Court Junkie

Court Junkie is the podcast for people who are genuinely fascinated by the legal system and want to hear what actually happens inside courtrooms. Host Jillian Jalali — known to her audience as JJ — doesn't just read about cases from news reports. She digs into court documents, attends trials in person, and conducts her own interviews with people connected to the cases she covers. The show focuses heavily on the trial process itself, incorporating real courtroom audio — opening statements, witness testimony, cross-examinations, and verdict readings. This gives episodes a documentary feel that sets Court Junkie apart from podcasts that rely mainly on secondhand accounts. JJ's narration ties everything together with clear, well-researched context about the legal proceedings and the people involved. With 376 episodes released weekly, the archive covers a wide range of cases: wrongful convictions, cold cases finally going to trial, and high-profile murder prosecutions. The 4.8-star rating from over 8,100 reviews makes it one of the highest-rated true crime podcasts on Apple Podcasts, which is a testament to JJ's dedication to thorough, responsible reporting. The main critique from some listeners is that courtroom audio segments can run long, and the show has picked up more advertising spots over the years. But those are minor quibbles for a podcast that takes its subject matter this seriously. If you've ever found yourself watching Court TV and wishing someone would give you the full context behind the clips, Court Junkie is exactly what you're looking for.