Open and Shut Podcast

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Prosecutors are the most powerful people in the American criminal justice system. "Open and Shut" is a narrative, seven-part investigative series following two district attorneys in Wisconsin’s Fox Valley and their impact on victims, the accused and the justice system.

Wisconsin Watch and Wisconsin Public Radio


    • May 18, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 16 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Open and Shut Podcast

    Deals Vince Biskupic made as a prosecutor and judge raise questions of fairness in Wisconsin's justice system

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2022


    Ep. 7: The Scandal

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2022


    As Outagamie County district attorney, Biskupic let potential defendants buy their way out of trouble. As a judge, he offered deals that fell in a 'gray area' of the law.

    Wisconsin prosecutor campaigned on his record — but some high-profile cases had hidden flaws

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2022


    Ep. 6: The List

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2022


    One of Outagamie County District Attorney Vince Biskupic's cases involved a rewritten police report; another, an exoneration.

    Two decades after high-profile murder trial, questions remain in the prosecution of Ken Hudson

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2022


    Ep. 5: The Circus

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2022


    A possible Miranda violation, a missing taped "confession," and an improperly charged girlfriend among the flaws in Vince Biskupic's case. 

    A horrific murder. Police helped a key witness. The prosecutor kept it secret.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2022


    Ep. 4: The Witness

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2022


    In 2019, Wisconsin Watch received a tip about a case. It alleged that the prosecutor, Outagamie County District Attorney Vince Biskupic, had withheld information about a key witness — a young woman who got some help, monetary and otherwise, from the police. That assistance was never disclosed to the defense. It's part of a pattern seen in some other high-profile cases prosecuted by Biskupic, according to an investigation by Wisconsin Watch and WPR. 

    Prosecution included questionable witnesses, racial stereotype, in 2000 arson trial of Dale Chu

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2022


    The rise and fall of Winnebago County District Attorney Joe Paulus reveals the immense power of prosecutors – and how it can be abused

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2022


    Two prosecutors accused a man of plotting to murder one of them. Years later, a different story emerged.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2022


    Ep. 3: The Hit Plot

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2022


    The Wisconsin case was tainted by secret tapes, unreliable witnesses and a supposed "hit" plot against Winnebago County District Attorney Joe Paulus.

    Ep. 2: The Golden Boy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2022


    Joe Paulus's time as Winnebago County district attorney involved taking bribes, allegedly asking an officer to lie on the stand and bragging about having sex in his office.

    Ep. 1: The Fire

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2022


    The Outagamie County case featured District Attorney Vince Biskupic who called one of his key witnesses ‘credible' — then charged him with perjury 10 days later.

    A New Podcast From Wisconsin Watch and WPR

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2022


    Open and Shut: Coming April 20

    Open and Shut: Coming April 20

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2022


    Prosecutors are the most powerful people in the American criminal justice system. "Open and Shut," a new podcast from Wisconsin Watch and Wisconsin Public Radio, shines a light on how prosecutors do their jobs — and the danger of allowing that power to go unchecked. Hosted by reporter Phoebe Petrovic, "Open and Shut" is the culmination of nearly three years of investigative reporting. The seven-part series follows two district attorneys in Wisconsin's Fox Valley and their impact on victims, the accused and the justice system. Episodes 1-3 coming Wednesday, April 20.

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