How much do you really know about Felony Murder?Think it can't possibly happen to you? Think again.In this eye-opening episode inspired by HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, we make a bit of a departure from our religion-focused topics and dive deep into the felony murder rule—how you can be charged with murder even if you didn’t kill anyone. Explore its complex history, infamous cases like Michelle Carter, Ryan Holle, Kevin Reese, Lakeith Smith, and the ElkCo Four. We also cover the Hulu movie The Girl from Plainville, racism in convictions, and current efforts pushing for reform nationwide. Join us as we unpack why felony murder is controversial and what the future could hold for this law.Stay informed and join the conversation about justice and reform.If you'd like to share your story, have questions, or comments, email us at cogpodshow@gmail.com \\ LINKS //Videos:This Week Tonight w/ John Oliver: Felony Murderhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y93ljB7sfcoHow to Get Involved:Innocence Projecthttps://innocenceproject.org/Sign Petitions to Reform or Abolish the Felony Murder Rule: Change.org (search "felony murder petition")https://www.change.orgVolunteer with Advocacy Groups: Felony Murder Elimination Project (FMEP offers chances to volunteer and support reform)https://fmeproject.org/Participate in Reporting, Research, and Advocacy: The Felony Murder Reporting Project (journalist/advocate involvement)https://felonymurderlaws.com/resist/Advocate for Sentencing Reform and Second Chances: FAMM (Families Against Mandatory Minimums) (second chances agenda, advocacy to end mandatory sentencing)https://famm.orgGet Involved with Broader Justice Reform: The Sentencing Project (advocates for humane responses to crime and supports legislative reform)https://www.sentencingproject.org/Volunteer in Victim Support or Legal Aid: Bay Area Legal Aid (pro bono and volunteer legal work, direct support for justice-involved people)https://nlgsf.org/activist-support/Support Victims' Rights Advocacy: National Crime Victim Law Institute (donate, volunteer, promote victims’ rights, mostly remote)https://law.lclark.edu/live/files/9116-national-crime-victim-law-institute-ncvliJoin Grassroots Campaigns: Ben & Jerry’s Foundation (supports national organizing to end felony murder rule)https://benandjerrysfoundation.org/Join or Start Community Action: Solve the Case (help unsolved cases, family, victims, or community members)https://beautifultrouble.org/toolboxPetition for Resentencing/Legal Remedy in California: The Justice Firm (SB 1437 & SB 775 post-conviction relief for felony murder charges)https://ij.org/Volunteer for Cold Case Investigations: Cold Case Foundation (join network, support families and law enforcement)https://projectcoldcase.org/\\ DEFINITIONS //Felony Murder:Felony murder is a legal doctrine that allows a defendant to be charged with first-degree murder if a death occurs during the commission or attempted commission of certain dangerous felonies, such as robbery, burglary, or arson—even if the defendant did not personally kill anyone or intend for a death to happen.The rule holds that anyone participating in an inherently dangerous felony can be held responsible for any fatal outcomes resulting from the crime, regardless of intent or direct involvement in the killing. This means that all participants in the felony can face murder charges if a death occurs, even accidentally or at the hands of another.Cognitive Dissonance:A psychological state in which a person experiences discomfort or tension from holding two or more conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values at the same time. This tension often motivates individuals to resolve the inconsistency, either by changing their beliefs or behaviors.#FelonyMurder #JohnOliver #CriminalJusticeReform #MichelleCarter #HBO #FelonyMurderReform #RacialJustice #TrueCrime #LastWeekTonight #JusticeSystem