The Politics of Prosecution | Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams

The Buncombe County District Attorney’s office prosecutes dozens of cases every week, from capital murder to trivial infractions. But DA Todd Williams seems at least a bit frustrated by the public’s lingering interest in what, on paper, resulted in guilty verdicts for misdemeanor trespassing. Some are holding up the charges as veiled attacks on freedom of the press.Williams, in his 10th year helming the office, talks in depth with me about the charges leveled at two people who produce work for the online media outlet The Asheville Blade. That dovetails into a larger conversation about the news media and the conduct of journalists. We also talk about the importance of his department’s relationships within the Asheville Police and with judges, along with the application of prosecutorial discretion.00:00 A Surprising Encounter at the Polls: DA's Political Involvement01:45 Exploring the Political Nature of the District Attorney's Role04:08 The Intricacies of Relationships in the Legal System06:27 The Aston Park Case: Journalism, Law, and Public Perception18:07 Navigating the Complexities of Journalism and Law Enforcement21:15 The Evolution of Cannabis Laws and Prosecutorial Discretion22:52 Reflecting on a Decade in Office: Changes and Challenges25:28 The Relationship Between the DA's Office and APD27:08 Embracing New Media and the Future of Court Systems Help "The Overlook with Matt Peiken" podcast reach its very reachable goal: Just $1,000 in monthly contributions by Election Day. Membership at our Patreon campaign starts at just $5/month. Support the showSupport The Overlook by joining our Patreon campaign!Advertise your event on The Overlook.Instagram: AVLoverlook | Facebook: AVLoverlook | Twitter: AVLoverlookListen and Subscribe: All episodes of The OverlookThe Overlook theme song, "Maker's Song," comes courtesy of the Asheville band The Resonant Rogues.Podcast Asheville © 2023