Topic: Abetting

ABC News legal analyst Dan Abrams is accused of delivering a "warning shot" to Katherine Russell, the widow of Tamerlan Tsarnaev. The hosts interpret Abrams' discussion of accessory charges and the limitations of spousal privilege as a public threat intended to coerce her cooperation with federal authorities. They characterize the report as a departure from the principle of "innocent until proven guilty."

The hosts examine the historical legal definitions of treason, citing Lord Coke's interpretations of "aiding and abetting." They discuss how these ancient legal concepts are being adapted to modern warfare, including the prosecution of individuals involved with IEDs or anti-war editorials. The segment concludes that the definitions of treason remain in a state of dangerous flux.

The hosts claim that the government and major banks are intrinsically involved in the drug trade through money laundering. They discuss a rhetorical question posed to a U.S. Attorney regarding whether state officials assisting marijuana dispensaries could be charged with "aiding and abetting" under federal law. There is also concern that the Treasury could use bank accounts of legitimate state enterprises as leverage in federal investigations.