2. Who is Peter Cahill?: The Judge On The Chauvin Trial

The third-degree murder charge against Derek Chauvin have been reinstated. This is in addition to charges of second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. As of March 11, there was no appeal from defense, and jury selection is moving forward. But what do we know about the man overseeing the murder that launched last summer’s protests following the killing of George Floyd?

Speaking from behind a plexiglass shield and with cameras rolling for the entire world to watch, the spotlight is on Judge Peter Cahill. In the second episode of the new season of [Un]Common Law, we examine Cahill’s career and the events that led up to him being appointed to try one of the most significant court cases in a generation.

We talk to Mike Bryant, a personal injury and criminal defense attorney based in the Twin Cities, and Nekima Levy Armstrong, a Minneapolis-based civil rights lawyer. And reporter Lydia Wheeler also walks listeners through her recent profile story on Judge Cahill’s reputation and background.