Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Perspective with Matt Martens

Faithful Politics

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In the latest episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram welcome Matt Martens, a trial lawyer, former federal prosecutor, seminary graduate, legal ethics professor, and award-winning author. Martens discusses his new book, "Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal," which outlines a Christian ethical framework for criminal justice reform. He shares how his experiences, including being encouraged by pastors and reflecting on events like Ferguson and George Floyd's death, led him to write the book. Martens emphasizes that Christian justice is rooted in love for neighbors and accuracy in legal proceedings, highlighting the tragic impact of wrongful convictions. He also addresses the controversial topic of the death penalty, advocating for its reform due to issues of racial bias and inaccuracies in the justice system. Martens calls for Christians to engage with justice issues by voting, serving on juries, and understanding the true nature of biblical justice. The discussion underscores the importance of a fair legal process and the need for accountability in law enforcement and prosecution.
Buy the book: Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal: https://a.co/d/6Ewme87
Guest Bio:
Matthew T. Martens graduated first in his class both in law school (University of North Carolina School of Law) and in seminary (Dallas Theological Seminary). He is a trial lawyer and partner at an international law firm in Washington, DC. He has spent the bulk of his more than twenty-five-year legal career practicing criminal law both as a federal prosecutor and as a defense attorney. He served as a law clerk to Chief Justice William Rehnquist at the US Supreme Court and also as a political appointee in the criminal division of the US Justice Department under Attorney General Ashcroft. Matt and his wife are members at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC, and have two sons and a daughter.

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