Giving Back Podcast

Michael-John Voss is the Co-Founder, Special Projects Director and Senior Litigator for ArchCity Defenders. Michael-John shares his story as a civil defense lawyer, why a non-profit law firm like his is so needed around the country and shares a sad story of how the justice system can really kick you when you’re down and make you lose everything. You should not be able to punish people and throw them in jail for being poor.    Key Takeaways: [4:35] Who is Michael-John, and what does he do for ArchCity Defenders?  [9:30] Michael-John created this organization to represent the poor because it did not exist in St. Louis.  [1355] Remember, at one point in US history, it was legal to own slaves and to prohibit women from voting. That doesn’t mean it was right or just. [15:20] Why did Michael-John pick St. Louis?  [20:55] Policing for profit hurts the community, including the poor community.  [25:40] You cannot punish people for not having enough money. [30:15] Unfortunately, there are large factors at play when it