Steve Zeidman is a criminal defense hero who has spent his entire career fighting for people with nowhere else to turn. In this episode, Steve walks us through some of his most compelling efforts to gain freedom for people who would otherwise spend their lives in prison. Steve's zealous advocacy for second chances will leave you inspired by his work and horrified by a criminal legal system that seems to prioritize finality over humanity and justice.

One night, in November 1994, Dina Windle was coming from law school in Little Rock, Arkansas when she was abducted and raped. The man who assaulted her was sentenced to die for a different rape and murder. In this episode of Just Justice, Dina shares the story of her assault, the trial and its aftermath, and how she came to be an advocate for the man who caused her such harm. Small in stature, huge in heart and compassion, Dina Windle is Chief Investigator at the NJ Office of the Public Defender. Dina also serves on the Board of Journey of Hope... From Violence to Healing, a nonprofit organization led by family members of murder victims that works to end the death penalty and calls for more constructive responses to violent crimes. Warning: this episode includes discussion of sexual assault and violence, and may not be appropriate for all listeners.

Have you ever wondered about forgiveness after a murder? How do surviving family members forgive the person who murdered their loved ones? Who gives forgiveness? Who gets it? What makes one person forgive and another not? Join me in conversation with Dr. Kristen Discola, author of Redefining Murder, Transforming Emotion: An Exploration of Forgiveness after Loss Due to Homicide, as we discuss the science of forgiveness in the context of murder.  Along the way, we explore what role, if any, forgiveness can play in the pursuit of second chances for people who committed homicide. And we talk about her work in teaching forgiveness to people who are incarcerated.  

Learn more about Dr. Kristen Discola:

For links to Kristen's book and for other resources, head to her website:

https://kristendiscola.com/ or connect with her on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/KristenLeeDiscola

Learn more about Jessica Henry:

Listen to Just Justice, my new podcast. 

Watch my TEDx talk No-Crime Wrongful Convictions here.

Website: http://jessicahenryjustice.com/ 

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Learn more about my award-winning book Smoke but No Fire

In this bonus episode of Just Justice, join me in an unedited post-election night recording of a fascinating and sometimes frightening live conversation with law professor Kim Wehle about her new book, Pardon Power: How the Pardon System Works and Why. We discuss the history of the pardon power, look back on how President Donald Trump used his pardon power in his first term in office, and predict what we might expect from him in the next four years. 

Special thanks to Watchung Booksellers and the Watchung Booksellers Podcast for this recording. Be sure to check them both out! 

Learn More About Kim Wehle:

Website: https://kimberlywehle.com/

Book: Pardon Power: How the Pardon System Works and Why

Learn More About Jessica Henry:

Website: http://jessicahenryjustice.com/ 

Watch my TEDx talk No-Crime Wrongful Convictions here.

Subscribe to newsletter

Learn more about my award-winning book Smoke but No Fire

Susan Bandes is a pioneer in the study of law and emotions. The law looks for remorse from people who commit crimes at sentencing and in the parole process. But as Professor Bandes warns, judging remorse is far more difficult than it seems.