Criminal cover image

Criminal

State of North Carolina v. Joan Little

Jun 28, 2024
37:11
Snipd AI
Karen Bethea-Shields, lawyer for Joan Little's self-defense case, discusses the challenges faced by Black women in the justice system. Topics include societal bias, legal strategies, and the emotional trial climax leading to Joan's acquittal.
Read more

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Advocating for marginalized communities in criminal defense was Karen Bethea Shields' driving force, leading to her successful defense of Joanne Little against biased attitudes and societal challenges.
  • Joanne Little's trial highlighted the importance of empathy, truth, and fair representation, culminating in her historic acquittal as the first woman in the US to be found not guilty of murder for resisting sexual assault.

Deep dives

Karen's Determination to Become a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Karen Bethea Shields knew from the outset of law school that she wanted to focus on criminal defense, particularly helping marginalized communities like poor people and African Americans facing incarceration. Starting her career with civil rights work under lawyer Jerry Paul, she quickly transitioned into representing Joanne Little, a young African-American woman accused of killing a jailer who attempted to assault her. Karen's unwavering dedication to advocating for marginalized individuals shines through her decision to pursue criminal defense.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode