For the Defense with David Oscar Markus

Former federal prosecutor Elie Honig

David Oscar Markus sits down with CNN legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Elie Honig to talk about the intersection of law, media, and justice — and his new book, When You Come At The King. Elie Honig, CNN senior legal analyst, bestselling author, and former federal prosecutor, joins David Oscar Markus for a wide-ranging conversation about how the media shapes public understanding of criminal justice. From his time prosecuting mob cases in the SDNY to becoming one of TV’s most trusted voices on legal issues, Honig shares what he’s learned about storytelling in the courtroom — and in front of the camera. They cover everything from the rise of “celebrity prosecutors,” to whether cameras belong in the courtroom, to how defense lawyers should respond to DOJ press releases and media narratives. Plus, Honig talks about the writing of his latest book, including the behind-the-scenes research that uncovered some of the wildest stories from the Justice Department’s history.

Arthur Aidala for Harvey Weinstein

For the Defense returns as David Oscar Markus sits down with Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, for a fascinating look at how the defense strategy evolved from Weinstein’s first trial to his retrial. Arthur Aidala, one of the most charismatic and colorful defense lawyers in the country, joins David Oscar Markus to break down the retrial of Harvey Weinstein. From cross-examining a complaining witness about faking an orgasm to weaving a story about glass in his mother’s pasta sauce, Aidala brings his signature flair to the courtroom—and to this conversation. Don’t miss this lively and insightful discussion about trial strategy, media pressure, and how the defense team turned the tables in one of the most high-profile cases of the decade.

Howard & Scott Srebnick for Michael Avenatti

The Season 6 finale is a doozy – featuring Howard & Scott Srebnick, who discuss the high profile trial of Michael Avenatti with David Oscar Markus. Michael Avenatti was a modern day Icarus. He had everything going for him, so what happened? Howard & Scott Srebnick represented him in the infamous Nike prosecution in which Avenatti is accused of extorting Nike. Listen in as David Markus interviews the brothers about the fascinating case of Michael Avenatti.

Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales

A first for the podcast -- the former Attorney General, Alberto Gonzales, joins David Oscar Markus to discuss prosecutorial independence.   Alberto Gonzales and David Oscar Markus discuss the job of a prosecutor, whether prosecutors should be appointed or elected, whether governors should be permitted to fire prosecutors and other pressing ethical questions of the day.

David Kendall for President Bill Clinton

David Kendall sits down with David Oscar Markus to discuss the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton. Independent counsel, impeachment hearings, infidelity. No, we aren’t talking about Donald Trump. Instead, we head back to the late 90s to discuss David Kendall’s incredible representation of President Bill Clinton. The high stakes showdown between Kendall and independent counsel Ken Starr was must-see TV, and we get into the fascinating stories from that era in this episode of For the Defense.