Grassroots Tyranny & Policing for Profit: Bill Maurer from the Institute for Justice on Fines, Fees & Government Overreach (COJ191)
Podcast: Cup Of JusticePublished On: Tue Aug 11 2026
Description: Mandy and Liz sit down with attorney Bill Maurer of the Institute for Justice to talk about what happens when public officials forget that their job is to abide by the constitution. Is there anything people can do to reclaim their rights (and the rights of everyone else)? And is the fight worth it? Yes and Yes. Still reeling from the uprecedented $176,500 sanction for contempt of court that Judge R. Keith Kelly imposed on investigative journalist Mandy Matney last month, Mandy and journalist Liz Farrell are on a hunt for perspective. How does the government justify such a large payout over a disproportionate infraction? The answer turns out to be “easily.” That is, until citizens fight back. Political and judicial fiefdoms are born where those with no ethical boundaries destroy rights to maintain power and money… sound familiar? ☕ Cups Up! ⚖️ Join LUNASHARK Premium on Patreon Support Our Legal Defense GoFundMe: Help Journalist Mandy Matney Fight $176,500 Contempt Order Or support our reporting: https://lunashark.supercast.com/donations/new Lawyers & Judges: Send legal suggestions or offers for Pro Hac / Pro Bono representation to legal@lunasharkmedia.com Episode References Meet William R. Maurer of the Institute for Justice About the Institute for Justice What is Civil Forfeiture? - IJ overview The Fight for Braiding Freedom - IJ overview Jouppi v. Alaska docket history with SCOTUS “Police in this tiny Alabama town suck drivers into legal ‘black hole’” - AL.com, Jan 19, 2022 “This City Will Fine You for Mismatched Blinds” - Pagedale, MO case Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ LUNASHARK Premium on Patreon get access to all new bonus episodes, video episodes, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/ Support Our Show, Sponsors and Mission: https://lunasharkmedia.com/support/ Quince - Hungry Root - Bombas Find us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ | https://www.instagram.com/cojpod/ Mandy Matney on Instagram | Liz Farrell on Instagram | Eric Bland on Instagram YouTube | TIKTOK *** Alert: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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