Social Justice - A Conversation

Charles and Yvette examine institutional accountability, immigration and voting, and the death penalty, emphasizing the need for transparency, reform, and greater public engagement. They discuss child abuse scandals in Catholic dioceses and the harm done to victims, families, and public trust, criticizing internal systems that lack independent oversight, including the practice of transferring cler...

Charles and Yvette examine two connected threats to accountability: the erosion of truth-telling in public life and the systemic failures that leave survivors of sexual violence without justice. They criticize the treatment of Jack Smith during a congressional hearing as disrespectful and performative, and discuss how threats against public officials, judges, and their families can discourage peop...

Charles and Yvette examine the growing dangers of the drug landscape, from rising overdose deaths and fentanyl-contaminated counterfeit pills to kratom products sold through everyday retailers. They explore how addiction connects to instant gratification, social pain, and the uneven treatment of Black and Brown communities under drug policy, and they make the case for honest family conversations,...

In this episode, hosts Professor Charles Stanton and third-year law student Yvette Machado-Tuinier welcome guest Kerri Richards to examine threats to democratic institutions, voting rights, press freedom, and gender equality, without reaching formal decisions. They discuss restrictions on major news organizations and argue that a free press is central to the First Amendment and collective civic ac...

Charles and  Yvette Machado-Tuinier discuss the influence of money in politics, judicial ethics, and social indifference. Political Influence Charles and Yvette Machado-Tuinier address how the Citizens United ruling has allowed unlimited, often anonymous money to flood political campaigns. Charles notes that recent election spending was estimated at a minimum of $1 billion, which he argues drowns...

In their final episode together, Professor Charles Stanton and third-year law student Blanca Pena discuss social justice issues, highlighting the disparity between qualified individuals like AOC and unqualified figures like RFK. They criticize the lack of competence and experience in government appointments, particularly in the military, and the impact of racism. Blanca emphasizes the importance o...

Professor Charles Stanton and third-year law student Blanca Pena discuss the normalization of sexual abuse in Congress, citing the resignations of Eric Swalwell and Adam Schiff. They criticize the political bargaining over who should be removed and highlight the broader issues of greed, power, and money in politics. Blanca criticizes the two-party system and the radicalization of political views....

Professor Charles Stanton and Blanca Pena discuss the lack of accountability in the U.S. government, citing Melania Trump's statement on Jeffrey Epstein and the need for action against perpetrators rather than more victim testimony. They criticize the U.S. administration's handling of international conflicts, particularly the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and threats against Iran, highlighting the abse...

Professor Charles Stanton and third-year law student Blanca Pena discuss the implications of the recent oral argument on birthright citizenship, highlighting President Trump's attendance and the symbolic significance of an Asian American woman arguing the case. They express concern over the potential erosion of constitutional rights and the broader societal issues, such as the prioritization of mi...

Professor Charles Stanton and third-year law student Blanca Pena discuss a recent article about the Secretary of Defense blocking the promotion of four army officers, two of whom were women and two were Black. The article suggests racial and gender bias influenced the decision, as the Secretary of Defense lacked legal authority to remove them. They also touch on broader issues of systemic racism,...

Professor Charles Stanton and Blanca Pena discuss the lack of empathy and humanity in current political leadership, highlighting a hearing about a potential successor to Christy Nome and his controversial statements. They criticize the lack of professionalism and respect, citing an incident where President Trump made insensitive comments to Japanese Prime Minister Suga. The conversation also touch...

In this episode of Social Justice - A Conversation, Boyd School of Law professor Charles Stanton and law student Blanca Peña work through a wide-ranging critique of the current state of American governance, opening with the human and economic toll of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East — including skyrocketing oil prices, the resurgence of antisemitism, and the ways the war has inadvertently s...

Professor Charles Stanton and third-year law student Blanca Pena discuss the pervasive issue of child abuse and mistreatment of women in various institutions, including the Catholic Church and Columbia University. They highlight recent scandals, such as the Rhode Island priest abuse cases and a gynecologist's mistreatment of patients, and express concern over the normalization of such crimes. Blan...

Professor Charles Stanton and third-year law student Blanca Pena discuss the failure of American justice, using the Jeffrey Epstein case as a prime example. They highlight the systemic issues in the U.S., contrasting it with other countries' societal uproars and investigations. Blanca critiques America's historical and current injustices, including the normalization of harming children and the com...

Professor Charles Stanton and third-year law student Blanca Pena discuss the arrest of Prince Andrew in England and its implications for British royalty and global social justice. They highlight the disparity in how the law treats powerful individuals versus the general public, citing examples like Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein. Blanca criticizes the protection of powerful figures like Pres...

Professor Charles Stanton and third-year law student Blanca Pena discuss the cultural and political implications of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance. Stanton praises the performance for its message of unity and inclusivity, while Pena, a fan, highlights its cultural significance for Latino immigrants. They criticize negative reactions, particularly to Bad Bunny singing in Spanish. The conversati...

Professor Charles Stanton and third-year law student Blanca Pena discuss the state of social justice in America, focusing on recent events like the Super Bowl's alternate entertainment and a racist AI video featuring President Obama. They critique the normalization of racism, particularly under former President Trump, and the dehumanization of people of color. They highlight the Epstein scandal, e...

Professor Charles Stanton and third-year law student Blanca Pena discuss social justice issues in the U.S., highlighting the need for systemic change. They address the intimidation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, the pardon system's flaws, and the impact of healthcare policy changes. The conversation shifts to the Minnesota events, drawing parallels to Nazi Germany's rule of law erosion. B...

Professor Charles Stanton and third-year law student Blanca Peña discuss the delayed release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's case by the Justice Department, citing ongoing investigations. They criticize the department's hypocrisy in claiming to protect victims while obfuscating information. Blanca emphasizes the need for accountability in politics and media, highlighting the societal fai...

Professor Charles Stanton and third-year law student Blanca Peña discuss the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, the government shutdown, and broader issues of social justice. They highlight the obstruction of justice and the potential release of documents in the House of Representatives, with some Republicans seeking political cover. They criticize the government's failure to address systemic issues, partic...

Professor Charles Stanton and third-year law student Blanca Peña discuss recent U.S. elections, highlighting the victories of Eric Adams in New York City, a woman governor and a black attorney general in Virginia, and female nominee Jackie Sherrill in New Jersey. They note the significant voter turnout, particularly among diverse groups, which contributed to Sherrill's win. Stanton and Peña critic...

Professor Charles Stanton and third-year law student Blanca Peña discuss the lack of cooperation among U.S. government branches, particularly affecting food stamp benefits and healthcare. They highlight the inertia of Congress, leading to potential government shutdowns and the defunding of Medicaid and Obamacare. Blanca criticizes the government's focus on individualism over community support, cit...