May 20, 1989 - MPR’s Kathleen Hallinan profiles Karen Thompson, an activist and feminist, whose court fight over human rights issues captured national attention. Thompson speaks on racism, sexism, gay rights, and disability rights.
June 20, 1989 - Rev. Jesse Jackson giving keynote address at the annual Minnesota Bar Association. Jackson’s speech was titled "The Future of Justice in America: Lawyers as Agents of Change."
November 21, 1989 - MPR’s Stephen Smith presents "Armed in America," an examination on gun ownership and gun control in the United States, and more specifically, in Minnesota. Program highlights topics of crime, protection and cultural impact of firearms.
March 6, 1990 - William Kunstler, civil rights lawyer and vice-president of the Center for Constitutional Rights in New York, speaking at Concordia College in Moorhead. Kunstler’s address was titled "The Decline of the American Constitution and the Bill of Rights." He shares his views on the Supreme Court actions pertaining to the Bill of Rights. Kunstler is best-known for his representation of Leonard Peltier in the appeals of his conviction for the shoot-out at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in June 1975. He appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court in flag burning case, and was also the defense attorney for Marine Sergeant Clayton Lonetree's espionage trial. His resume includes degrees from Yale University and Columbia Law School. His teaching experience is highlighted by tenures at Columbia University, The New School for Social Research, and a Law Professorship at Pace University. His military background includes a Bronze Star and the rank of Major in the United States Army. He sits on the National Council for the American Civil Liberties Union and the Boards of the Fortune Society and the Law Students Civil Rights Leadership Council.
May 29, 1990 - An MPR special documentary report titled, "Spearing on Lakes of Fire", narrated by Chris Tetlin. The report presents fishing debate over Chippewa Indian/U.S. Government treaty in northern Wisconsin. The controversy centers on walleyes, but there's much more at stake than fish.
June 1, 1990 - Norval Morris, professor of law and criminology at the University of Chicago, speaking at a Phi Beta Kappa Lecture held at University of Minnesota Law School. Morris’s address was titled “The Honest Politician's Guide to Drug Control." He states that America's drug policy is in disarray, and that the war on drugs has failed. After speech, Morris answers audience questions.
June 26, 1990 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports on St. Paul City Council passage of ordinance banning discrimination against homosexuals in employment, housing, education, and public services. Wareham interviews advocates and opponents of the measure.
July 4, 1990 - Benjamin Barber, American political theorist, speaking at a G. Theodore Mitau Lecture at Macalester College in St. Paul. Barber’s address is on the topic “How Democratic is the Constitution?”
August 2, 1990 - MPR Journal’s Gary Eichten interviews Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Peter Popovich about studies on racial bias and discrimination in the court system.
September 13, 1990 - MPR’s Stephen Smith reports on an increase in attacks on individuals of the gay community in the Twin Cities. Smith interviews Patti Abbott, a crime/victim advocate for the Minnesota Gay and Lesbian Community Action Council about the seriousness of problem.