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The Docket

by Michael Spratt, Emilie Taman

Criminal lawyer Michael Spratt and human rights and employment lawyer Emilie Taman discuss issues at the intersection of law, politics, and policy. What happens in our courts and the halls of power affects you.Feed your brain with answers to your most burning political and legal questions.Check out more at: www.michaelspratt.com And join the Docket's discord channel to chat and listen to live recordings: https://discord.gg/2TzUamZ

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 14, 2026 · Source feed

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Episodes

  1. The Zameer Acquittal

    So, episode 141 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. Buckle up for a extra long episode dissecting the acquittal of of Umar Zameer in the death of Toronto police officer Jeffrey Northrup. We...

  2. Five Four Pod on why the Supreme Court Sucks

    So, episode 140 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. We are joined by Rhiannon and Peter from the amazing 5-4 podcast to chew the fat on the United Sates Supreme Court, politicization of the...

  3. MAiD Delayed

    So, episode 139 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. We are joined by the amazing professor Daphnie Gilbert, who specializes in teaching criminal and constitutional law, to talk about the...

  4. Ontario Judicial Appointments

    So, episode 138 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. This episode we dive into the murky world of Ontario judicial appointments under the Ford government and the newly released internal...

  5. Rachel Gilmore

    So, episode 137– a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. This episode we sit down with journalist Rachel Gilmore. Some call her a lightning rod for the far right, but more accurately she is a…

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  6. The Criminal Justice System on Trial

    So, episode 136 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. We are joined by Benjamin Perrin to talk about his new book, Indictment: The Criminal Justice System on Trial. Ben is a professor at the...

  7. Back from a brief hiatus

    So, episode 135 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. We are back! Time to shake the dust of of the microphone and say some words! After a brief catch up we offer some free advice to new law...

  8. Changing Minds on Decriminalization

    So, episode 134 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. Your weekly law podcast (that only sporadically releases episodes) is back! Emilie and Mike do a 15 minute rapid fire review of all...

  9. Trucker Bail

    So, episode 133 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. After almost a month of inflicting harm and havoc in Ottawa, the extremist trucker protest is over. But the lawless takeover of Canada’s...

  10. Suing the truckers

    So, episode 132 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. After more than two weeks the truck protestors are still wreaking havoc in Ottawa and the city and police have sat idly by and played...

  11. Truck Protests and Crown Juror Friendships

    So, episode 131 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. After a holiday hiatus the Docket returns to discuss the racist and extremist "trucker" protest in Ottawa and a bizarre and troubling…

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  12. Race in sentencing

    So, episode 130 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. Last week the Ontario Court of Appeal released its decision in R. v. Morris, considering how sentencing courts should take evidence of...

  13. Are the feds really fighting Indigenous kids in court

    So, episode 129 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. Is the federal government really fighting Indigenous kids in court? Yes, they are. And they keep losing. We chat with the amazing Anne...

  14. Beverley McLachlin

    So, episode 128 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. Remember, you can self-isolate in The Docket’s Discord chatroom. Join the Discord channel, take part in the ongoing chat, and listen to...

  15. Baseball Diversion

    So, episode 127 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. Remember, you can self-isolate in The Docket’s Discord chatroom. Join the Discord channel, take part in the ongoing chat, and listen to...

  16. Back to School 3

    So, episode 126 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. It is our favourite episode of the year - the one where we answer questions from super smart high school kids. What impact has BLM had on...

  17. Only FOUR times

    So, episode 125 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. New documents reveal that an important federal justice reform, billed as a silver bullet reduce court backlogs and decrease racial...

  18. Publication Bans: Morrell Andrews won't be silenced

    So, episode 124 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. Her name is Morrell Andrews and she can finally speak publicly about being sexually assaulted. Morrell Andrews wanted to speak out about...

  19. The Federal Budget Justice Breakdown

    So, episode 123 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. This episode we do the impossible - break down the 700+ page federal budget in under 40 minutes!! Kidding. In reality, we take a victory...

  20. Ford's Pandemic Police State

    So, episode 122 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. After months of ignoring the warnings of experts, Doug Ford, Ontario’s murder clown Premier, finally decided to take some steps to deal...

  21. Prosecuting the Victim

    So, episode 121 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. I have never been so mad. So mad that I might have forgot to turn on the mic, so apologies if the recording quality is a bit meh. Why so...

  22. Doug Ford Stacking the Court

    So, episode 120 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. Only a few days late, but there has been some COVID chaos at the Docket recording studio. We are all well, but one of us is on COVID…

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  23. Translating Criminal Law with Peter and Penny Sankoff

    So, episode 119 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. This episode, we are joined by good friend of the podcast™️ Peter Sankoff AND best friend of the podcast Penny Sankoff to talk about…

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  24. Life and Death of Decriminalization

    So, episode 118 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. We are trying a new format over here at the Taman/Spratt studios - a shorter podcast in your feed every two weeks - like clockwork! So on...

  25. Grading the New Justice Bill

    So, episode 117 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. We are trying a new format over here at the Taman/Spratt studios - a shorter podcast in your feed every two weeks - like clockwork! So on...

  26. The Justice Minister's new mandate

    So, episode 116 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. We are trying a new format over here at the Taman/Spratt studios - a shorter podcast in your feed every two weeks - like clockwork! So on...

  27. Media Literacy and Criminal Law

    So, episode 115 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. We are trying a new format over here at the Taman/Spratt studios - a shorter podcast in your feed every two weeks - like clockwork! So on...

  28. Prisons should be prioritized in COVID vaccinations

    So, episode 114 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. A huge thanks to my firm Abergel Goldstein & Partners who have not murdered me for editing the podcast at work! We are trying a new…

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  29. Another Minimum Sentence Bites the Dust

    So, episode 113 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. It happened again. Another minimum sentence was found unconstitutional. This time, in a case before Ontario Court Justice six women from...

  30. Tony Doob on solitary confinement

    So, episode 112 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. Before we jump into our interview with professor Anthony Doob we take a moment to remember United States Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader...

  31. Andrew Coyne on government ethics

    So, episode 111 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. It is time to talk about government ethics. From Duffy, to the Aga Khan, to SNC Lavalin, to WE - why all the scandals? Are there...

  32. WE Scandal and an Interview with Nader Hasan

    So, episode 110 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. Hey look we have a sponsor! Let the podcast money start rolling in! But seriously a huge thanks to Emond Publishing! Also a huge thanks to my firm Abergel...

  33. Can the Government Halt the Meng Extradition and Should They

    So, episode 109 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. For the past year the Canadian government and Minister of Justice David Lametti have been clear that they don’t have the power to stop…

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  34. Extreme Intoxication, Entrapment, and Police Brutality

    So, episode 108 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. I has been a frustrating week. We start with a discussion about the protests that have swept the world following the tragic murder of...

  35. Back to High School (again)

    So, episode 107 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. This episode we pay a virtual visit to Mrs. Darling's grade 11 Understanding Canadian Law class at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School…

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  36. Gun Laws, COCIV-19, and The Room

    So, episode 106 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. We start with some house keeping. Emilie has a new job working with the awesome human rights and labour lawyer Paul Champ. And, Michael…

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  37. Peter Sankoff on his COVID19 Internships

    So, episode 105 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. First things first - sorry about the audio quality. Peter sounds good but your Ottawa hosts sound like we called in from 1920. A small...

  38. Covid-19 and the Justice System

    So, episode 104 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. Hey look we have a sponsor! Let the podcast money start rolling in! But seriously a huge thanks to Emond Publishing! Also a huge thanks…

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  39. Covid-19, Magic Mushrooms, and Conversion Therapy

    So, episode 103 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. Events are moving fast and things may have changed since we recorded but the impact Covid-19 is beginning to be felt in the justice…

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  40. Peter MacKay vs Nathaniel Erskine-Smith

    So, episode 102 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. Its a tale of two politicians. Peter MacKay vs. Nathaniel Erskine Smith. One is smart, principled, hard working, genuine, and a leader.…

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  41. The Last Word on SNC and Inhumane Jails

    So, episode 101 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show on iTunes and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. This is the last time we will ever talk about SNC - we promise. But we had to say a final few words after our confidential…

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  42. SNC is Guilty and the Dougs Drop a Lump of Coal

    So, episode 100 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. The Docket is 100 episodes old! Thank-you so much for all your support over the years. On this last episode of the year we take a look at...

  43. Doug Ford messes with judicial appointments and the Feds take Indigenous kids to court

    So, episode 99 - a new record. Emilie is back! Ontario’s judicial appointments system is not broken, although Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s attorney general, Doug Downey, seems to be trying his best to destroy its credibility. Downey, you see, is attacking the current process because he thinks we...

  44. Did the Supreme Court say Canadian judges have been too soft on punishment

    So, episode 98 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. With Emilie on the campaign trial - and Oh My Goodness she has been killing it - special guest, former Supreme Court judge, and current mother-in-law...

  45. Live from the Ottawa Podcast Festival

    So, episode 97 - a new record Last week we were so thrilled to be invited to do a live show at the Ottawa Podcast Festival. It was a great time and there were some truly awesome podcasts in the lineup. And who doesn’t want to talk about SNC-Lavalin and the ethics commissioner at 10:30pm on a...

  46. Summer Baseball and Politics

    So episode 96 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. In the dog days of summer, as politicians hit the BBQ circuit, there Is nothing better to talk about than baseball and politics. We lead off with a dissection of...

  47. MMIWG Report

    So episode 95 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. It has been a hard couple of weeks. It is difficult to look in the mirror and confront racism and bias. But is is the only way to confront our countries deplorable,...

  48. Back to High School

    So episode 94 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the podcast - right? You should. In this episode The Docket goes back to high school to answer a bunch of questions from the Grade 12 law class at Mackenzie Community School in Deep River. A huge thanks to Jodie…

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  49. Immigration Unfairness

    So episode 93 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show on iTunes and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. Hey look we have a sponsor! Let the podcast money start rolling in! But seriously a huge thanks to Emond Publishing! Now you can...

  50. SNC-Lavalin - Please Make It Stop!

    So episode 92 - a new record. Now you can join The Docket’s Discord chatroom. Join the Discord channel, take part in the ongoing chat, and listen to live recordings with this link: https://discord.gg/2TzUamZ SNC-Lavalin - the scandal that, just won’t die. Please make it stop. We look at the…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Criminal lawyer Michael Spratt and human rights and employment lawyer Emilie Taman discuss issues at the intersection of law, politics, and policy. What happens in our courts and the halls of power affects you.Feed your brain with answers to your most burning political and legal questions.Check out more at: www.michaelspratt.com And join the Docket's discord channel to chat and listen to live recordings: https://discord.gg/2TzUamZ

HOSTED BY

Michael Spratt, Emilie Taman

Produced by Michael Spratt and Emilie Taman

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Docket have?

The Docket currently has 114 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Docket about?

Criminal lawyer Michael Spratt and human rights and employment lawyer Emilie Taman discuss issues at the intersection of law, politics, and policy. What happens in our courts and the halls of power affects you.Feed your brain with answers to your most burning political and legal questions.Check out...

How often does The Docket release new episodes?

The Docket publishes regularly with 114 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to The Docket?

You can listen to The Docket on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Docket?

The Docket is created and hosted by Michael Spratt, Emilie Taman.
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