Law School in Plain English: Torts & Criminal Law.
Whether you’re a law student, an undergraduate considering law school, or a lifelong learner, join me as we demystify the law — one concept at a time, in 15 minutes or less. We break down complex legal principles into plain English, making the law accessible for everyone.
Episodes
29 episodes
Recapture of Chattels - Getting Back What’s Rightfully Yours.
What happens when someone wrongfully takes your property, and you decide to take matters into your own hands? In this episode, we break down the tort defense of Recapture of Chattels. Using relatable examples and a dash of humor, we...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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10:00
When Accidents Tell a Story: A Special Res Ipsa Episode.
In this special extended episode, we take a deep dive into the doctrine of Res Ipsa Loquitur—the legal principle that lets the facts ‘speak for themselves.’ Explore its origins in the famous falling-barrel case, Byrne v. Boad...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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42:05
Necessity - Breaking the Rules for the Greater Good.
In this episode, we explore the defense of Necessity — when breaking the rules is legally justified to prevent greater harm. From stormy backyard emergencies to real-world cases like docked ships, we break down the difference between Publ...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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12:34
Consent - When “Yes” Isn’t Forever.
In this episode, we dive into the defense of Consent - what it means to give permission, when it can be revoked, and how long it lasts. From backyard dodgeball to medical procedures, we break down the legal boundaries of Consent in playfu...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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11:51
Defense of Property-Protecting What’s Yours.
In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we explore the limits of defending your property. What actions can you take when someone damages or intrudes on what’s yours? We break down the legal boundaries of reason...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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10:31
The People v . O.J. Simpson: Preliminary Hearings.
What happens after an arrest? In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we dive into preliminary hearings-how they test the evidence, shape the case, and set the stage for trial. Using the O.J. Simpson case, we...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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11:14
Defense of Others - When Can You Step In to Help?
In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we explore the defense of others—when you can step in to protect someone else and how the law determines if your actions are justified. Using a dramatic family reunion scenario and real-w...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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9:36
Defenses of Intentional Torts: Self Defense
In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we dive into the defense of self-defense — when the law allows you to protect yourself and what limits apply. Join us as we continue to make legal concepts simple and engaging.
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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10:30
The People v. O.J. Simpson: Probable Cause.
What is probable cause, and why is it the cornerstone of the criminal justice system? In this episode of Law School In Plain English, we break down the concept of probable cause and its importance in ensuring that arrests an...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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23:04
Trespass to Chattels: Borrowed, Broken, or Both?
How far can someone go before interfering with your personal belongings becomes a legal issue? In this episode we dive into the tort of trespass to chattels.
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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11:59
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: When Words Hurt.
What happens when someone’s actions go beyond rude or offensive and cause extreme emotional harm? In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we unpack the tort of intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED). Through engagi...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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9:10
False Imprisonment - Boundaries That Aren’t Physical.
Is blocking someone’s way out or detaining a shopper for suspected theft false imprisonment? In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we dive into the boundaries of this often-misunderstood tort. Using relatable...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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8:39
The People v. O.J. Simpson: What Is Murder?
What does it mean to charge someone with murder? In the episode of Law School in Plain English, we break down one of the most serious criminal charges: murder. Using the O. J. Simpson case as our guide, we’ll explore how pro...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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12:16
The People v. O.J. Simpson: Actus Reas.
In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we break down actus reas - the guilty act - a crucial component in proving any crime.
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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16:20
Battery: When Contact Crosses the Line.
In this episode, we tackle the concept of battery - exploring when unwanted contact crosses the line into a legal offense. Join us as we unpack what counts as battery, dive into real-life scenarios, and break down how intent and offensive...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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10:26
Trespass to Land: When Boundaries Are Crossed.
In this episode, we explore the concept of trespass to land - when crossing boundaries becomes a legal issue. We’ll dive into what qualifies as trespass, from uninvited guest to accidental entries, and break down how the law protects your...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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9:14
The People v. O.J. Simpson: Mens Rae.
In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we dive into one of the most critical concepts in criminal law: mens rea, or the “guilty mind.” Using the famous O.J. Simpson trail as our guide, we’ll explore how intent i...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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20:11
Assault - When Threats Cross the Line.
In this episode, we dive into the legal concept of assault, exploring how a simple threat or gesture can cross the line into a legal offense - even without physical contact. Join us as we break down what counts as assault, unpack key exam...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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9:23
The People v. O.J. Simpson: An Introduction to Criminal Law.
In this premier episode of Law School In Plain English: Criminal Law, we dive into the heart of criminal law, using one of the most famous trials in history: The People v. O.J. Simpson. Join us as we unpack ...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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16:40
Conversion- When Borrowing Becomes Stealing.
In this episode, join CAT B FIT, our sleek and clever legal guide, as she breaks down the concept of conversion’ — when borrowing turns into taking ownership. CAT B FIT isn’t just a name; each letter represents one of the se...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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8:40
Duty vs. Negligence - The Battle for Responsibility.
Join us as we dive into the concept of duty and what happens when it is ignored. In this episode, we explore real-life stories from recent events to show how the law decides when responsibility falls short and harm is caused. We’ll ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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8:47
Meet Duty - Your Guide to Responsibility.
Meet Superhero Duty, the protector of responsibility, as he swoops in to save the day when people forget their legal obligations. In this episode, we break down what `duty’ means in everyday life and how it helps keep everyone...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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8:20
But-For Causation: Would It Have Happened Without You?
Join us as we explore but-for causation through a sibling chase gone wrong! When a TV comes crashing down, we ask the key legal question: would it have happened without your actions? Find out how this simple but crucial c...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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8:51
Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad: How Far Does Responsibility Go?
Join us as we explore the famous Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad case through a playful sibling chase that spirals out of control. We’ll break down key legal concepts like causation and foreseeability, and discover how f...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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8:11
