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Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part 92
In Part 92, Judge Mader assesses the dismissal of a vehicular manslaughter case based on evidence of faulty brakes. The Judge also explores some of the specific legal perils faced by a defendant who decides to represent themselves when accused of a sex crime.
Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part 91
In Part 91, Judge Mader discusses the case of a repeat offender seeking a lesser sentence because of health concerns, while reflecting on an earlier case to muse on unexpected romantic pairings that she sees in court proceedings.
New Episode of Durst Trial Podcast: Durst Sentencing – Part 1: How Judge Windham Saw the Durst Trial
In this episode, host Kary Antholis and co-host Brittany Bookbinder discuss the Thursday, October 14th, court appearance of Robert Durst, his first since being convicted of the murder of his friend Susan Berman.
Breaking News Bonus Episode of Durst Trial Podcast: DeGuerin Leaves Defense Team After Revealing Durst Is On A Ventilator
In this Breaking News Bonus Episode, reporter Charles Bagli breaks the news that Dick DeGuerin has "completed the assignment" and no longer represents Robert Durst.
Prison Journalism Project: My First Year In Prison
The first year in prison was a learning process to understand what I needed to do to make it through such a long stretch of time.
Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part 90
In Part 90, Judge Mader explains the role of a court commissioner and what happens when these court officers make a misstep. She then details the boundaries she sets for herself when friends and family ask for legal advice.
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Season 2 Episode 37: Charles Bagli on Chavin’s Choice
You can find links to all of Crime Story’s coverage of the Robert Durst trial here.
In this episode, Charles Bagli on Chavin's Choice, journalist Charles Bagli, who covered the Durst trial for The New York Times and CrimeStory.com, profiles Nick Chavin, the man who became his trusted source on the Durst story and, ultimately, Los Angeles prosecutors’ star witness. Host Kary Antholis and co-host Brittany Bookbinder join Charlie for a discussion about Chavin's key role in the legal proceedings against Durst.
Episode 363: Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part 89
In Part 89, Judge Mader discusses the complex considerations when resolving conflicts between parties in court. The Judge then looks to the Thanksgiving holiday and reflects on what she is thankful for in the American criminal justice system.
You can find links to all installments of Inside the Robe here.
November 21
The conclusion to the case of the fake animal control officers described on August 26 unfolded in court this morning. Both of the women had entered a stranger’s home...
CA Innocence Project: Reggie Cole Freed From “15-Year Nightmare of Unjust Captivity”
In 2009, the California Innocence Project filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus on Reggie Cole’s behalf, alleging a range of grievous errors in Cole's prosecution.
Episode 362: Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part 88
In Part 88, Judge Mader considers how to balance chastising an attorney for insufficient preparation while maintaining efficient courtroom operation. She also describes the ‘absurd’ result of legalizing marijuana but retaining severe penalties for marijuana-related crimes.
You can find links to all installments of Inside the Robe here.
November 14
Preparing jury instructions for the murder/vehicular manslaughter trial that was concluding Monday morning consumed part of my three-day weekend. The jury instructions were voluminous. At least sixty pages. The jurors need...
Episode 361: Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part 87
In Part 87, Judge Mader explains the strategies lawyers use when selecting a jury. The Judge also discusses the endorsement process for judicial candidates and the importance of ethical standards when vetting prospective judges.
You can find links to all installments of Inside the Robe here.
November 9
Selecting a jury has similarities to playing chess for the lawyers. Our defense attorney in the trial has been check-mated. I have not seen this before in forty plus years of jury trials....
CA Innocence Project: Ineffective Assistance of Counsel May Have Led to Raymundo Chagolla Spending 20+ Years Behind Bars
Based only on questionable eyewitness identification and unrecorded hearsay, Raymundo Chagolla was charged and convicted of a murder in 2000 he's maintained he did not commit.