Switching Sides: James Porfido on Becoming a Defense Attorney After Prosecuting

About this episode

James Porfido discusses his transition from prosecutor to defense attorney and shares insights on the criminal justice system.

Note: This episode includes discussion of crime and the criminal justice system, including violent crime. James Porfido spent years as a prosecutor, working to put accused criminals behind bars—until he made a pivotal shift and began defending them instead. Now, having seen the criminal justice system from both sides, he shares what changed his perspective, what most people misunderstand about fair trials, and why he believes the system doesn’t always deliver equal justice. " As an attorney, this is how I viewed my transition to becoming a defense attorney: we all are guaranteed a fair trial and due process under the law, and we have constitutional protections. " Hear James talk about: His path from prosecutor to defense attorney, and what changed his perspective The meaning of “innocent until proven guilty” in practice The state’s obligation in a criminal case The role of a strong defense attorney in ensuring a fair trial Why he believes the justice system isn’t always equal What everyday citizens misunderstand about the legal system Mentioned in this episode: The Salem Witch Trials Framed, by John Grisham Unequal Justice by James Porfido Support This Show: Follow Tell Me What…

People in this episode

Host: Stacy Raine

Guest: James Porfido

Topics covered

• criminal justice system
• defense attorney
• prosecutor
• fair trial
• equal justice
• legal system

Keywords

• defense attorney
• prosecutor
• fair trial
• criminal justice
• equal justice
• legal system
• innocent until proven guilty

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Framed, Unequal Justice

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