  Expect simple, engaging explanations-no law degree required!

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You’re liable even if you did nothing wrong. Welcome to Strict Liability—the torts rule that says fault doesn’t matter. In this episode, we break down how owning a vicious dog, storing explosives, or making homemade fireworks can cost you big—even if you were careful. No negligence? No defense. From Rylands v. Fletcher to explosives, delivery drones, and pit bulls on the loose, we explain in plain English why strict liability exists, who it protects, and why it should make every business owner (and dog parent) sweat. Perfect for 1Ls cramming torts or anyone who’s ever said, “But it wasn’t my fault!”

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Explore comparative negligence through a playful sibling chase and real-world examples.  Learn how responsibility is shared when both parties are at fault, and see how the law divides the blame to ensure a fair outcome.

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Join us aw we break down contributory negligence, where even a small mistake can cost you everything.  Through a playful sibling chase and real world examples, we explore how this all-or-nothing rule works and why most states have moved away from it.

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Thanks for listening to Law School in Plain English. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe/follow and leave a review. Join me next time as we break down another legal concept — one principle at a time.

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What happens when things go wrong and someone gets hurt?  In this episode, we dive into the world of negligence—who’s to blame and why.  From falling objects to missed safety measures, we’ll break down the key elements of negligence with some humor and real-life examples.  Join us as we make sense of the law, one (almost) dodged disaster at a time.

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In this episode, we dive into the legal doctrine of res Ipsa loquitur (“the thing speaks for itself”) and how to prove negligence without direct evidence.  We break down this key legal concept in under 15 minutes using a simple, relatable scenario to show how it works.

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In this episode, we move beyond theory and watch the law’s favorite imaginary character face real-life legal drama. We explore how courts decide what’s foreseeable, what behavior counts as reasonable, and what happens when someone says:

👉 “I didn’t think that would happen.”

You’ll learn:

• How juries decide what’s “normal” behavior
• Why texting and driving is a perfect case study in unreasonableness
• How lawyers build (and destroy) the Reasonable Person in court
• Why your 10-year-old chasing a soccer ball might be judged differently than your 40-year-old uncle
• Whether someone can be reasonable and still be legally liable

Plus: banana peels, glass vases, and that one sibling who always breaks things.

Law School In Plain English continues with simple, smart, and well designed episodes for real listeners (not just law students).

🎧 Subscribe, share, and review. The law isn’t just for lawyers anymore.

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In this episode of Law School in Plain English: Torts, we dive into the world of the “Reasonable Person”—the unsung hero of legal liability.  But what happens when this paragon of predictably meets their chaotic counterpart, the Unreasonable Person?  Join us for an engaging, humorous exploration of fairness, responsibility, and what it really means to act “reasonably” in the eyes of the law.

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What happens when someone wrongfully takes your property, and you decide to take matters into your own hands?  In this episode, we break down the tort defense of Recapture of Chattels.  Using relatable examples and a dash of humor, we’ll explore the legal boundaries of reclaiming stolen or misappropriated property.  Can you grab your stolen item back?  What if you’re wrong about who took it?  By the end, you’ll know when self-help crosses the line into trouble - and how the law views these tricky situations!

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In this special extended episode, we take a deep dive into the doctrine of Res Ipsa Loquitur—the legal principle that lets the facts ‘speak for themselves.’  Explore its origins in the famous falling-barrel case, Byrne v. Boadle, and its evolution through landmark decisions involving exploding soda bottles, surgical mishaps, and more. 

Whether you’re curious about how courts decide negligence without direct evidence or want to understand the modern challenges this doctrine faces, this episode offers an engaging and comprehensive breakdown.  Tune in to discover how Res Ipsa applies to everything from everyday accidents to cutting-edge technology!

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In this episode, we explore the defense of Necessity — when breaking the rules is legally justified to prevent greater harm.  From stormy backyard emergencies to real-world cases like docked ships, we break down the difference between Public and Private Necessity and how they apply in the law.  Tune in to learn how far you can go in an emergency without crossing the legal line.

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In this episode, we dive into the defense of Consent - what it means to give permission, when it can be revoked, and how long it lasts.  From backyard dodgeball to medical procedures, we break down the legal boundaries of Consent in playful and real-world scenarios.  By the end, you’ll understand how the law balances permission and accountability!

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