JUSTUS with Jack & Gonzo

Jack D’Aurora and John Gonzales
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Social justice means applying the law equally to all people. But in practice, that doesn’t always happen. We’re business and trial lawyers with over 60 years experience of practice. Together, we practice law, we seek social justice, and we reveal the conflict between the two. And in this podcast, we bring together guests from a variety of backgrounds to discuss the current issues surrounding social justice and the inequity between these issues and their relation to the legal system. Join with us, so that it’s not Just Us.

  1. 4D AGO

    122. One woman's effort to reduce the number of incarcerated Blacks

    While only about 13% of the nation’s population is Black, the percentage of incarcerated Blacks can be as high as 50 %. The proportion of Black men on death row is significantly higher than that of whites. Our guest, Courtney Teasley, a criminal defense lawyer, emphasizes the responsibility that defense attorneys have in contributing to incarceration rates. Some lawyers fail to communicate with clients, push plea deals without proper consultation, and neglect to use available court resources or file necessary motions. This lack of diligence can result in missed opportunities for discovering evidence that could change the outcome of a trial. Courtney stresses that defense lawyers should fight for their clients and not simply “go along to get along,” especially in smaller counties where maintaining good relationships with judges is common practice. Courtney described the DAMM community—Disproportionately Affected Marginalized Minority—as the primary demographic impacted by incarceration. Systemic factors such as inadequate education in financial literacy, criminal justice literacy, and civics contribute to this problem. Many individuals are not taught their rights or how to hold government officials accountable, nor are they given the tools to pursue financial stability beyond low-wage jobs. These gaps leave people vulnerable to crimes of poverty and ill-equipped to navigate the legal system if accused. Having financial means, legal knowledge, and civic understanding provides leverage and empowerment, but these advantages are often unavailable in marginalized communities. Courtney’s initiatives focus on legal literacy, financial literacy, and civics. She teaches these subjects through mock trial programs at high-priority schools and at HBCUs, aiming to address the lack of foundational legal knowledge. Her business, MFN, stands for Mindset, Finesse, and Non-Negotiable Boundaries, and is dedicated to advocacy training and lawyer coaching. Courtney also discussed the school-to-prison pipeline, which refers to the disproportionate punishment of Black students in schools, which leads to higher rates of suspension and disciplinary actions that can lead to the juvenile justice system. She advocates for empowering students through education in legal literacy, civics, and financial skills, noting that access to such knowledge and opportunities is often limited. Programs and curricula she develops aim to bridge these gaps and provide students with tools for legal and financial empowerment. Ultimately, the need for competent, passionate lawyers in criminal defense is critical. The goal is not necessarily to achieve acquittals for all clients, but to ensure the state proves its case and to minimize negative impacts on individuals’ records and communities. Creative solutions, rehabilitation, and strategic partnerships are encouraged to address root causes of crime and support long-term positive outcomes.

    45 min

  2. FEB 3

    121. A comparison of Brazilian and American education systems

    As part of a reciprocal exchange sponsored by the Columbus Rotary Club, educators from São Paulo, Brazil, were welcomed to Ohio. This group included college professors and English teachers at both primary and secondary levels. Their itinerary included visits to several public and private schools. We talk with two of the educators, Amanda Piovezani and Elaine Berges. Tracy Najera, a previous podcast guest and Rotarian, joined us. Amanda and Elaine observed that while multilingualism is common in Europe due to proximity to various countries, it is less prevalent in the United States. They were impressed by several aspects of American education, particularly in career schools where hands-on learning and partnerships with community organizations and companies are emphasized. One standout observation was the prevalence and integration of the arts in American schools. Amanda admired how art is used to cultivate critical thinking and emotional intelligence, especially among younger students. Both Amanda and Elaine discussed how engaging in art allows students to think creatively and empathetically, fostering essential soft skills such as teamwork and communication. In both countries, there are legal requirements to provide support for students with special needs. In Brazil, an assistant is assigned to any student with a diagnosed disorder, particularly in public schools, to ensure personalized support. The Brazilian visitors were struck by the smaller class sizes in American public schools compared to Brazil, particularly at the elementary level. Both countries face challenges with student distractions, particularly regarding cell phone use. Recent legislation in Brazil has prohibited cell phones in primary and high schools, with exceptions for health-related needs. This change was credited with improving students’ social and motor skills, as they engaged more in physical activities and social interactions during breaks. While it is common in Ohio for schools to have uniformed police officers present, this is not the practice in Brazil. There, police may patrol school neighborhoods but do not typically enter schools unless there is an emergency. The Brazilian educators expressed surprise at the American practice of arming teachers and the prevalence of discussions around gun violence in schools. The educators discussed how American schools are funded primarily through property taxes, a system that often results in wealthier areas having more resources. In contrast, Brazilian elementary and high schools are funded by municipal governments, while colleges are supported by state or federal funding. Public education in Brazil, including universities, is entirely free.

    52 min

  3. JAN 25

    120. Deploying the National Guard--not a long term solution for reducing crime

    A visible law enforcement presence, like the National Guard, may deter crime, but Professor Laura Dugan, of the Ohio State University Department of Sociology, explains that deploying the Garud will not reduce crime in the long term. The first step in reducing crime is to understand the crime dynamics within a city and then make strategic decisions to address not only the crimes themselves but also their underlying causes. Research has shown that simply increasing patrols or random police presence does not effectively deter crime in the long term. While deploying military personnel with visible weapons might have some immediate effect, it fails to address the root causes of criminal activity. While some police departments have units dedicated to crime analysis and proactive strategies, most resources are devoted to reactive policing. Problem-solving policing targets the root causes of crime and focuses on small groups or specific neighborhoods responsible for a disproportionate share of criminal activity. Professor Dugan cites research indicating that providing healthcare, family planning, education, and providing support to low-income pregnant women reduces criminality in the long term. She advocates for meeting the basic needs of vulnerable populations, emphasizing that social services offer alternatives to criminal behavior and provide necessary safety nets. These approaches, however, are often viewed with skepticism by certain political groups, despite their past bipartisan support. Has President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard had any measurable effect on crime reduction? Professor Dugan is skeptical, noting that crime rates have been declining nationally, echoing patterns seen in the 1990s, and cautions against attributing recent declines to the deployment of the National Guard. She acknowledges that visible law enforcement may be useful for specific events like Mardi Gras but warns that deploying military personnel in communities with existing tensions can exacerbate problems. She underscores the importance of strategic use of resources and building relationships between law enforcement and communities. Listen to the conversation.

    43 min

  4. JAN 15

    119. Common Cause and the struggle for accountabilty

    Neil Clark’s perspective as an Ohio lobbyist revealed the pervasive influence of money in politics. By wearing a “DeWine for Governor” t-shirt when he died by suicide, Clark appeared to question why lobbyists and others were being prosecuted for actions that were common throughout Ohio’s political system. The distinction between legitimate lobbying and illegal “pay-to-play” schemes is nearly indistinguishable, a point emphasized in Larry Householder’s appeals. Today, we talk with Catherine Turcer, executive director, and Mia Lewis, associate director, of Common Cause Ohio about dark money and its role in politics. Dark money refers to undisclosed or secret financial contributions, often routed through various nonprofits to obscure the funding source. With the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizens United v. FEC, corporations and nonprofits were permitted to make campaign contributions under the rationale they were exercising their First Amendment rights. The result is that more money is now poured into campaigns. Though the Supreme Court recognized the public benefit of disclosure, both federal and state governments have been slow to implement effective transparency measures. The lack of disclosure allows unethical practices to thrive in secrecy, emphasizing the need to identify and reveal the true sources of campaign funds. Political action committees, also known as PACs, are required to file with governmental agencies like the Secretary of State or the Federal Election Commission and provide official records of their activities. In contrast, other nonprofits can be formed for short-term political advocacy and not register. Effective disclosure laws can reduce the amount of money in politics and ensure that political advertisements and campaigns are held to higher standards. Corporate donors, for example, might avoid contributing to contentious issues if their support is made public, which can influence the tone and integrity of political messaging. Disclosure empowers voters by revealing who is attempting to sway elections and why, fostering informed decision-making.

    48 min

  5. JAN 3

    118. Threats to freedom of speech and freedom of the press

    The First Amendment guarantees both freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and both are under attack. These protections apply universally, ensuring that anyone can express themselves without prior restraint, though certain limitations exist through laws addressing harm or falsehoods. Professional journalists adhere to a clear ethical code: never knowingly publish false information. This principle is at the core of responsible journalism and shapes the profession’s commitment to truth. Intellectual honesty and a commitment to factual reporting are key. We talk with Marty Schladen, a reporter for the Ohio Capital Journal, about the challenges the press faces. With the reduction of local news outlets and mainstream newspapers, a void has emerged, filled by individuals who lack professional training and oversight. This “fog machine” of misinformation makes it challenging for the public to distinguish reliable news from opinion or falsehoods. In today’s media landscape, anyone can reach a large audience, making it difficult to discern professional journalists from amateurs. The lack of a regulatory body means that the honor system and personal credibility are vital for maintaining standards in reporting. Journalists must rely on their reputation and adherence to ethical guidelines to build trust with the public. The Trump administration seeks to suppress or delegitimize the press, such as restricting access and publicly shaming specific journalists and outlets. Personal attacks and refusal to answer questions have created barriers to information, both at the national and state levels. Reporters regularly face personal attacks and efforts to undermine their credibility. Despite these challenges, maintaining professionalism and composure is key, so that journalists can keep politicians and businesses accountable. Efforts to restrict journalists’ access to government information, such as requiring loyalty pledges or excluding major news organizations, are particularly concerning. These actions undermine the press's role as a public watchdog and threaten the decentralized power structure that is fundamental to American democracy.

    45 min

  6. 12/23/2025

    117. Ohio pushes for religiion in schools

    There's been a push in recent years by Ohio legislators to accommodate religious education in public schools. We talk with Gary Daniels, lobbyist for the Ohio ACLU, about this movement. Most recently, Republican state reps. Gary Click and Mike Dovilla introduced Ohio House Bill 486, also known as the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act, which promotes teaching in public schools the positive impact Christianity has had in America. “What it does is it removes the invisible shackles that often hinder a full transparency in the teaching of American history,” Click said during his sponsor testimony. “We are not inviting instructors to teach doctrine or to proselytize … we’re simply affirming what is already in the law that exists.” Well, maybe, but it's if not as if these legislators are advocating to educate students about the positive impact of all religions or the negative impact of all religions. They'll deny it, but these legislators are promoting Christianity, which is prohibited by the First Amendment. The problem is that legislators are pushing to promote only the positive aspects of Christianity, which means their message is not neutral, and if the message is not neutral, it means the message is promoting a certain religion, and that’s not permitted by the First Amendment. The bill lists some 20 items that teachers should feel free to teach in their classrooms—all positive, nothing negative such as, how the Bible was used to justify slavery or indigenous children were taken from their families and raised in group homes where they were forced to adopt Christianity.

    47 min

  7. 12/15/2025

    116. Sliding from democracy to autocracy

    The New York Times Editorial Board published a piece on October 31, 2025, about a variety of indicators that should alarm everyone about the threat President Trump poses to our democracy. The first is Trump’s effort to stifle dissent, something we haven’t seen before with other presidents. The Associated Press has been denied access to the White House because the AP prefers the name “Gulf of Mexico” to the “Gulf of America.” To get access to the Pentagon, journalists have been told they must sign a pledge that limits their access to information. Even Fox refused to sign. Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, has been threatened with court martial for stating publicly that service members are not obligated to obey unlawful orders. Trump has usurped Congress’ right to tax by setting tariffs on just about everything. If you don’t think tariffs are taxes, ask yourself who pays tariffs in the end. Consumers do. All the while, Congress stays quiet; our senators and representatives are more concerned about keeping office then speaking out against Trump and getting primaried. Same thing for Trump directing the military to sink boats that supposedly running drugs in the Caribbean. What’s going on certainly looks like an act of war that only Congress can declare but, once again, Congress sits by and says nothing. Trump has turned the Department of Justice into his own personal law firm, something no former president ever did. And then there’s the matter of misinformation and disinformation that comes from the White House, and Trump always changing the narrative to suit his needs.  Trump has created a national police force of sorts—ICE agents—that conducts raids and wear masks and rounds up people without explanation simply because of skin color and accent. And there’s more that is equally frightening. Listen to the conversation.

    53 min

  8. 11/12/2025

    115. The U.S. Supreme Court's Shadow Docket and Steady Movement to the Right

    The term “shadow docket” is a name given to the U.S. Supreme's Court emergency docket and reflects that decisions are made quickly with little explanation. This isn’t a new concept. Historically, it was used for urgent matters like death penalty appeals, but its use has expanded significantly in recent years. The shadow docket now addresses a variety of urgent issues, many of which have been triggered by unprecedented actions taken by President Donald Trump. The shadow docket allows the court to issue stays or injunctions, often altering the course of ongoing cases, but with little to no explanation, meaning lower courts are left with little guidance and struggle to interpret the decisions. Critics argue that the shadow docket lacks transparency, as decisions made through the shadow docket can have lasting effects without the usual scrutiny of full court hearings. This raises questions about accountability and fairness in the legal system. The Supreme Court has also been moving steadily to the right on a variety of issues and seems to a proponent of the “unitary executive theory” that gives the president broad authority over the executive branch in a way never before exercised. Listen to our conversation with Mark Brown, professor of constitutional law at Capital Law School, who ends our conversation by predicting how the court will rule on four upcoming cases.

    44 min
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About

Social justice means applying the law equally to all people. But in practice, that doesn’t always happen. We’re business and trial lawyers with over 60 years experience of practice. Together, we practice law, we seek social justice, and we reveal the conflict between the two. And in this podcast, we bring together guests from a variety of backgrounds to discuss the current issues surrounding social justice and the inequity between these issues and their relation to the legal system. Join with us, so that it’s not Just Us.

Information

  • Creator
    Jack D’Aurora and John Gonzales
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    123
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Jack D’Aurora and John Gonzales
  • Show Website
    JUSTUS with Jack & Gonzo