International Law: Enforcement Behind the Headlines | Lawyer Talk Q&A

Whether you’re a law student, legal professional, or just intrigued by how the world’s legal systems interact on the grand stage, this episode gives you a grounded, no-nonsense look at what happens when international law collides with real-life events—and why, most of the time, it’s politics, not prosecution, that rules the day.

Welcome to this episode of Lawyer Talk, where Steve Palmer is joined by Troy Henricksen to tackle one of the most complex and often misunderstood topics in law: international law.

Inspired by current headlines—like the controversial arrest (or as some call it, "invasion" or "extraction") involving Venezuela’s Maduro—Steve Palmer and Troy Henricksen dig into what international law actually means, especially in today’s highly charged political landscape.

In this conversation, they explore why international law tends to be more of a political talking point than a truly enforceable legal system, comparing it to the concrete laws and regulations that govern within the United States. They break down misconceptions about the “power” of international courts, the role of treaties, and what really happens when governments break these so-called international rules.

Here are 3 key takeaways from our conversation:

International Law Is Largely Political: As Steve Palmer emphasized, international law often serves as a political tool, rather than an enforceable set of rules. Without true enforcement mechanisms, its impact is more theoretical than practical.

Enforcement Relies on Power and Treaties: Troy Henricksen pointed out that entities like international courts might issue indictments, but without mechanisms (such as treaties or extradition agreements) and political will, enforcement is minimal.

U.S. Law Prevails International Law Domestically: Laws governing the U.S. (federal, state, and local) are what truly govern day-to-day realities. International law rarely, if ever, supersedes these in practice—especially in local jurisdictions.

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Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

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