Introducing The Defendants: Case Files
A new monthly series on cases that caught our attention
Introducing Case Files
Case Files is the next iteration of The Defendants. In our first six podcast episodes, we explored how the justice system is set up, and why it doesn’t work for cases involving sexual violence. We are working on our next six episodes which will further explore how we can change this system for the better. In the interim, we want to keep the conversation going.
Once a month, host Jane Aster Roe and human rights expert Anuja Jaiswal will look into a specific case that caught their attention and ignited conversation.
They’ll discuss what happened, why it played out that way, and what it can tell us about the justice system and how our reactions contribute to the larger problem.
Key Topics
All sources, statistics, multimedia clips, and music credits are available on Substack.
Explore more episodes.
Episode 01
First Encounters
We take a look at first encounters: with the justice system, with telling someone, and with the law. We're looking beyond the headlines to the root issues underneath, and exploring the first steps in the process for victims: disclosure and the decision to go to the police.
Episode 02
You Have the Right to an Attorney
We're trying to understand how we can better insert victims' rights into the legal process, without superseding the rights for accused individuals.
Episode 03
The Perfect Victim
We're looking at what makes an ideal victim in the eyes of the law, and society, and who is more likely to be believed.
Episode 04
Not Guilty
We're looking at what it takes to get a verdict of guilty or not guilty, and what it means.
Episode 05
Record Scratch Rewind
We're going backwards so we can map our way forwards. A deep dive into the legal history and case precedent that shapes how sexual assault is prosecuted today.
Episode 06 · Latest
I Went Through the Justice System and All I Got Was a Branded Stress Ball
A raw, powerful account of navigating the courtroom as a sexual assault survivor, and what justice (and the lack of it) actually feels like.
About The Defendants
The Defendants is a podcast exploring how sexual assault cases move through the justice system… and why it never seems to work in favour of victims. We want to know what has to change within the system for it to actually work, and we are interrogating what justice means in the aftermath of trauma. This is a podcast where we figure out exactly how this system fails, why, and what to do about it.
Support This Project
Thanks for listening and being a part of this conversation. This is a completely grassroots, independent podcast. Your support directly funds our ability to continue.
Subscribe to our Substack for additional content and ongoing conversations. We also have a mail club! Get monthly artwork and letters to continue the conversation… offline, where the best communities are built.
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Get in Touch
Questions or ideas about the show? defendantspodoutreach@protonmail.com
Follow on Instagram: @thedefendantspodcast | @jane_aster_roe
Media appearances: daltonhiggins@gmail.com
Resources for Survivors
SA Survivor Resource Document- This document contains Canadian, U.S, and global sources to find guidance, information, and aid for survivors of sexual assault. Detailed descriptions of each resource within the document.
Our Team
Jane Aster Roe - Executive Producer, Host
Rachel Arundel - Executive Producer, Creative Director
Katie Jensen - Executive Producer, Editor, Sound Designer
Dawson Fleming - Production Assistant