If you want to understand not just the headlines but the gritty realities of law, training, and police accountability, this episode is a must-listen.

Welcome back to Lawyer Talk! In this special panel episode, “Minnesota ICE,” Steve Palmer brings together a powerhouse group of voices to dig deep into the complexities of police use of force, especially when officers are confronted with split-second decisions involving moving vehicles. Joining Steve Palmer at the table are veteran law enforcement officer Eric Delbert, renowned police defense attorney Mark Collins, and civil rights litigator Dave Goldstein—each bringing decades of experience, unique perspectives, and real-world insights to an issue captivating national attention.

The discussion kicks off with reflections on high-profile cases, including the recent Minnesota shooting involving a federal ICE agent and the local Franklin County officer Connor Grubb, whose prosecution highlighted how perspectives can shift based on the facts known to police at the time of a critical incident. The group navigates the legal frameworks that govern use of force, the importance of training, the shifting public attitudes toward police authority, and the ways grand juries and media narratives influence outcomes before all the facts are in.

You will hear candid opinions about grand jury secrecy, the impact of recent protests on police morale and recruitment, and robust debate over qualified immunity for officers and public officials. Throughout the episode, the panel emphasizes the need for thorough investigations, transparency, and legal guidance, all while maintaining a commitment to justice—no matter who is sitting at the defense or the prosecution table.

Pull up a seat and join the conversation as Lawyer Talk takes you beyond the soundbites and into the heart of the issues shaping law enforcement and civil rights today.

Top 3 takeaways for fellow legal professionals, law enforcement, and anyone passionate about justice:

1. Officers’ Use of Force is Complex: The legal standard for police use of deadly force is built around the reasonable officer standard—not civilian self-defense. It’s shaped by landmark cases like Graham v. Connor, demanding juries step into an officer’s shoes, considering split-second perceptions and training, not just “what would you do?”
2. Obey Now, Challenge Later: The panel reinforced—no matter how tense or unjust a police interaction may feel—comply in the moment, challenge in court. Civil rights and justice are far better protected and remedied after the fact, rather than escalating roadside confrontations.
3. The Need for Clarity & Transparency: Ohio (and the nation) desperately needs clearer jury instructions and legal guidance in police shooting cases. As Mark Collins pointed out, inconsistency across courts and shifting grand jury protocols put officers, victims, and the justice process on unsteady ground. Transparent, thorough investigations and communication with the public can help restore trust.

Moments

00:00 Commitment to Truth and Accountability

08:48 "Officer's Response to Threat"

13:29 Reasonable Officer Perspective Explained

20:14 "Compliance with Police Orders"

23:39 "Comply Now, Address Later"

26:36 Police Recruitment and Accountability Challenges

36:20 Polarized Reactions to Minnesota Case

41:23 Body Cam Perspective Sparks Debate

50:33 "Unexplained Noise in Basement"

56:26 Assessing Threats and Justification

01:02:12 "Justice, Pressure, and Settlements"

01:06:29 "1890 Case: Federal Immunity Standard"

01:12:25...

For those with specific legal concerns or personal cases, Steve Palmer invites listeners to reach out to his law practice directly—either through palmerlegaldefense.com or by calling 614-224-6142—for actual legal guidance.

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

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.

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.

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

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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Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through...