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

Mentioned in this episode:

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...

This one’s about clarifying the law, tackling criticism with candor, and continuing the conversation.

Welcome back to Lawyer Talk! In this episode, host Steve Palmer dives into listener comments from social media—especially those sparked by a recent reel about police officer competency to testify in traffic cases.

Some have called him out, some have even called him a fool, but Steve Palmer sets the record straight. Focusing on Ohio law, he explains the nuanced rules that determine when officers can legally testify in court, clears up misconceptions, and shares why rules of evidence aren’t the same everywhere.

Plus, Steve Palmer reads some of the most colorful audience feedback and encourages more questions from listeners—no matter how blunt.

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

Mentioned in this episode:

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 podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

Welcome back to Lawyer Talk! On this special edition episode, hosts Steve Palmer and law student Troy Henricksen tackle the breaking and deeply tragic shooting involving an ICE officer in Minnesota.

With raw emotion running high and the social media machine already passing judgment, Steve Palmer and Troy Henricksen set out to strip away the noise and confusion, providing a clear analysis of what actually happens legally after a police shooting like this.

They look into the critical difference between how the law treats deadly force by a civilian versus a police officer, walking through self-defense standards, justification defenses, and landmark Supreme Court rulings like Graham v. Connor.

You'll hear them debate both sides, untangle the legal elements involved, and explore what it means when state and federal authorities disagree on prosecuting an ICE agent.

Most importantly, they break it all down without the politics—just the facts, legal standards, and framework you need to better understand the chaos and complexity when headlines erupt after a law enforcement shooting.

As always, they're here not to take sides, but to help you make sense of the process.

Moments

00:00 "Civilian Self-Defense Legal Analysis"

03:44 "Ohio Self-Defense Laws Explained"

07:08 Self-Defense or Fault?

10:47 "Understanding Real-Time Defendant Perspective"

13:00 "Justification Defense in Murder Case"

16:18 "Reasonableness of Police Force"

19:52 The Dangers of Police Chases

24:05 "Debating Crime Severity in Law"

28:29 "Justified Force and Legal Debate"

29:58 "Dual Sovereignty and Prosecution"

35:23 "Analytical Framework for Complex Decisions"

Key Takeaways:

Legal Standards Are Crucial: Emotional reactions are expected, but the real decisions will follow established legal standards. The actions of law enforcement are viewed under a different framework than those of civilians, making the analysis more nuanced than social media quick takes might suggest.

Objective Reasonableness Is the Benchmark: In police shooting cases, courts rely on the "objective reasonableness" standard set by the U.S. Supreme Court (Graham v. Connor). This means the officer’s actions are judged by what a reasonable officer would do under tense, split-second circumstances—not perfect hindsight.

Jurisdictional Complexities Can Shape Outcomes: Even if the federal government decides not to charge the officer, Minnesota authorities might still pursue prosecution. However, immunity issues and federal supremacy mean any state-level charges could lead to complicated federal-court battles over whether the officer was acting within the scope of federal duties.

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

If you’ve ever wondered about your rights during an arrest, or what really constitutes “unlawful,” this episode delivers clear answers, practical advice, and a much-needed reality check.

Welcome back to another episode of Lawyer Talk! Today, Steve Palmer and Troy Henricksen talk about a hot-button topic that’s sparked tons of debate and plenty of strong opinions: Can you legally resist an unlawful arrest?

Building off recent listener questions and comments, the conversation unpacks what the law actually says, where confusion often arises, and—most importantly—why the courtroom is the right place to argue an unlawful arrest, not the streets.

Together, Steve Palmer and Troy Henricksen break down misconceptions about probable cause, discuss real-world scenarios, and clarify the difference between legal defenses after the fact and dangerous choices in the moment.

Moments

03:55 "Charges, Police, and Legal Defense"

07:49 "Resisting Arrest and Court Rights"

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Legal Rights vs. Practical Realities: While Ohio law recognizes resisting an unlawful arrest as a legal defense, trying to do so on the street can have dangerous—and even fatal—consequences. The courtroom is the right place to fight back, not during the incident itself.
2. Probable Cause Standard Is Low: Many people misunderstand what constitutes “probable cause.” As Troy Henricksen points out, it doesn’t take much for an officer to make a legal arrest—matching a vague description might be enough.
3. Courtroom Is the Battleground: Steve Palmer emphasizes that even if an arrest is later found to be unlawful, resistance during the arrest can lead to additional charges. The best course of action is to comply in the moment and let your attorney fight for you in court.

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

Mentioned in this episode:

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

If you’re wondering about police procedures—or just want some sharp legal insight—this Q&A style episode is packed with answers and practical examples.

Welcome back to Lawyer Talk! In this episode, host Steve Palmer dives into a listener’s question that stirs up plenty of curiosity: Can Ohio police pull you over in an unmarked cruiser?

With law student Troy Henricksen joining in, the conversation covers the legal nuances unique to Ohio, from what counts as a “competent” police witness in traffic court to the reasons behind those uniform and marked cruiser requirements.

Along the way, Steve Palmer unpacks courtroom procedures, shares real-world stories about undercover officers, and gives listeners a deeper understanding of how traffic stops play out under Ohio law.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Uniform + Marked Car = Required for Traffic Patrol: In Ohio, for a police officer’s testimony about a traffic violation to be competent in court, they must have been in uniform and driving a marked cruiser on routine patrol.
2. Undercover Cops Face Limits: Officers working undercover or as part of a task force, driving unmarked cars, are typically not allowed to testify against drivers in routine traffic violation cases.
3. Legal Definitions Matter: Ohio has unique “competency” rules—not just about mental fitness, but specific circumstances like police attire and vehicle—that can make or break a traffic case.

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

Mentioned in this episode:

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 podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

If you’ve ever wondered whether pushing back against police is worth it, or if you’re curious about how to actually make change, you’ll want to hear this one.

This episode of Lawyer Talk is all about when it comes to your rights and run-ins with the police. Steve Palmer tackles the flood of comments he’s been getting lately—some fiery, some thoughtful, and all worth discussing. He breaks down why arguing with cops on the side of the road might not be the best move (hint: it rarely ends well), and why the real fight happens in the courtroom.

From questions about whether the system is just a big money grab, to debates about how much freedom we’re willing to trade for safety, Steve Palmer gets into the nitty-gritty. He even shares why he became a defense lawyer in the first place—it’s not just about the paycheck!

Moments

00:00 Police, Rights, and Systemic Critique

05:48 "System vs. Street Resistance Debate"

06:54 "Comply or Face Consequences"

11:06 "Striving for Better, Not Perfect"

Key Takeaways:

1. The Courtroom Is the Battleground for Rights - Steve Palmer highlights that while asserting your constitutional rights is critical, the safest and most effective place to challenge police overreach is in court—not on the roadside.
2. Change Is Possible—But Imperfect - Our system isn’t perfect and is often influenced by "the money machine." Still, advocating for your rights inside the legal system can drive reform and uphold constitutional protections.
3. Constructive Dialogue Drives Progress - Steve Palmer encourages dissent and debate, stressing that respectful discourse and legal advocacy—not street confrontations—advance our collective cause.

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

Mentioned in this episode:

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 podcasting to differentiate businesses...