• Guilty Until Proven Innocent: The Devastation of Wrongful Convictions
    Nov 9 2024

    On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Bruce Bryan. Bruce is a human rights activist, professional connector, and human justice ambassador. He currently works as a Senior Client Advocate at the Queens Defenders. Prior to this role, Bruce was wrongfully convicted of murder at the age of 23. Last year, after 30 years of incarceration, Bruce was granted clemency and released from prison. Bruce’s story is one of perseverance, and serves as a prime example of the flaws within the criminal injustice system. In this episode, Bruce shares his testimony. He talks about his experience and how it impacted his relationships with public defenders. He explains how he maintained his mental health during his incarceration and he talks about life since being back in the community. Hopefully after this episode, you will have a better understanding of the harms of mass interaction and gain insight into how an innocent man can end up serving 30 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Fork In the Road: A Conversation About Career Transitions
    Nov 9 2024

    On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by their fellow Brother In Law Phillip Hamilton. Phil is a Managing Partner at Hamilton Clarke, LLP and Adjunct Professor at Cardozo School of Law. He is an experienced trial attorney and litigator whose practice includes a broad range of high-stakes civil and criminal matters throughout the nation’s state and federal courts. Phil tells his story of how his childhood led him to starting his career as a public defender at the Bronx Defenders, and he shares the reasons why he left to start his own firm. Phil encourages Imani and Conrad to believe that their abilities and expertise can take them places. They talk about how many Black male lawyers navigate imposter syndrome and feeling unworthy or unqualified to be in certain spaces. Hopefully, after this episode you will leave understanding the experiences and considerations that many Black lawyers are faced with when pursuing careers.

    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Why Confess If You Are Innocent: The Truth About False Confessions
    Oct 19 2024

    On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Jeffrey. In 1990, at the age of 17, he was wrongfully convicted of raping, beating, and strangling his high school classmate. Jeffrey made a false confession that was immediately withdrawn, but became the basis for his conviction. He served 16 years, some in an adult "super max" as a minor, while maintaining his innocence. He requested post-conviction DNA testing, but the DA's office who refused to accept his request. In 2006, crime scene DNA testing led to proving that he was innocent, and the led to the man who was actually responsible for the murder. In 2014. Jeffrey won a federal civil suit against the county for wrongful imprisonment. He went on to become an attorney and an advocate for reform of the criminal justice system. He educates the public through public speaking, published articles, and the Jeffrey Deskovic Foundation for Justice, which he established. Hopefully after this episode, you will have a better understanding of just how flawed our criminal legal system is, particularly with respect to how police routinely coerce false confessions.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Bad Apple or Bad Tree: A Discussion About Law Enforcement in America
    Oct 3 2024

    On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Roland Font. Roland is a twenty-five year highly trained Law Enforcement professional. He currently works as a New York State Court Officer. Additionally, Roland works as a Disaster Response Volunteer and an Independent Security Contractor. Roland shares his story and explains how he ended up pursuing a career in law enforcement. They discuss how race informs the ways in which he carries out his responsibilities. Roland describes both the challenges and rewards that come along with his job. They briefly address the history of policing in America and how it impacts people today. Hopefully, after this episode you will leave understanding the nuances involving race, crime, and law enforcement.

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • It's Levels to This - A Lesson on Police Encounters
    Oct 3 2024

    On this episode, Conrad and Imani talk about the law of police encounters as it pertains to New York. Are the police allowed to approach you and ask for your ID? Are the police allowed to ask you for your name, where are you going, and where are you coming from? What happens if the police violate your rights? What should you do if the police engage with you in an unlawful manner? The answers to those questions are complicated and nuanced. Imani and Conrad provide surface level answers and guidance to these circumstances. The information provided in this episode is not legal advice. Rather, it’s an introduction to some of the laws that address police conduct. Hopefully after this episode, you will have a better understanding of what the police are allowed to do, how you should respond, and how it plays out in court.

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Closed Mouths Don't Get Fed - The Power of Labor Organizing
    Jul 27 2024

    On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by their fellow Sister in Law, Urooj Khan. Urooj shares her journey to becoming a public defender. She believes that public defenders must understand who they are at their core in order to do this work. They discuss the Scottsboro Boys and the role of communists and labor lawyers in the fight for against anti-Black racism. The talk about the importance of unions generally and also with respect to public defense. Hopefully, after this episode you will leave understanding the power that workers yield, the importance of unionizing, and have more insight into the nature and challenges of public defense.

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Pushing P (Policy) - The Intersection of Policy and Criminal Law
    Jun 17 2024

    In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Brother in Law, Eli Northrup. Eli is a public defender in the Bronx and the Policy Director for the Criminal Defense Practice. They talk about the intersection of policy and criminal defense. They explore the ways in which the legalization of marijuana in New York is different from other states. Eli tells the story of Shamika Crawford and describes how her case changed the landscape of orders of protection in New York City. Lastly, Eli is running to serve as Assembly Member for the 69th District in New York City and he shares his platform and vision for his community. Hopefully, after this episode you will know a little more about how you can fight to change the laws that impact our everyday lives.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 8 mins