JUDY WOODRUFF:

Next, a different look at law and order and the impact of a podcast that became a phenomenon, "Serial"'s investigation of a murder case and a defendant who may have been wrongly convicted.

The podcast's season wrapped up during the winter, but there's still major interest and new developments in the case. An appeal is now forthcoming, one that could lead to a new trial, a plea deal, or perhaps a decision by the state to drop it entirely.

At the same time, larger conversations about the justice system are being stoked anew by this true crime investigation and others.

And back to William Brangham, who has been following the story.