COJ #166 - Stand Your Ground (But Only If We Like You): When the Attorney General Picks and Chooses
Cup Of JusticeShow Notes
Today we need to address alarming developments in press freedom as independent journalists, including Don Lemon, face federal charges for violating the FACE Act of 1994.
Then Liz reintroduces a case we covered on True Sunlight #134 involving Anijah Yarnell, who claimed self-defense after shooting Michael Pennington in 2020. However, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson unusually appealed the decision—contrasting sharply with Wilson's public opposition to charge others like Weldon Boyd and Bradley Williams.
Then we’re sharing an excerpt from Liz and Mandy’s recent appearance on Laura Richard’s Crime Analyst Podcast (Episode 303). Richards, Matney, and Farrell emphasize the critical role of independent journalism and sustained public pressure in preventing cases from being swept away.
☕ Cups Up! ⚖️
Episode References
Crime Analyst Ep 303 On YouTube
Crime Analyst Ep. 303 Audio: Mica Francis: Analyzing the Federal Charges Against John Paul Miller with Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell
“Journalist Don Lemon charged with federal civil rights crimes after covering anti-ICE church protest” - AP News, Updated Jan 30, 2026 📰
“Horry County murder case ruled Stand Your Ground being appealed. What we know” - Myrtle Beach Sun News, Jan 13, 2026 📰
“Man charged in shooting outside Columbia Planned Parenthood files ‘stand your ground’ defense” - WIS10, Jan 29, 2026 📰
Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️
Premium Members also get access to all new bonus episodes, video episodes, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. CLICK HERE to learn more and join with Promo Code "COJ25" for your first month free! https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE.
Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/
Support Our Show, Sponsors and Mission: https://lunasharkmedia.com/support/
Quince - Hungry Root - Bombas
Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn
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 [email protected] and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! ***
*The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes do not constitute legal advice. Listeners desiring legal advice for any particular legal matter are urged to consult an attorney of their choosing who can provide legal advice based upon a full understanding of the facts and circumstances of their claim. The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes also do not express the views or opinions of Bland Richter, LLP, or its attorneys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More from Cup Of Justice
Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell are joined by US Senate Candidate Dr. Annie Andrews, the pediatrician running in the wildest U.S. Senate race in South Carolina history.
Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell are joined by attorney Mandy Powers Norrell as the Greg Alexander story gets stranger. Joe McCulloch tells Court TV he's never met the client he's representing before the state grand jury.
Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell are again joined by Atlanta attorney Noah Pines for a rare glimmer of accountability in South Carolina: Judge Carmen Mullen is finally headed to a public disciplinary hearing — not over the Satterfield settlement, but over the night she was recorded trying to get a deputy to arrest a man for the crime of being weird in his own home.
Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell are joined by Beth Braden to break down another wild Friday of filings.
Cups up to Katie Phang! The former prosecutor, trial attorney, and MSNBC anchor joins investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell for a conversation about what happens when you refuse to stay quiet.