Hi-Phi Nation

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Informant Deals

More on the incentive public defenders have to make informant deals.

Episode Notes

In this Slate Plus segment, Barry Lam is joined by Sarah Lustbader to discuss the issues raised in Episode 3: The Informant. They talk about the incentive public defenders have to make informant deals. They also explore whether we can justify approving police discretionary actions to break laws in the interest of busting crooked cops and politicians while despising their use for low-level drug offenses. Finally, they talk about what makes for valid and free contracts between unequal parties, and whether there is a difference between an offer and a threat.

About the Show

Hi-Phi Nation is philosophy in story form, integrating narrative journalism with big ideas. We look at stories from everyday life, law, science, popular culture, and strange corners of human experiences that raise thought-provoking questions about things like justice, knowledge, the self, morality, and existence. We then seek answers with the help of academics and philosophers. The show is produced and hosted by Barry Lam of Vassar College.

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Host

  • Barry Lam is host and producer of Hi-Phi Nation and Professor of Philosophy at UC Riverside, and Visiting Professor of Philosophy at Princeton University.