Prosecutors building a case against the three men accused in the death of Ahmaud Arbery have passed several motions regarding what evidence can be submitted in court.
Meanwhile, the contention that gunman Travis McMichael uttered a racial epithet while standing over Arbery's body remains the most explosive element of the case. However, jurors may never hear about it.
Join host Bill Rankin as he explores how issues raised now could shape the outcome of a trial.
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SO8, Ep5: The Elephant in the Room

True crime investigations from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Veteran legal affairs journalist Bill Rankin takes you inside the courtroom to break down the story and the criminal justice system. This award-winning series investigates Georgia’s most important cases with fact-based reporting. Season 10 will focus on the historic indictment of former President Donald Trump in Fulton County, Georgia, led by District Attorney Fani Willis. Co-hosted by senior reporter Tamar Hallerman and editor Shannon McCaffrey. Learn more about our reporting at ajc.com/breakdown.

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The latest episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast focuses on a First Amendment challenge by former President Donald Trump’s lead attorney.
Lawyer Steve Sadow argues at a hearing that Trump should not be prosecuted for core political speech. Fulton County prosecutor Donald Wakeford counters that the former president is not being prosecuted just for what he said, but for engaging in a pattern of criminal conduct to interfere with the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.
Episode 38 – “The Appeal” – of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also looks at attempts by the defense to get the Georgia Court of Appeals to take a pretrial challenge to disqualify District Attorney Fani Willis and her office. And jury expert Denise de la Rue considers the ramifications in Fulton County of the upcoming hush money trial against Trump in New York.
You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above.
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S10 Ep38: The Appeal

The most recent episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast answers several questions from listeners.
A possible trial date, the ongoing appeal and a potential replacement for former special prosecutor Nathan Wade are among the topics of discussion. Episode 37 – “Your Burning Questions” – of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also considers the presidential immunity claims being pursued in Washington and in Fulton County by former President Donald Trump.
You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above.
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S10 Ep37: Your Burning Questions

The lawyer who filed the motion to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis sits for an interview for Breakdown.
Attorney Ashleigh Merchant explains her motivations for filing the motion and gives her reactions to Willis’ surprise testimony at the evidentiary hearing. Episode 36 – “Merchant Speaks Out” – is the most recent installment of Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast.
The episode also covers a recent decision by Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee that allows lawyers for former President Donald Trump and seven of his co-defendants to pursue an appeal of the judge’s recent decision denying the motion to disqualify Willis.
You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above.
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S10 Ep36: Merchant Speaks Out

The most recent episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast covers Judge Scott McAfee’s decision as to whether District Attorney Fani Willis should be disqualified from the election interference case.
McAfee, in a 23-page order, didn’t decide the issue. Instead, the judge left it up to the district attorney to decide which course to take. And McAfee had a harsh assessment of Willis’ and special prosecutor Nathan Wade’s conduct.
The 35th episode – “Fani’s Choice” – of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also notes that the day before he issued his disqualification decision, McAfee dismissed six of the 41 felony counts against former President Donald Trump and his 14 remaining co-defendants.
You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. 
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S10 Ep35: Fani's Choice

Breakdown’s last episode covered the highlights of the closing arguments made by the defense and prosecution as to why Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should or should not be removed from the election interference case.
In Episode 34 – “The Cases for Keeping or Disqualifying” – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast lets two legal experts – Norm Eisen and Andrew Fleischman -- give their own closings as to why they think Willis should remain on the case or be kicked off it. 
The latest episode of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also notes that Willis has picked up challengers to her reelection and that Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee also has a challenger.
You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. 
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SO8, Ep5: The Elephant in the Room

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