On this episode of the Animal Law Podcast, I speak once again with Justin Marceau, author of the controversial new book Beyond Cages: Animal Law and Criminal Punishment. We discuss why he believes there has been an overemphasis on criminal prosecution of animal abuse as a strategy for systemic change and what types of cruelty he believes are, and are not, appropriate for traditional forms of criminal prosecution and punishment. He also discusses the fundamental importance of informing the fight to protect animals with current thinking regarding racism and mass incarceration and how the the punishments we traditionally use for animal cruelty crimes are not only ineffective in addressing institutionalized violence, but potentially are counterproductive in that they can be responsible for causing increased criminal behavior.
Justin Marceau is Professor of Law and the Animal Legal Defense Fund Professor at Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver. He also serves as the reporter for the pattern criminal jury instruction committee of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, and as an inaugural member of the animal welfare committee (PAW) formed by a proclamation of the Governor of Colorado to advise the First Gentleman on strategies for improving the protection of animals in Colorado. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Justice for Animals Award and the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar’s Gideon Award.
Marceau’s research focuses on criminal law and constitutional law, particularly as those areas intersect with social change. He specifically writes in the areas of Habeas Corpus, Constitutional Law, and Animal Law. His current research is at the intersection of animal law and criminal law.
His work has appeared in some of the leading academic publications, including the Cambridge University Press, the Yale Law Review, and the Columbia Law Review. He has lectured on his research in the U.S. and in Europe, has been retained as an expert witness in criminal and civil cases, and received grants and awards for his research from a variety of organizations. He has also maintained a law practice while teaching at DU, representing indigent persons, persons sentenced to death, and a wide range of public interest non-profits.
***
You can listen to our podcast directly on our website (beneath this paragraph!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content!
The graphics for the OHH podcasts are created by the wonderful Laurie Johnston of Two Trick Pony. Don’t forget to also listen to the award-winning, weekly signature OHH podcast — now in its ninth glorious year!
Join Animal Law professor and longtime activist Mariann Sullivan as she unpacks the latest updates, cases, and news from the burgeoning world of animal law.
On this episode of the Animal Law Podcast, I speak with Laura Fox of the Humane Society of the United States about administrative efforts to address false and deceptive advertising from Pilgrim’s Pride regarding their treatment of chickens. These efforts …continue
Proudly brought to you by: 26 June 2019
Alene Anello of Legal Impact for Chickens joins us once again, this time to talk, not about chickens, but about cows. Of course, the laws affecting farmed animals are often the same regardless of species and Legal Impact for Chickens …continue
Proudly brought to you by: 30 April 2025
FarmSTAND attorneys Kelsey Eberly and Skye Walker join us on this episode to discuss an absolutely infuriating case, Blumm v Northwest Natural Gas Company. They explain how an increasing number of dairy farms are more in the business of selling …continue
Proudly brought to you by: 26 March 2025
