38 Serial Justice

Cameo Radio

0038 Serial Transcript and Citations

Welcome back to Cameo Radio. This short introduces a new lens with which to focus on some glaring societal issues and potential solution-based thinking.

Today's episode features the CBC podcast "Serial" which serves to introduce the topic of Justice reform and accountability leading future exploration and insight.If you have not had a chance to listen to Serial on CBC, I suggest you take the time to do so, it’s worth the while. Serial Season 1 focuses on the 1999 murder of high school senior Hae Min Lee and the subsequent conviction of her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed. I'll share how "Serial" revisits the investigation, by peeling back layers of this complex case inevitably helping to bring an innocent man to the acquittal he rightfully deserved. Serial brings awareness in a manner similar to how my podcast has helped to unveil my personal and professional challenges after also having come in contact within the justice system.

Sarah Koenig, the host of Serial, navigates the murky details of Adnan's legal proceedings, discovering evidence that never made it to trial, key witness testimony, was omitted.Sarah pieces together the story after a long duration of time. Highlighting discussions with legal experts, and individuals that were involved in 1999. The similarities in process between Adnan’s case and many others draw parallels and similarities to mine. Just as Adnon's case contained evidence that would have proved his innocence and spared him twenty years of grief, so does mine. The omission of material fact by a potentially biassed detective gave way for a prosecutor's theoretical model of guilt. Overtime and once examined this theoretical model had no validity at all. There should never be a question of validity regarding Theory over facts In a criminal proceeding. The mere potential of theoretical scenarios leading to convictions raises some rather pressing concerns - consider this: anyone tried has to be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt not just within a balance of probabilities - in this - theories could never be considered substance in a legal matter - only fact considered.

"Serial" has spurred public discourse around the reliability and fairness of the criminal justice system. Reflecting on this issue I find myself working more in advocacy and towards restorative justice through cultural and systemic reform, education and meaningful engagement with people - this avenue has emerged as a very real responsibility. The podcast Serial along with my own experiences serve as a stark reminder that systemic shortcomings, prejudice, stereotyping and racial profiling could happen to anyone resulting in inaccurate, unfair and erroneous problems that do not meet the mandate of justice..

“In a time of such overwhelming ignorance of this critical information, the fact that I dounderstand it, places me in a position of moral obligation to speak this information to others, in an attempt to help them to understand it, and live it, as well.” - Mark Passio (Thesis on Natural Law)

In exploring racial profiling "Serial" uncovers the links between Adnan’s Pakistani background and Muslim faith. This background was used to corroborate the prosecutors theoretical reality, leading to Adnan’s conviction despite his actual innocence (Adnan Syed, Subject). The themes of stereotyping and prosecution through theoretical models - remain highly relevant today as a shortcoming of the justice system.As if Adnan’s case was not enough of a glimpse into a major problem just look-up American Japanese 1942 (Wikipedia Contributors). Realising the history and the fact that unchecked these issues persist today - I invite you to consider how quickly your imaginary rights could disappear when you need them the most.… No ..? - that can’t happen to me? … If you find yourself thinking or feeling the rejection of this concept - I again invite you to consider the possibility that it’s true..Feature Content -

When comparing the concept of justice and the expectation the public holds of it, against the detailed accounts of individuals and the reality of its activities, a stark contrast becomes very apparent.if this contrast doesn't scare the hell out of you - you must not be aware of it?People just like you count on the justice system yet are nescience or worse ignorant and have no idea about it or seldom ask, how effectively is it functioning? Is it meeting its mark? Are the outcomes of Justice in today's system addressing crime effectively or is it simply carrying out an old narrative of victim versus offender while showing few signs of positive impact? Will it be there for me when I need it - or will I find out once it’s too late?

In the aftermath of my own experience with the justice system - which is nowhere near over, I find myself coming to terms with a very real responsibility. This responsibility is highlighted to me and continuously defined by people's need for help - their experiences and the lack of accountability by the justice system for the egregious impacts it has had on their lives. Adnan’s Syed, now 42, has been released and his conviction overturned. (Adnan Syed, Subject.) Regardless, he has spent more than two decades behind bars.

In working with people I have come to understand their detailed accounts, stories and experiences. The subtle and also aggressive nuance of their interactions with the justice system - the unwarranted invasion into their lives and the harm it has caused. The similarities become obvious as do the solutions. My exploration continues to reveal answers and solutions that I must demand be studied and considered by those who are accountable to the proper tenants of justice of which we all are.The sharing of experience and willingness to listen are very important - this natural process should always inform development, legislation and social progress. Although people's process can and should inform development they often are often lost. The system today has generated a lot of undeserved trauma for people, this trauma in turn reduces the functional capacity of people making it exceptionally difficult for individuals to do anything constructive with their accounts let alone clearly articulate to those who wish to know - or little-loan to help.

In summarising the ongoing discussion, it remains apparent that people who are able to make change or motivate change must, on behalf of those who cannot. Change is spurred through the personal accounts of individuals - such as those shared on serial. It is my hope in listening to this that you ask yourself where have you seen an unaddressed problem? Where have you discovered a little Gap or shortcoming that could be easily solved, what could you do to address it and might you be guilty of something for having not? For remaining ignorant or worse - complicit.The answers to these questions often take the form of stories and actions that increase awareness and positively influence the world we all live in, so why not?. Tune in for future episodes where we will continue to explore issues and topics that drive public understanding and societal change.

“People often say, 'change happens in the heart' or 'change happens in the mind,' which is true, but lastly it happens in the guts. If you have the "guts" to do something, you have developed the courage to do something. We must develop all three, heart, mind, and guts; we must care enough to know, and then finally convert that knowledge into action. Because taking action is the most important step towards creating change in the physical realm.” - Michael Gleeson (Thesis on Natural Law)

Work Cited

“Adnan Syed, Subject of Serial Podcast, Is Released and Conviction Overturned.” CBC, 20 Sept. 2022, www.cbc.ca/news/world/adnan-syed-conviction-overturned-1.6588055. Accessed 23 May 2024.

Wikipedia Contributors. “Internment of Japanese Americans.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 May 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internment_of_Japanese_Americans. Accessed 25 May 2024.

“Thesis on Natural Law by Mike Gleeson - Englis.” Studocu, Studocu, 2018, www.studocu.com/es-mx/document/universidad-del-norte-mexico/literatura-mexicana/thesis-on-natural-law-by-mike-gleeson-englis/28867120. Accessed 25 May 2024.

Bonus Tracks for subscribers!

Three old skits from the Not So Real Life then,

Make It Sparkle By BasePharm followed by,

Bring It On Home By Cody G. and finally,

Chris Whitley - Phone Call From LeavenwortH - performed by Jake Doherty

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