Paul Butler

In this discussion, legal experts Sarah Sayo and Paul Butler delve into the complexities of the Fourth Amendment and its intended limits on government power. Sayo explores how historical figures like James Otis influenced constitutional thought on search and seizure. Butler highlights the implications of landmark cases, including Terry v. Ohio, revealing the troubling intersection of racial profiling and police authority. Together, they dissect how interpretations of 'reasonable' searches continue to challenge civil liberties today.

In this insightful conversation, Paul Butler, a Georgetown Law professor and former federal prosecutor, presents a compelling argument for prison abolition. He shares his transformation from locking up Black men to advocating for reform, explaining how the chokehold symbolizes systemic racial oppression. Butler discusses the need to defund the police and redirect funds to community services, alongside exploring alternative justice models that emphasize rehabilitation. He also highlights the transformative power of literature, particularly Toni Morrison's works, in reshaping racial identity.