Re-examination podcast: Justice in the George Floyd trial: A conversation with Steve Schleicher

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Steve Schleicher, the veteran trial lawyer who played a pivotal role in the prosecution of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. Steve shares the behind-the-scenes strategy and storytelling approach that shaped one of the most significant cases in U.S. history. We explore how Steve’s meticulous preparation, experience, and ability to humanize the narrative for the jury helped secure justice. Listeners will gain insight into the legal maneuvers, courtroom dynamics, and the emotional toll of representing the state in such a high-profile case.

Key Points:

– Steve’s journey from growing up in rural Minnesota to becoming a key player in one of the most important trials of our time.
– The legal strategy behind the prosecution’s approach, including the use of bystander perspectives and focusing on the jury’s role as the new witnesses to the crime.
– The cross-examination that dismantled the defense’s expert testimony and the power of simple, direct questions in the courtroom.
– Reflections on the legacy of the George Floyd trial and its implications for justice and policing in America.