Law School in Plain English: Torts & Criminal Law.

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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 7...

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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...

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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 ju...

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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 liab...

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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 (...

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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...

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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 evi...

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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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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 an...

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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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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...

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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 happ...

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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 ann...

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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...

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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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