Ideas Folgen

Our justice system was developed under the assumption that both parties in a dispute would each have a lawyer. But the reality is most Canadian's can't afford a lawyer — which makes negotiations unequal. In some jurisdictions as many as 80% of people in family court are self represented. What about legal aid? Very few people are eligible. Our series continues to explore how the justice system is designed to favour people with money. *This episode originally aired on April 26, 2023.

Marcell Wilson knows how to game the criminal justice system. He's been charged upwards of 30 times for what he says were “mostly violent crimes" and yet to this day he doesn't have a criminal record. Why? He has money to pay the high fees for a good lawyer. Many scholars and legal commentators agree it’s easier for people with wealth to secure favourable legal outcomes — not just in criminal court but in custody disputes, civil litigation, and child protection matters. In a two-part series, IDEAS contributor Mitchell Stuart asks: is a system like that still capable of administering justice? *This episode originally aired on April 19, 2023.

It depends on who you ask. Until recently empathy was generally considered a positive thing. But a growing number of mostly conservative voices believe empathy can be extremely dangerous — even toxic. Their argument is that empathy can drive irrational thinking and behaviour in public life. The result is a growing battle over empathy in a world that has never seemed to need it more.If you like this podcast, you may want to listen to this: Why practicing empathy is far from simple.Guests in this podcast:Matt Richins – neuroscientist and psychologist, who did research on empathy at Exeter University, UK.Susan Lanzoni – author, historian of psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience and professor at Harvard’s School of Continuing EducationMary Gordon – founder of Roots of Empathy program, TorontoMichael Slote – author, philosopher and professor of ethics at the University of MiamiMargaret Davidson – Roots of Empathy classroom facilitator, Chiganois ElementaryKourtney Simms – Chiganois Elementary teacherEllie – Grade 1 student, Chiganois Elementary