085 United States v. Sinclair

This podcast usually focuses on successful prosecutions and the resulting appeals. But what about the cases that start strong and then lose steam? We don't really spend time there because I hadn't sussed out the through line, the thing that would make them relevant to a broader discussion. But, for this episode I've plucked two cases that I don't think we would generally describe as successful prosecutions. I chose them because they highlight the ways that outside circumstances influence a system of justice and, in some respects, the way that case outcomes can influence outside circumstances.

Before we dive into those cases, I want to set the scene for why I'm highlighting that at all. I'm aware there are reviews for this podcast that suggest I stay away from political stuff. They've been around for over a year but I've declined to address them until now. I think I found a way to make the reason we dance across the politics of it all clearer for everyone involved.

There are no opinions currently associated with the cases I discussed in this episode. Instead, I relied on news coverage of the Sinclair case and related cases:

• Sinclair: New York Times, NBC (1)(2), NPR, a press release from a Congressional Representative, and PBS.
• Naval Academy Case: BBC, ESPN(1)(2)

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you hit play today. I'm happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at [e-mail]. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming!

Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it's obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense or whatever name they go by socially now. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.