Radiolab Sex, Ducks and the Founding Feud
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Jun 27, 2025 Dive into a tangled tale of love, betrayal, and legal drama! Discover how a jilted woman's quest for revenge led to a Supreme Court case that questions the balance of state and federal power. Explore the quirky connections between poison, duck hunts, and the U.S. Constitution. Tensions rise as the discussion shifts to the historical backdrop of hunting regulations and the ongoing debate about jurisdiction. It’s a fascinating look at personal motives intertwining with political frameworks!
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Carol Ann Bond's Poisoning Plot
- Carol Ann Bond, a Pennsylvania microbiologist, poisoned her husband's pregnant best friend repeatedly with toxic chemicals. - She spread chemicals on doorknobs, mailboxes, and car doors over six months, caught on hidden camera by postal inspectors.
Constitution's Balanced Ambiguity
- The Constitution was crafted with vague sovereignty to balance state and federal power. - This ambiguity allows ongoing debate on government roles, preventing both anarchy and totalitarianism.
Duck Hunting Sparks Federal-State Feud
- In 1919 Missouri, state officials hunted ducks freely, but a federal warden challenged them. - The Supreme Court upheld federal power via treaty to regulate migratory birds over state laws.
