Season 12, Episode 2 of Trial Tested Now Available

Host Amy Gunn welcomes Canadian criminal defense attorney Mona Duckett on this week’s episode of Trial Tested: A Podcast by the American College of Trial Lawyers.

S12E2: Representing the Vulnerable: Criminal Defense with Mona Duckett

Canadian criminal defense lawyer Mona Duckett joins host Amy Gunn to share her insights on trial advocacy. Duckett recounts the successful appeal of an 18-year sentence in a manslaughter case involving decades of domestic abuse, arguing the plea warranted greater sentencing parity. She also describes defending a teen boy who was wrongfully charged – twice – with murder, first based on a coerced confession and later, a manipulative “Mr. Big” sting, highlighting systemic failures and police misconduct that ultimately prompted legal reforms to better protect youth. Reflecting on her journey, Duckett speaks candidly about the emotional demands and safety concerns of criminal defense work, particularly for women, and emphasizes the importance of boundaries, mentorship, and community within the profession.

Listen to this week’s episode here