Episode 7: What Don’t You Know You Don’t Know? – The Michigan Supreme Court

In this episode of The Drumbeat with Josie and Pete, we’re switching gears and diving into the heart of Michigan’s highest court. But don’t worry—we’re not here to bore you with dry legal jargon. Josie and Pete kick things off with some offbeat humor, taking you behind the scenes of a packed Sonic Smut show and a new local project in Ypsilanti that’s more “social enterprise” and less “sit down with your coffee and take notes.”

Episode Highlights:

• Court In Session: We start with a primer on Michigan’s Supreme Court, but not the stiff kind. Josie and Pete break down the roles of the seven justices, how they’re appointed, and why this court is making history with the highest number of female justices it’s ever seen. Spoiler: It’s about time.

• Legal vs. Justice—The Ultimate Showdown: Buckle up for a conversation on the difference between what’s legally right and what’s just. From the confusing rules around the felony murder rule to Michigan’s minimum wage laws, we navigate the sticky space where law meets fairness—and sometimes, where it misses the mark entirely.

• Court Drama—Behind Closed Doors: Ever wonder how a case ends up at the Michigan Supreme Court? Josie and Pete take you through the process of case selection, oral arguments, and the importance of dissenting opinions. Get ready for a few laughs as they talk about “legal speak” and share some of their funniest takes on the courtroom formality that’s all but designed to make you feel out of the loop.

• A Close Look at Access to Justice: As the episode unfolds, Josie and Pete dive into how economic barriers affect the pursuit of justice. With stories about zoning fights and legal services, they highlight how much money—and who you know—affects who wins in court. Spoiler: It’s often the ones with deep pockets.

Conclusion: As always, Josie and Pete wrap things up with an open invitation to rethink what’s just versus what’s legal. How can we create a system that serves everyone fairly, not just those who can afford the best lawyer? With humor, insight, and just enough sarcasm to keep you on your toes, this episode gets you thinking about what really matters in our legal system—and whether it’s working as it should.