stop and search

This week on the Legally Speaking Podcast, our host Robert Hanna speaks to Marc Wasserman. Marc is an attorney, filmmaker, actor and campaigner against cannabis prohibition in the United States. 

Based in California, Marc has been an attorney for 24 years, running a practice specialising in criminal defence, family law and more. Marc is well-known for his practice Pot Brothers at Law.

He's also a major Instagram influencer, and runs the @pot_brothers_at_law account with his brother (which boasts over 480,000 followers). Through his Instagram, and other social media accounts, he regularly gives great advice to US motorists on how to prevent being detained by the police for cannabis possession. His key takeaway if stopped by the police? 'Follow the Script' and then 'Shut The F*** Up!'

Additionally, he's also produced several films and plays. His latest film, entitled 'Tripe Latte', is coming out soon. What's more, he's a podcast co-host for the popular 'Cannabis Talk 101' show and an actor! 

In this episode, Rob and Marc discuss:

• How Marc built his practice straight out of law school by networking in libraries and coffee shops
• How going viral on Instagram changed his life and created a second career for him and his brother
• His advice for avoiding being imprisoned (or worse...) on cannabis possession charges (US-context)
• Why he believes all drugs should be legal and how cannabis prohibition has racist undertones
• Why cannabis is institutionally mischaracterised thanks the the term 'recreational'

Out now on all major audio platforms and via the Legally Speaking Podcast website! 

In the year to March 2019, police forces in England and Wales recorded more than 47,000 offences involving knives: an 8% increase year on year and the highest total since records began. One way of trying to tackle this increase in violent crime is by the use of stop and search.  Why is stop and search so controversial?  What does the College of Policing Guidance define as appropriate use of stop and search powers?  The Government has recently authorised enhanced stop and search powers as part of the efforts to crack down on knife crime.  What are these enhanced powers? What are Knife Crime Prevention Orders and how will they be used in practice?
 
In this podcast, Solicitor Deborah Britstone and Barrister James Berry discuss the powers available to police officers to stop and search and the circumstances in which these powers should be used.