Mind on Crime

This week, Erin talks about different ways that we are all biased in our decisions. Sometimes, this means thinking that there is a referee conspiracy against the Toronto Raptors. Other times, these biases influence juror decisions and determine whether or not someone will go to jail. Imagine you were a juror alongside Veronica Mars, and join us as we discuss racial and gender biases in the courtroom. Kathleen talks about the tragic death of Cindy Gladue, whose tragedy continued post-mortem. Then, Natalie tells the story of Dewey Bozella who fought for justice inside and outside the boxing ring.

***We are sorry for the delay and the sound quality; this episode was cursed from the beginning, with lost mics, scheduling mix ups, and internet problems, but we did our best and we hope you enjoy!*** In this episode, Natalie travels back in time to the 1940s and calls the girls on a rotary phone to talk all about medical malpractice! So called "adverse" medical events kill an avg of 28,000 Canadians/year, but cases seldom go to court. Which Drs are most likely to commit malpractice, and which patients are most vulnerable? Then, Kathleen introduces us to a Harvard trained neurologist who teamed up with a pair of proto-athleisure moguls in a sordid plot of identity theft, insurance fraud, tasers and FBI chases to Italy. And Erin tells the tale of a prominent plastic surgeon (& inventor of the 'snap-on toupee') who has his medical license revoked when a patient dies in his clinic. But after release from prison, his family is plagued by vandalism, death threats and a mysterious illness...

This week, Erin discusses “unusual” sexual interests – otherwise known as paraphilias. When is a paraphilia just an exciting part of someone’s sexual experiences, and when is this sexual interest pathological? Erin discusses the difference between paraphilias that involve non-consenting people versus those that involve consenting adults. Then, Natalie discusses the tragic story of Bruce McArthur that continues to shake Toronto to the core. For an uplifting finish, Kathleen tells the story of her personal hero: a diplomatic and considerate dominatrix.

This week, Kathleen tells us about the science behind stalking. What is illegal stalking, and how is it different from ‘courting’ behavior? What motivates stalkers? What is the impact of stalking on the victim? And who among the Mind on Crime ladies stalked a celebrity as a teenager? Then Erin tells us about a stalking case that led to legal changes to the psychology profession, and Natalie tells us about one of the first ever cyberstalking cases.

How could someone confess to a crime they didn't commit? Turns out it's easier-and more common- than you think. Natalie explains how manipulative interrogation techniques, stress, suggestible personalities, sleep deprivation and false memories can coerce admissions of guilt from almost anyone. Then Erin describes the devastating consequences a false confession had in the infamous case of the West Memphis Three, and Kathleen tells the tale of a woman so desperate to escape an abusive relationship she turned herself in for a heinous murder.