Open and Shut

News & Politics Podcasts

Prosecutors are the most powerful people in the American criminal justice system. "Open and Shut," a new podcast from Wisconsin Watch and Wisconsin Public Radio, shines a light on how prosecutors do their jobs — and the danger of allowing that power to go unchecked. Hosted by reporter Phoebe Petrovic, "Open and Shut" is the culmination of nearly three years of investigative reporting. The seven-part series follows two district attorneys in Wisconsin's Fox Valley and their impact on victims, the accused and the justice system.

Location:

United States

Genres:

News & Politics Podcasts

Description:

Prosecutors are the most powerful people in the American criminal justice system. "Open and Shut," a new podcast from Wisconsin Watch and Wisconsin Public Radio, shines a light on how prosecutors do their jobs — and the danger of allowing that power to go unchecked. Hosted by reporter Phoebe Petrovic, "Open and Shut" is the culmination of nearly three years of investigative reporting. The seven-part series follows two district attorneys in Wisconsin's Fox Valley and their impact on victims, the accused and the justice system.

Twitter:

@wpr

Language:

English

Website:

https://www.wpr.org/openandshut

Email:

webmaster@wpr.org

Episodes

Deals Vince Biskupic made as a prosecutor and judge raise questions of fairness in Wisconsin’s justice system

5/18/2022

The Scandal

Ep. 7: The Scandal

5/18/2022

As Outagamie County district attorney, Biskupic let potential defendants buy their way out of trouble. As a judge, he offered deals that fell in a 'gray area' of the law.

Duration:00:35:05

Wisconsin prosecutor campaigned on his record — but some high-profile cases had hidden flaws

5/11/2022

The List

Ep. 6: The List

5/11/2022

One of Outagamie County District Attorney Vince Biskupic’s cases involved a rewritten police report; another, an exoneration.

Duration:00:35:10

Two decades after high-profile murder trial, questions remain in the prosecution of Ken Hudson

5/4/2022

The Circus

Ep. 5: The Circus

5/4/2022

A possible Miranda violation, a missing taped "confession," and an improperly charged girlfriend among the flaws in Vince Biskupic’s case.

Duration:00:36:00

A horrific murder. Police helped a key witness. The prosecutor kept it secret.

4/27/2022

The Witness

Ep. 4: The Witness

4/27/2022

In 2019, Wisconsin Watch received a tip about a case. It alleged that the prosecutor, Outagamie County District Attorney Vince Biskupic, had withheld information about a key witness — a young woman who got some help, monetary and otherwise, from the police. That assistance was never disclosed to the defense. It’s part of a pattern seen in some other high-profile cases prosecuted by Biskupic, according to an investigation by Wisconsin Watch and WPR.

Duration:00:31:24

Two prosecutors accused a man of plotting to murder one of them. Years later, a different story emerged.

4/20/2022

The Hit Plot

The rise and fall of Winnebago County District Attorney Joe Paulus reveals the immense power of prosecutors – and how it can be abused

4/20/2022

The Golden Boy

Prosecution included questionable witnesses, racial stereotype, in 2000 arson trial of Dale Chu

4/20/2022

The Fire

Ep. 2: The Golden Boy

4/20/2022

Joe Paulus's time as Winnebago County district attorney involved taking bribes, allegedly asking an officer to lie on the stand and bragging about having sex in his office.

Duration:00:27:38

Ep. 3: The Hit Plot

4/20/2022

The Wisconsin case was tainted by secret tapes, unreliable witnesses and a supposed "hit" plot against Winnebago County District Attorney Joe Paulus.

Duration:00:30:06

A New Podcast From Wisconsin Watch and WPR

4/1/2022

Open and Shut: Coming April 20

4/1/2022

"Open and Shut" explores the dangers of allowing the power of the prosecutor to go unchecked. The seven-part investigative series follows two district attorneys in Wisconsin’s Fox Valley and their impact on victims, the accused and the justice system.

Duration:00:02:12