Sanctuary in the Jungle
Amidst a plethora of legal podcasts discussing case breakdowns, legal news, and true crime, Sanctuary in the Jungle offers a look into the lives and motivations of the lawyers themselves.
Sanctuary in the Jungle is a criminal defense podcast discussing the vital role criminal defense attorneys play in the justice system. Drawing on insights from renowned attorneys Edward Bennett Williams and Michael Tigar, the podcast likens criminal courts to a "sanctuary" for rational decision making as opposed to the everyday "jungle-like" environment. Outside of the courts, decisions are often driven by emotion and intuition, which can lead to arbitrary and unjust outcomes. Criminal courts, in contrast, were designed to function as a carefully structured system where decisions are made based on evidence and legal standards. The sanctuary mindset must be used if we are to ensure that everyone, regardless of their personal background or situation, receives a fair trial. Through engaging conversations with defense attorneys and advocates, Sanctuary in the Jungle highlights the importance of upholding justice, dignity, and humanity in legal proceedings while illustrating how attorneys endure the emotionally weighty process.
Sanctuary in the Jungle
Defending Dignity on Death Row | James E. Coleman Jr
Welcome back to Sanctuary in the Jungle. In this episode, we’re joined by Professor James E. Coleman Jr. From his first death penatly case through today, Professor Coleman endeavors to show that every human is worthy of dignity and a defense. That belief has shaped his approach to justice, from advocating for the wrongfully convicted to representing Ted Bundy as his final lawyer.
In an era of sensationalized case coverage and true crime, Coleman tells us what questions the media should be asking and how the public plays a role in accountability.
Even in the face of the heaviest cases, Professor Coleman remains what he calls a “happy warrior,” bringing hope wherever he goes. He is now a professor at Duke University Law School and co-director of the Wrongful Convictions Clinic.