LawPod

Adoptee Rights and Access to Records in Northern Ireland (Part II)

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Dr Alice Diver hosts a follow‑up LawPod conversation with Sharon, Maeve, and Brigid from Adopt NI, continuing the discussion on adoptee rights, truth recovery, and Northern Ireland’s forthcoming redress legislation. Building on Episode 1, the guests analyse how the draft bill fails to reflect the human rights framework promised in earlier reports and how lived experience has been overlooked in policymaking. They describe the gap between the Truth Recovery Report's human‑rights‑based recommendations and the bill now emerging: the exclusion of workhouse survivors; the omission of practices such as coercion, systemic separation of mothers and babies, and cross‑border adoption pathways; and the absence of a statutory right to personal records. Participants recount their frustration at being positioned as consultees only in appearance, with little genuine influence, and their exhaustion at repeatedly providing testimony that appears unread or unacted upon. The conversation highlights the lifelong impacts of forced separation, trauma, loss of identity, intergenerational effects, and the emotional labour required to obtain fragmented or redacted records. They stress the need for a victims’ commissioner, mandatory access to archives, accountability for institutions (including state, church, and medical actors), and investment in research, education, and non‑repetition measures. Despite the barriers, the group emphasises the strength of peer support through Adopt NI and the ongoing commitment to advocacy and truth-telling.

There is one more episode forthcoming in this series. Further Information https://www.assemblyresearchmatters.org/2025/11/24/inquiry-mother-and-baby-institutions-magdalene-laundries-and-workhouses-and-redress-scheme-bill-a-brief-overview/ https://truthrecoverystrategy.com/reports/

Alliance for the Study of Adoption & Culture

2026 Conference — Alliance for the Study of Adoption & Culture

AdoptNI

Adoption UK Charity Genetic Stigma in Law and Literature: Orphanhood, Adoption, and the Right to Reunion (Palgrave, 2024) https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-46246-7

Inside QUB Law’s Student Skills Assistants Programme

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Dr Nora Burns speaks with PhD students and long-serving Student Skills Assistants (SSAs) Seanin Little and Aislinn Fanning about the Student Skills Assistants Programme at Queen's University Belfast Law School, launched in November 2021 as a COVID-19 response to support undergraduates' transition to university. The programme expanded from supporting first years to include second and third-year students. Over 20 postgraduates have worked as SSAs, delivering student-led educational workshops (e.g., problem questions, critical reading, referencing, using feedback) and community-building events and trips (e.g., cinema, Crumlin Road Jail, courts), as well as one-to-one support. They discuss moving from online to in-person delivery, scheduling around timetables and cost-of-living concerns, exam-prep blog/podcast for take-home exams, teamwork and time management alongside PhDs, collaboration with student societies (Women in Law and Walkie Talkie Girlies/Project Pink), supporting diverse students, and tips emphasising listening to students, wellbeing, and strong mentorship. This episode was recorded summer 2025. The Skills Assistant Programme was managed by Dr Norah Burns until summer 2025.

Don’t Look Down: Dr Evelyn Collins CBE on Equality, Leadership and Careers in Law

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0100

In this International Women's Day special, LLM student Sofia Debernardi speaks with Dr Evelyn Collins CBE, former Chief Executive of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and Honorary Professor at Queen's University Belfast. Across a remarkable career spanning more than 30 years, Dr Collins has been a central figure in shaping equality law, mainstreaming duties, and policy across Northern Ireland, the UK, and Europe. In conversation with Sofia, she reflects on:

her early ambition to become Northern Ireland’s first female judge;
studying criminology in Toronto and discovering feminism;
her unexpected path into equality law;
leading the newly merged Equality Commission for NI;
influencing European policy, including work on sexual harassment, positive action, and equality bodies;
her role in shaping Section 75, the Good Friday Agreement, and Article 2 of the Windsor Framework;
and her guidance for young people pursuing socially impactful careers in law today.

This episode offers an inspiring insight into how one woman’s commitment to justice and opportunity helped transform equality legislation at home and abroad.

Womens Aid – Frontline Support to Legislative Change with Sonya McMullen

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:25:00 +0100

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, LawPod host Justine Van Essen speaks with Sonya McMullan, who has worked with Women’s Aid for almost 30 years, combining frontline expertise with sustained policy advocacy to influence major legislative change in Northern Ireland.

The episode explores how lived experience, frontline services, and strategic lobbying intersect to shape laws that protect victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Sonya charts the evolution of Women’s Aid’s work: from the development of the first 24/7 domestic abuse helpline in the mid‑1990s, to the introduction of landmark legislation such as the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (NI), the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking) Act, and the non-fatal strangulation offence.

She also sheds light on persistent challenges: under-resourcing, gaps in police training, complex legislative delays, barriers to legal aid, and the urgent need for better protection orders. But the conversation also showcases promising developments including the Domestic Abuse Court pilot, new prevention programmes in schools, and initiatives supporting medical, nursing, social work, and law students to recognise and respond to domestic abuse.

https://www.womensaidni.org/

Adoptee Rights and Access to Records in Northern Ireland

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Dr Alice Diver hosts LawPod with fellow adult adoptees Anita, Richard/Michael, and Michelle to discuss adoptee rights amid Northern Ireland law reform and truth recovery processes. They describe meeting through an Adopt NI peer support group and how reports on institutional abuse prompted them to seek their own histories. The conversation focuses on barriers to accessing adoption, institutional, court, trust, and medical records despite Northern Ireland being an open records jurisdiction, including redactions, missing or destroyed files, inconsistent disclosure, and records held by churches and other gatekeepers. They emphasise the emotional harm, distrust, and "gaps" adoptees face; the need for accountable systems and legislation that ensure complete, reliable access; and the reality that receiving records is only the start, with reunions and identity integration continuing afterwards. They highlight peer support and mentoring through Adopt NI and invite adoptees to seek help. Further Information

Alliance for the Study of Adoption & Culture

2026 Conference — Alliance for the Study of Adoption & Culture

AdoptNI

Adoption UK Charity Genetic Stigma in Law and Literature: Orphanhood, Adoption, and the Right to Reunion (Palgrave, 2024) https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-46246-7

AI, Accountability, and Civilian Harm

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Mae Thompson speaks with Prof Luke Moffett, Dr Jessica Dorsey, and Chris Rogers about how artificial intelligence is already reshaping military decision making and what that means for civilian harm, accountability, and redress. The guests distinguish AI‑enabled decision support from lethal autonomy, unpack the cognitive risks of automation bias, anchoring, and de‑skilling, and consider how AI might responsibly support civilian‑harm tracking and investigations through data fusion and triage. They discuss the “triple black box” of accountability (model opacity, military secrecy, and diffused responsibility), the importance of lawful‑by‑design guardrails across the AI lifecycle, and why NGOs must pair new tools with people‑centred documentation. Looking ahead, they reflect on opportunities for a UK statutory redress scheme to deliver prompt acknowledgement, amends, and mitigation—keeping accountability pace with capability while centring affected communities. Prof Luke Moffett — Chair of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, Queen’s University Belfast; author of Algorithms of War: The Human Cost of AI and Conflict (forthcoming, Bristol University Press). Dr Jessica Dorsey — Assistant Professor of International Law, Utrecht University; Director of the Realities of Algorithmic Warfare; expert member of the Global Commission on Responsible AI in the Military Domain; Ambassador for the Lawful by Design initiative; Executive Board Member at Airwars. Chris Rogers — Senior Fellow at the Reiss (Reese) Center on Law and Security, New York University School of Law; former Branch Chief and Law & Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Defense’s Civilian Protection Center of Excellence. This podcast is the sixth in a series of episodes on Civilian Harm in Conflict – hosted by Mae Thompson, advocacy officer at Ceasefire. The podcast is an output of the AHRC‑funded ‘Reparations during Armed Conflict’ project with Queen's University Belfast, University College London and Ceasefire, led by Professor Luke Moffett.

From Obligation to Opportunity: Rethinking the UK’s Approach to Civilian Harm

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Mae Thompson speaks with Dr Kaleigh Heard, Dr Haim Abraham, and Dr Conall Mallory about how the UK could strengthen its approach to civilian harm mitigation and redress at a moment of global uncertainty. Reflecting on the rollback of civilian protection measures in the US and emerging reforms in places like the Netherlands, the guests explore the potential for the UK to assume a leadership role. They discuss the limits of relying solely on litigation, the promise of tort law, the strategic and moral value of compensation and acknowledgement, and the need for a comprehensive, statutory, victim‑centred framework that aligns with international obligations while offering accessible, meaningful redress for affected communities. Despite the challenging geopolitical landscape, the conversation highlights genuine opportunities for constructive change in UK policy.

Dr Kaleigh Heard — Lecturer, UCL Department of Political Science; Deputy Director of the MA Human Rights; Director of the APPG on Modern Conflict; advisor to the US DoD Center of Excellence on Civilian Protection. Dr Haim Abraham — Assistant Professor of Law, UCL; author of Tort Liability in Warfare: State Wrongs and Civilian Rights(OUP, 2024). Dr Conall Mallory — Senior Lecturer in Law, Queen’s University Belfast; Fellow of the Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice.

This podcast is the fifth in a series of episode on Civilian Harm in Conflict – hosted by Mae Thompson, advocacy officer at Ceasefire. The podcast is an output of the AHRC funded ‘Reparations during Armed Conflict‘ project with Queen’s University Belfast, University College London and Ceasefire, led by Professor Luke Moffett.

Corporate Governance and Board Diversity: Navigating Inclusion and Equality with Karen McShane

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Host Dr Ciara Hackett, SWAN Champion at the School of Law, discusses corporate governance and board diversity with a focus on gender and sexuality. Special guests include Karen McShane, an experienced civil engineer and transport planner, and Dr Ciaràn O'Kelly, a scholar on accountability and governance infrastructures. The panel delves into the Equality Act 2010, recent legal rulings surrounding gender recognition, and their impacts on board diversity. Karen shares her experiences and insights on the role of diverse boards in driving organisational success, the importance of EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) policies, and the evolving landscape of corporate governance. The discussion underscores the significance of inclusive practices and forward planning in achieving long-term societal and organisational benefits.

Civilian Harm: Tracking, Investigating, and Acknowledging the Impact of Military Operations

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, hosted by Mae Thompson from Ceasefire, panellists Dr Elizabeth Stubbins Bates, Mark Lattimer, Executive Director, Ceasefire and Dr Conall Mallory, Director, QUB Human Rights Centre, discuss the UK's approach to addressing civilian harm caused by military operations. They explore the gaps in current redress mechanisms, the importance of tracking and investigating civilian harm, and the potential for a UK civilian harm redress scheme. The conversation covers historical issues, political disincentives, and best practices from international examples, emphasising the need for more comprehensive and proactive investigations. Insights from legal and military experts underline the critical importance of transparency, accountability, and the recognition of civilian suffering. This podcast is the fourth in a series of episode on Civilian Harm in Conflict – hosted by Mae Thompson, advocacy officer at Ceasefire. The podcast is an output of the AHRC funded ‘Reparations during Armed Conflict‘ project with Queen’s University Belfast, University College London and Ceasefire, led by Professor Luke Moffett.

Episode 9 - Gina Cabarcas Macia On Records And Transitional Justice In Colombia

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of Part 3, Julia Viebach speaks with Gina Cabarcas Maciá, co-founder and director of the Political and Criminal Justice Lab in Bogota, about the vital role of records in Colombia's transitional justice process. With over 50 years of armed conflict and multiple transitional justice mechanisms operating since 2006, Colombia has developed a complex approach to documenting human rights violations—from judicial records and physical artifacts to testimonies from perpetrators, victims, and communities.

The conversation explores how different types of records—including judicial files, testimonies, and digitalized archives—contribute to establishing truth, documenting gendered violence, and locating disappeared persons. Gina discusses the Colombian Truth Commission's groundbreaking decision to digitalize all testimonies and the challenges of coordinating between multiple mechanisms. She also highlights the ongoing challenge of securing collective accountability from state actors and the critical role civil society organizations play in preserving intelligence archives and documenting what has been silenced.

About: Gina Cabarcas Maciá is a lawyer and historian who serves as co-founder and director of the Political and Criminal Justice Lab in Bogota. She coordinates support projects for Colombia's Special Jurisdiction for Peace and leads the systematization and analysis of information across multiple transitional justice initiatives. Her work bridges criminal investigation with historical documentation, combining expertise in human rights violations documentation with decolonial approaches to transitional justice.

More information: Political and Criminal Justice Lab, Colombia's Truth Commission, Unit for the Search of Disappeared Persons, Special Jurisdiction for Peace

The 3-part series "Can the record be trusted?" explores the prospects and challenges of human rights documentation and archives in the digital age, with speakers from an international expert workshop that took place at Queen's University Belfast in November 2024.

Episode 8: Amr Khito, Alan Woo, Prisons Museum

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0100

This episode introduces the accountability project ISIS Prisons Museum. In her conversation, Dagmar Hovestädt explores the origins and methodology of this long-term investigation with its co-director Amr Khito and web developer Alan Woo. The team behind the ISIS Prisons Museum, for short IPM, documents former prison sites and mass graves of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and turns them into 3D tours and online investigations for families, researchers, and prosecutors. Prisons were a central instrument of ISIS rule. Ordinary schools, churches, houses or even a stadium were turned into detention sites, and the IPM revealed systematic patterns of repression and crimes by documenting and analyzing more than 100 such places. The investigations combine spatial documentation and 3D modeling of former prison sites with left-behind administrative documents and hundreds of witness testimonies of former detainees. The project is rooted in Syrian journalists’ and ex-prisoners’ own experiences; trust comes from shared histories of imprisonment and exile, and from a deliberate choice to center survivors’ voices in how ISIS’s crimes are remembered. Few weeks after the recording of this episode, the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad fled the country and the door to investigate the horrendous crimes in Syrian state prisons was opened. The Prisons Museum team launched its second project in September of 2025, the Syria Prisons Museum. ABOUT: Amr Khito is a Syrian journalist, former political prisoner, and co-director of the Prisons Museum. He began documenting the Syrian uprising in 2011 together with other journalists and filmmakers and later shifted to coordinate 3D recording of emptied prison buildings, hundreds of witness interviews and research with affected families. Alan Woo is a designer and web developer who works at the intersection of visual communication, data architecture, and social justice. Drawing on training in graphic design, he develops digital infrastructures and interfaces for the Prisons Museum, focusing on organizing large-scale visual and documentary evidence so it becomes searchable and meaningful for families, researchers, and investigators. More information: https://prisons.museum https://syria.prisons.museum https://isis.prisons.museum The 3-part series “Can the record be trusted?” explores the prospects and challenges of human rights documentation and archives in the digital age, with speakers from an international expert workshop that took place at Queens University Belfast in November 2024.

Seeds, Science, and Law: How Intellectual Property Shapes Our Food Future

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0100

What happens when the law meets the natural world? In this episode of LawPod, Dr Jocelyn Bosse joins Dr Ciarán O'Kelly to explore the fascinating intersection of intellectual property rights, biodiversity, and food security. Fresh from being awarded the prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, Dr Bosse shares insights from her ambitious research project, ‘A Century of Propertising Plants: examining the role of intellectual property law in protecting biodiversity and food security’, which examines how plant IP laws have influenced agriculture over the past hundred years—and what that means for the future. From the origins of plant patents in the 1930s to today’s debates on CRISPR gene editing, this conversation unpacks the tensions between innovation and biodiversity, the role of law in shaping science, and the global implications for food security. Whether you’re curious about how IP law affects what ends up on your plate or the ethical questions behind controlling nature, this episode offers a deep dive into one of the most overlooked areas of law. A PhD studentship funded by the Department for the Economy (DfE) is also available with Dr Bosse. https://law.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/news/qub-dfe-plants-biodiversity-food-security.html

Episode 7 - Nataliia Gladkova On The Ukrainian Archive

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this opening episode of Part 3, Ulrike Lühe talks to Nataliia Gladkova about preserving digital evidence of human rights violations in Ukraine. Nataliia is the Ukrainian Archive Program Manager at Mnemonic, where she oversees the collection and verification of over 7.6 million open-source records—including satellite imagery and social media content, predominantly from Telegram—documenting the impact of Russia's invasion.

The conversation explores how digital tools have transformed documentation work, from automated collection systems to AI-assisted analysis, while maintaining rigorous verification standards. A key theme is balancing accessibility with protection: ensuring the Ukrainian people's right to know while addressing security concerns, privacy protections, and evidentiary requirements for legal accountability. Nataliia also discusses cross-archival collaborations with the Syrian Archive to examine patterns of Russian military actions across conflicts.

About: Nataliia Gladkova was the Ukraine Archive Program Manager at Mnemonic, overseeing the collection and preservation of over 7.6 million digital records documenting human rights violations in Ukraine. She coordinated confidential investigations for war crimes units and international justice actors, and participated in academic consortiums exploring AI applications in human rights documentation.

More information: Mnemonic, Ukrainian Archive, Syrian Archive

Student Wellbeing and Belonging in Legal Education: Insights from Professor Lydia Bleasdale

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of LawPod, Professor Lydia Bleasdale from the University of Leeds joins Dr Norah Burns to share her journey and insights in the field of legal education.

Professor Bleasdale talks about her unexpected path to studying law, the impact of inspiring mentors, and her work as the Director of Community and Belonging at the Law School. She outlines her research on student resilience, the importance of understanding diverse student needs, and how to better support introverted students. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities posed by AI in legal education and the Connecting Legal Education network's role in fostering innovative teaching practices.

Highlighting personal experiences and professional advice, this episode offers valuable perspectives for current and future legal educators.

Episode 6 – Ahmed Abofoul On The Difficulties Of Preserving Evidence Under Occupation

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0100

This episode invites you to a conversation Ulrike Lühe has with Ahmed Abofoul, international human rights lawyer at the Palestinian NGO Al-Haq. Speaking from his deep experience documenting grave violations against Palestinians under Israeli occupation, Ahmed reveals the challenges and stakes of building an evidentiary record amid protracted conflict and state obstruction.

The methodological rigor of Al-Haq’s evidence collection—including on-the-ground fieldwork, open-source investigations, and advanced digital tools employed in a joint project with Forensic Architecture—ensures their documentation is admissible in courts and withstands political pressure and scrutiny.

Ahmed reflects on the contextualising of discrete violations within broader patterns of occupation and apartheid is essential for understanding and legally characterising the situation. While digititilisation enhances accessibility and verification, he reminds us that it brings unique risks under occupation, requiring careful balance between transparency and the protection of sources and witnesses.

About: Ahmed Abofoul is a Gaza-born international lawyer and Senior Legal Researcher and Advocacy Officer at Al-Haq, a leading Palestinian human rights organisation based in Ramallah. Now based in The Hague, he specialises in documenting violations of international law and advocating before global accountability mechanisms. With extensive field and legal expertise, Abouful is recognised for his meticulous work supporting justice for Palestinians.

More Information: Al Haq home page / Forensic Architecture Investigation Unit / Forensic Architecture home page

The 3-part series “Can the record be trusted?” explores the prospects and challenges of human rights documentation and archives in the digital age, with speakers from an international expert workshop that took place at Queens University Belfast in November 2024.

Transforming Legal Education: A Conversation with Professor Warren Barr

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:30:00 +0100

In this episode of Law Pod, host Kenneth Elo interviews Professor Warren Barr, the new head of the School of Law at Queen's University Belfast. Professor Barr shares insights into his career journey, which spans nearly three decades and includes leadership roles at major UK law schools such as Liverpool, Cardiff, and Birmingham.

He discusses his educational philosophy, the significance of soft skills in legal education, and his vision for the future of Queen's Law School.

The conversation also explores transformative experiences in legal education, the impact of generative AI, and the importance of striking a balance between ambition and a healthy work-life balance. Professor Barr emphasises the value of co-curricular activities and encourages students and staff to engage and collaborate openly.

Episode 5: Marija Ristic On The Power Of Digital Evidence

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0100

The next episode in the series “Can the record be trusted?” explores the prospects and challenges of human rights documentation and archives in the digital age, with speakers from an international expert workshop that took place at Queens University Belfast in November 2024.

In this episode Dagmar Hovestadt talks to Marija Ristic about the cutting edge of digital evidence in contemporary human rights investigations. Marija is the head of Amnesty International’s Digital Evidence Lab. In the conversation she shares how multidisciplinary teams combine field research, satellite imagery, open-source intelligence, and digital communication to document complex crises such as Gaza and Iran.

Marija reflects on the fact that digital evidence now plays a central role in documenting human rights violations, especially in inaccessible or highly dangerous environments such as Gaza and Iran. While Amnesty International’s processes are rigorous, they constantly must adapt to different contexts, balancing authenticity, security, and privacy concerns in the collection and use of records.

A recent exciting initiative in this field is the Digital Verification Corps in which new generations of volunteers contribute to accountability efforts and document with digital tools, multiplying research capacity and supporting large-scale investigations.

About: Marija Ristic is a seasoned human rights investigator heading Amnesty International’s Digital Evidence Lab, focusing on crisis zones and digital documentation. She coordinates the Digital Verification Corps, mentoring global university teams in digital investigation and ethical verification practices. Marija draws on her background of reporting on post-Yugoslav war crimes, blending legal expertise with innovative research approaches.

More information:

Amnesty Evidence Lab

Digital Verification Corps

Beyond Consent: Rape Law Reform in Academia and the Courtroom

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of LawPod, Dr Eithne Dowds, a senior lecturer in law at Queen’s University Belfast, is joined by Professor Julia Quilter from the University of Wollongong, Australia. They discuss Professor Quilter's research on rape law reform and intoxication evidence in rape trials and compare the legal landscapes in Northern Ireland and Australia. The conversation touches on historical and contemporary evolution of the laws, the impact of intoxication evidence, and the challenges of addressing rape myths within the courtroom. Dr Dowds and Professor Quilter explore the complex dynamics of legal reforms aiming to protect victims and improve the courtroom experience for complainants while ensuring a fair trial for defendants. Points of comparison between Northern Ireland and Australia highlight the ongoing struggle to bridge the gap between progressive legal reforms and real-world courtroom practice. The episode brings to light how these issues play out across different legal systems.

Episode 4 Raji Abdul Salam On Turning Records Into Evidence

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Dr Ulrike Lühe speaks with Raji Abdul Salam, Chief Legal Data Archive Analyst at the Reckoning Project. In this conversation, Raji reveals how analysing thousands of testimonies uncovered the systematic genocide against Yazidi people—patterns invisible in individual cases. The conversation explores why "immutability" is sacred in digital evidence, how AI both accelerates and threatens documentation work, and a provocative question: with unlimited storage capacity, should we archive everything? "I always trust the archive that has a methodology," Raji argues. "But I don't trust the people who manage it."

About: Raji Abdul Salam is Chief Legal Data Archive Analyst at the Reckoning Project, with extensive experience documenting war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria, Iraq, and Ukraine, including building legal cases under universal jurisdiction.

More information: The Reckoning Project

Episode 3: Robert Petit – Managing Evidence For Future Accountability In Syria

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Dagmar Hovestädt speaks with Robert Petit, a long-term prosecutor of international crimes - from the Rwanda Tribunal to Cambodia, Sierra Leone, and East Timor – and current head of the UN-mandated International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) dealing with crimes under International Law in Syria since March 2011. Only weeks after the recording of this conversation, the Assad regime fell, changing some aspects of the mechanism’s mandate but keeping its core untouched.

Created by the UN General Assembly in 2016 after repeated attempts to refer Syria to the ICC were vetoed, the IIIM has a unique mandate: to collect, consolidate, preserve, and analyze evidence of serious crimes under International Law committed in Syria since March 2011 – not for its own legal activities, but in the service of current and future legal accountability measures.

Robert explains how the IIIM uses criminal law standards, rigorous authentication protocols and complex information management systems to build a long-term repository. It sources its information from documents and data from civil society organizations and international bodies. The IIIM generates additional evidence through witness statements and the analysis of provided documentation, all of which is only accessible to competent jurisdictions. The material collected by the IIIM has already supported 210 distinct investigations across 16 jurisdictions.

About: Robert Petit is the head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM). He previously served as International Co-Prosecutor at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, Senior Trial Attorney at the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and began his international career at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in 1996.

More information: IIIM

Episode 2: Trudy Huskamp Peterson – The Challenge Of Preserving Transitional Archives

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Dagmar Hovestädt speaks with Dr. Trudy Huskamp Peterson, international consultant on archives and human rights. With decades of experience—from the U.S. National Archives to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees—Trudy has worked with archives of truth commissions, international tribunals, and other conflict archives worldwide, including in Guatemala, South Africa, Honduras, Rwanda, Cambodia and Sierra Leone.

The conversation revolves around Trudy’s groundbreaking work on preserving truth commission records and explores the unresolved challenge of international tribunal archives. With multiple tribunals closing, questions about who will make access decisions and ensure long-term preservation remain desperately unresolved.

From her perspective, the current next generation of vast amounts of digital data in human rights violations - from electronic records to DNA samples in conflict contexts – is to be looked at through an archival lens: "Preservation is not a problem to be solved. It is a process to be managed."

About: Dr. Trudy Huskamp Peterson is an international consultant specializing in archives and human rights. She began her work at the U.S. National Archives and after 20 years embarked on an international journey in support of human rights and records. She has consulted for truth commissions, international tribunals, and the UN on archival issues worldwide. She is a longtime member of the International Council on Archives and a co-founder of its Section on Archives and Human Rights

More: Trudy Huskamp Peterson and International Council on Archives

Episode 1: Babacar Ndaye – Building Digital Archives at the UN

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this opening episode, Dr Julia Viebach speaks with Babacar Ndaye, former Senior Program Officer with the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Daesh/ISIL in Iraq (UNITAD). The conversation explores the immense challenge of managing millions of digital files retrieved from ISIS-controlled territories—from battlefield evidence on hard drives and drones to administrative documents detailing the organization's operations.

UNITAD partnered with Microsoft to deploy AI tools for processing this vast corpus of data, while maintaining forensic standards and chain of custody. Babcar reflects on critical questions about authentication, the role of civil society organizations as first responders, and the uncertain future of UNITAD's archive, now held in New York without a clear mandate for use.

About: Babacar Ndaye has worked with the United Nations for over 11 years as an information systems specialist, including serving as Senior Program Officer with UNITAD in Baghdad from 2018-2024.

More information: UNITAD

https://lawpod.org/can-the-record-be-trusted/

Mentioned in this episode:

Series Introduction

The Dutch Approach to Civilian Harm Accountability

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:15:00 +0100

In the third episode of the mini-series on Civilian Harm in Conflict, host Mae Thompson is joined by Erin Bijl (PAX, Dutch NGO) and Major Steven van de Put (Royal Netherlands Air Force, former student) to explore the Dutch approach to accountability for civilian harm.

This episode delves into the evolution of the Dutch accountability framework, spotlighting the 2015 Hawija airstrike in Iraq, which killed over 80 civilians during a Dutch-led bombing of an ISIS factory. The discussion examines the role of civil law in holding the Dutch state accountable, recent transparency and compensation measures by the Dutch Defense Ministry, and the effectiveness of community-level responses. By contrasting the Dutch model with the UK's slower progress, the episode offers insights into how states can improve accountability practices.

Resources

PAX Report: Community-Level Responses to Harm: Lessons Learned from Iraq Link: protectionofcivilians.org/report/community-level-responses-to-harm-lessons-learned-from-iraq/
Civilian Protection Monitor Link: https://civilianprotectionmonitor.org

This podcast is the third in a series of episode on Civilian Harm in Conflict – hosted by Mae Thompson, advocacy officer at Ceasefire. The podcast is an output of the AHRC funded ‘Reparations during Armed Conflict‘ project with Queen’s University Belfast, University College London and Ceasefire, led by Professor Luke Moffett.

River Faughan: The Struggle for Legal Personhood

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:35:00 +0100

In this special episode Katie O’Doherty delves into the illegal waste dumping scandal at the Mobuoy dump near the River Faughan in Northern Ireland, a scandal described by Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir as a "sophisticated and deliberate environmental crime of unprecedented scale”.

It explores the background of this large scale environmental crime, discussing systemic failures and the roles of governmental agencies. Interviews with environmental activists James Orr from Friends of the Earth and Dean Blackwood from the River Faughan Anglers and The Environmental Gathering shed light on the significance of the recent sentencing of two company directors, the importance of the first “Victim Personal Statement” given by a river in Northern Ireland, and ongoing calls for a public inquiry.

The discussion also touches on the broader implications for environmental governance, the need for recognising the rights of nature, and the systemic issues impacting environmental protection in post-conflict societies.

Throughout the episode you will hear excerpts of the Victim Personal Statement on behalf of the river that was put to music by students from Lawpod – The statement was submitted as part of court proceedings prior to sentencing.

https://friendsoftheearth.uk/northern-ireland

https://www.faughan.org

https://www.ursulaburns.co.uk/post/13-riot-police-and-a-harp

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c365yn4d907o

https://youtu.be/RMj8w7Zbls4

Thanks to Lawpod Students Katie O’Doherty Presenter and Narrator

Eva Richards – Cello

Alexandra Elizabeth Morar – Violin

Civilian Harm in Yemen

Fri, 30 May 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In the second episode of the mini-series on Civilian Harm in Conflict, host Mae Thompson from Ceasefire, the Center for Civilian Rights, explores the issues of civillian harm and reparations for victims of military actions in Yemen.

The discussion features insights from Bonyan Gamal, a lawyer based in Sana'a Yemen and Program Manager of the Yemeni Archive, Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director of Amnesty International for the Middle East and North Africa and co-investigator on the Reparations for Civilian Harm in Conflict project, and Professor Luke Moffett from Queen's University School of law. The guests explore the various harms experienced by Yemeni civilians, including psychological, economic, and direct physical impacts, and discuss the obstacles and potential solutions for obtaining reparations and accountability.

The conversation emphasises the need for a victim-centered approach, improved state policies, and the importance of international support and acknowledgment to address the long-standing grievances and ensure non-repetition of violations.

This podcast is the second in a series of episode on Civilian Harm in Conflict – hosted by Mae Thompson, advocacy officer at Ceasefire. The podcast is an output of the AHRC funded ‘Reparations during Armed Conflict‘ project with Queen’s University Belfast, University College London and Ceasefire, led by Professor Luke Moffett.

Innovation in the High Street with Philip Armstrong

Thu, 22 May 2025 00:15:00 +0100

In this special episode of QUB LawPod, host Taylor Montgomery interviews Philip Armstrong, a solicitor, founder of Armstrong Solicitors and Chair of the Law Society of Northern Ireland's Conveyancing and Property Committee. Philip shares his journey from a non-legal family background to founding a successful high street law firm in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland. He discusses his early career experiences, the importance of work experience in different types of firms, and his realisation that helping people is central to the legal profession. Philip also explains the unique culture of his firm, its innovative use of technology and social media, and his vision for the future of high street law firms in an evolving legal landscape. The episode highlights the challenges and rewards of running a law firm, the significance of client care, and the potential for new graduates in the field.

Interview with Professor Máximo Sozzo: Decolonising Criminology and Penal Policy in Argentina

Thu, 15 May 2025 01:30:00 +0100

In this episode of LawPod, hosts Alessandro Corda and Teresa Degenhardt interview Professor Máximo Sozzo, a distinguished academic in criminology from The National University of the Littoral in Argentina.

Professor Sozzo discusses his educational background, influences, and extensive work in the fields of sociology of punishment and prison studies.

The conversation explores Argentina's political and penal history, the rise of punitive measures in Latin America, the need for decolonising criminology, and the challenges faced by academia in Argentina.

Sozzo also shares insights on his ongoing research projects, including a comprehensive study on Argentina's penal metamorphosis and a comparative project on prison transparency. Join us for an in-depth discussion on the nuances of criminology, both locally and globally.

Prof Sozzo gave the Queen's University Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice Annual Lecture 2025 - you can view the lecture here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WLq_xwUOwI

Uncovering the Past with Shari Eppel

Thu, 01 May 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, clinical psychologist and forensic anthropologist Dr Shari Eppel discusses her work finding, exhuming and identifying the remains of the disappeared of Matabeleland, Zimbabwe. Dr Beatrice Canossi and Dr Lauren Dempster speak to Shari about how she became involved in efforts to recover the disappeared, her experience of training a local team in this, the importance of recovering the disappeared for families and communities, and the challenges encountered when trying to recover the disappeared.

Please note this episode contains discussion of death and mass violence, including torture and rape.

This was episode was recorded in March 2025 during a visit by Shari to Belfast [https://www.qub.ac.uk/Research/GRI/mitchell-institute/news/TransitionalJusticeClusterEvents.html]

You can learn more about Shari’s work in this area in the publications below:

Eppel, Shari, “How Shall We Talk of Bhalagwe? Remembering the Gukurahundi Era in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe”: in Wale, Kim, Pumla Goboda-Madikizela, Jeffrey Prager (Eds), Post-Conflict Hauntings: Transforming Memories of Historical Trauma, Palgrave MacMillan, Cham, Switzerland, 2020.

Eppel, Shari, “Healing the Dead in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe: Combining Tradition with Science to Restore Personhood After Massacres”: in Benyera, Everisto (Ed), Indigenous, Traditional and Non-State Transitional Justice in Southern Africa: Zimbabwe and Namibia, Lexington Books, New York, 2019.

Eppel, Shari: “The Heroic and the Hidden Dead: Zimbabwe and Exhumations”: in Groen, W.J. Mike, Nicholas Marquez-Grant, Robert C. Janaway (Eds), Forensic Archaeology: A Global Perspective, Wiley Blackwell, Netherlands, 2015.

Eppel, Shari: “‘Bones in the Forest’ in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe: exhumations as a tool to transformation”, International Journal of Transitional Justice, September 2014.

Eppel, Shari: “The silencing of the bones” Zimbabwe Update No 2: Solidarity Peace Trust, March 2011.

Can be accessed at: http://www.solidaritypeacetrust.org/author/shariep/

Eppel, Shari: “Healing the dead: exhumation and reburial as a route to truth telling and peace building in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe”: in Borer, Tristan Ann (editor) Telling the Truths: Truth telling and peace building in post conflict societies, Joan B Kroc Peace Institute, Notre Dame University Press, 2004. Can be accessed via http://www.solidaritypeacetrust.org/488/healing-the-dead/

Eppel, Shari: “Reburial Ceremonies for Health and Healing after State Terror”: in The Lancet, Vol 360 (issue 9336), 14th September, 2002.

Navigating Sport and The Law with Professor Jack Anderson

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:41:00 +0100

LawPod host Maddy Kowalenko discusses the intricate relationship between sport and the law with Professor Jack Anderson.

A distinguished scholar in sports law, Professor Anderson explores topics such as safeguarding athletes, financial sustainability in professional sports, the rise of esports, gender equity, doping, and the integration of AI. Key legal issues discussed include match-fixing, proper concussion protocols, gender inclusion in sports governance, and the evolving framework for women's sports. This episode gives listeners a deep dive into the complex legal ecosystem surrounding the world of sports.

Addressing Civilian Harm: Accountability and Redress

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:30:00 +0100

This podcast is the first in a series of episode on Civilian Harm in Conflict - hosted by Mae Thompson, advocacy officer at Ceasefire. The podcast is an output of the AHRC funded 'Reparations during Armed Conflict' project with Queen's University Belfast, University College London and Ceasefire, led by Professor Luke Moffett.

Mark Lattimer, Executive Director of Ceasefire joins the podcast. Ceasefire have written a number of reports on civilian harm, in particular on the case for the UK to adopt a reparation scheme for overseas military operations and more recently on arbitrary detention in Ukraine.

Professor Fionnuala ní Aólain has written extensively on the issue of counter-terrorism and in one of her final reports as UN Special Rapporteur highlighted the impact of new technologies on civilians.

Professor Luke Moffett has called for a harm based approach to reparations in the midst of ongoing hostilities, such as in Ukraine.

Our colleagues on the CIVCOM project have written this blog on EJILtalk on reparations for civilian harm.

Navigating Law School: Insights from Student Ambassadors

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of LawPod, your host Kenneth Elo sits down with three dynamic second-year law students at Queen’s University Belfast to explore the world of student ambassador programs—what they are, how to land one, and why they’re such a powerful addition to any law student’s journey.

Anjana Chengun, Usman Aslam, and Eva Livadaris share their experiences representing organizations like A&O Shearman, Legal Cheek, Legal Business Minds, and Barbri. From promoting legal opportunities on campus to building professional networks on LinkedIn, these ambassadors reveal what it takes to thrive in the role—and how it's shaped their confidence, skills, and future legal careers.

Whether you’re a student considering applying, or an employer thinking of launching or improving your own campus program, this episode is full of actionable advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and tips for success.

For access to student ambassador opportunities;

https://www.oncampuspromotions.co.uk/

Check out Kenneth Elo's supporting blog post - Representing More Than a Brand: The Real Impact of Student Ambassador Programs

Human Rights in Conflict: A Conversation with Brian Dooley

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0100

This episode of LawPod, hosted by law student Alexandra Morar, marks the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Alexandra speaks with Brian Dooley, Senior Advisor at Human Rights First and Honorary Professor at Queen’s, who recently returned from Ukraine.

Brian shares his experiences investigating the killing of human rights defender Tigran Galustyan and providing first-hand accounts of the daily realities and human rights work in conflict zones like Kharkiv. He discusses the dangers and challenges faced by local volunteers rescuing civilians from the front lines, the impact of Russian attacks, and the ongoing efforts to document and promote the critical human rights work happening amid the conflict.

Women in Law: A Celebration of Support and Empowerment

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:45:00 +0100

In this special International Women's Day episode of LawPod, host Katie O'Doherty interviews Olivia Ferran and Jenna Mullan, co-chairs of Queen's University's Women in Law Society.

They discuss their society's mission to support female law students through informative events, mentoring programs, and promoting a positive well-being environment. The episode explores the importance of female-based societies, personal motivations for joining, challenges women face in the legal profession, combating imposter syndrome, and the critical role of women in legislating. They also talk about upcoming International Women's Day plans, including a panel discussion and their annual networking event.

Empowering Safety: The Rise of Walkie Talkie Girlies at Queen’s

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:45:00 +0100

In this special International Women's Day episode of LawPod, host Ellie Blair sits down with Aisling Cannon and Shauna McKey, members of the Walkie Talkie Girlies society. Founded in November 2023 at Queen's University, the society aims to improve women's safety by organising group walks, particularly in response to unsettling experiences both women have had.

The discussion touches on the origins and inspiring growth of the society to over 500 members, its significant projects like Project Pink, and its collaborative work with government, local businesses and tech companies to ensure member safety.

Aisling and Shauna also talk about their future aspirations for the society, potential expansions, and how involvement in this initiative shapes their career goals. They emphasise the need for legislative reform and early education about healthy relationships as fundamental ways to protect women, both on the streets and in their homes.

Critical and Emerging Directions in International Justice – Astrid Reisinger-Coracini

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:30:00 +0100

In this episode, Dr. Yassin Brunger converses with Dr. Astrid Reisinger-Coracini (University of Vienna) about the challenges and implications surrounding the crime of aggression in international law.

Dr. Coracini, a member of the Austrian delegation at the International Criminal Court Assembly of State Parties in 2023, discusses the significant gaps and potential reforms in the legal frameworks governing the crime of aggression, drawing insights from historical contexts and current geopolitical conflicts, particularly the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They explore how the international community addresses such crimes and the essential pathways for justice and accountability.

Critical and Emerging Directions in International Justice - Priya Pillai

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:15:00 +0100

In this special episode of LawPod, Dr. Yassin Brunger (Queen’s University Belfast) interviews Dr. Priya Pillai, Executive Director of the Asia Justice Coalition, on the challenges and prospects of international criminal justice in Asia.

They discuss the anniversary of Myanmar's military offensive against the Rohingya, the role of civil society in seeking justice, and the importance of regional collaboration in addressing mass atrocities.

Dr. Pillai emphasizes the need for international treaties on crimes against humanity and the significance of states’ commitment to prevent such crimes. They explore the complexities of achieving justice for survivors and the potential for international institutions to learn from grassroots and regional efforts.

Insight into the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC): Interview with John Curtis and Johanna Higgins

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode of LawPod, hosts Kane Miller and Ella Murphy, both law students, interview Northern Ireland Commissioner Johanna Higgins and John Curtis, in-house counsel at the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).

They discuss their backgrounds and roles at the CCRC, explaining how the Commission investigates potential miscarriages of justice. Johanna and John elaborate on the CCRC's powers under the Criminal Appeal Act 1995, including obtaining information from public and private entities, and their ability to have cases re-examined by the courts. They highlight specific cases, the application process, challenges faced, and the importance of raising awareness about the CCRC's work, especially among legal professionals, students, and the general public.

The Global Impact and Complexities of Intercountry Adoption

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 09:47:00 +0100

In this episode of LawPod, Dr Alice Diver from the School of Law converses with Kyung-eun Lee, director of Human Rights Beyond Borders, about the multifaceted issues surrounding intercountry adoption. They discuss the truth recovery process in Northern Ireland, the historical and ongoing human rights violations associated with adoption practices worldwide, and the evolving landscape of adoptee activism. The conversation underscores the importance of rectifying past injustices, understanding the systemic nature of these abuses, and ensuring that the right to know one's origin is universally recognized. The discussion also touches upon the roles of governments, private agencies, and the broader international community in addressing these deep-rooted issues. Further Reading https://www.amazon.com/Global-Orphan-Adoption-System-Development/dp/8996879878 https://www.theuniversalasian.com/post/books-the-global-orphan-adoption-system-by-dr-kyung-eun-lee https://www.hrbb.org/ https://www.hrbb.org/post/recent-adoption-related-lawsuits-in-korea

Dr. Clara Rigoni – Honour-Based Violence and Forced Marriages

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Dr. Alessandro Corda and Dr. Elizabeth Agnew sit down with Dr. Clara Rigoni, Maître Assistante at the Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration of the University of Lausanne (Switzerland), to discuss her book Honour-Based Violence and Forced Marriages: Community and Restorative Practices in Europe (Routledge).

The book explores innovative approaches to addressing honour-based violence and forced marriages through alternative programs, presenting new empirical from case studies from the UK and Norway. Highlighting secular, community-based initiatives and multi-agency models, the conversation delves into how pluralism and the rule of law can be reconciled to improve women's access to justice, reduce secondary victimisation, and ensure more effective responses to these complex issues.

Don’t Forget Us Here: An Interview with Mansoor Adayfi

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 11:57:00 +0100

In this episode, Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, Professor of Law at Queen's University, Belfast, and former UN Special Rapporteur on Counterterrorism and Human Rights, interviews Mansoor Adayfi, a former detainee at Guantanamo Bay. They discuss Mansoor's experiences at Guantanamo, his work as an author and human rights advocate, and his memoir 'Don't Forget Us Here'. Mansoor shares stories about his writings, art, and his campaign to close Guantanamo. The conversation explores themes of resistance, the human spirit, and the ongoing struggles of former detainees. Mansoor emphasises the need for justice, accountability, and the closure of Guantanamo Bay.

You can find the discussed images on the LawPod Blog. https://lawpod.org/dont-forget-us-here-an-interview-with-mansoor-adayfi/

Amitav Ghosh’s 2024 Seamus Deane Lecture: The Nutmeg’s Curse and Our Ecological Crisis

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In the 2024 Seamus Deane lecture, acclaimed novelist Amitav Ghosh, hosted by Field Day, the Derry Playhouse, and the School of Law, explores themes from his book 'The Nutmeg's Curse: Parables for a Planet in Crisis.'

Ghosh places colonialism, the ecological, and cultural legacies of the West at the heart of understanding climate change, describing it as humanity's most profound cultural challenge. He intertwines Irish history with the story of the Banda Islands, highlighting the relentless exploitation and the resultant ecological crises, urging for a recognition of non-human agency and the political and moral urgency to address the climate catastrophe.

With an Introduction by Stephen Rea.

Thanks to Stephen Ray of Field Day, musician Neil Martin, Kevin Murphy of The Playhouse and his producer Gary McCrossan and the University of Notre Dame, Dublin

From Taylor Swift to Oasis: Battling Bots and Ticket Touts with Katherine Pittalis

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 14:10:00 +0100

In this episode, host and PhD candidate, Niharika Salar discusses the challenges of buying concert tickets at face value in the digital age. Joined by PhD researcher Katherine Pittalis from Queen's Law School, the conversation explores ticketing bots, dynamic pricing, and the broader impacts on fans and the music industry.

They unpack the types of bots involved, the issues of transparency and enforcement in existing legislation, and explore potential solutions. The episode sheds light on the frustration felt by consumers and the need for technological and regulatory measures to create a fairer ticket purchasing environment.

Abolition, Reform, and Justice: Dr Shona Minson on Rethinking Punishment

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:15:00 +0100

In this compelling episode, Dr John Taggart from Queen's University Belfast interviews Dr. Shona Minson, a barrister-turned-criminologist, about her research journey and the critical issues at the intersection of law, punishment, and justice. Dr Minson discusses her background, her transition from legal practice to academia, and her ground-breaking research on maternal sentencing and the impact of imprisonment on children. She reflects on the ethical complexities of prison reform and abolition and shares insights from her paper delivered at the Irish North-South Criminology Conference. This episode was recorded during the North South Criminology Conference earlier in the year.

Investigating State Sexual Violence: A Discussion with Brenda Mondragón Toledo

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of LawPod, Dr Lauren Dempster talks with Brenda Mondragón Toledo, a recent PhD graduate from UCC, about her research on gender-based violence, particularly the political myth of state sexual violence in Mexico. The discussion covers historical instances dating back to the 20th century, focusing on major cases like Atenco and their impact on legal precedents. Brenda emphasizes the importance of using feminist approaches in research to recognize and resist systematic sexual violence. The conversation also explores the perception of police in Mexico and touches on international implications and parallels. https://autonomies.org/2021/03/rita-segato-reading-patriarchy/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5AAscy7qbI This episode was recorded during the North South Criminology Conference earlier in the year.

Exploring Prison Abolition with Professor Justin Piché

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of LawPod, Dr. Amanda Kramer and Professor Justin Piché discuss Piché's new book (co-authored with Rachel Herzing), 'How to Abolish Prisons: Lessons from the Movement Against Imprisonment.'

The book examines the objectives and practices of abolitionist organizers in Canada and the United States, highlighting the tangible successes and challenges of the prison abolition movement. They delve into historical and contemporary reasons for imprisonment, the contradictions within the prison industrial complex, and the societal need to abolish prisons.

Piché shares insights from his own activism, including campaigns against prison expansion, and outlines various strategies for achieving decarceral futures. The conversation underscores the importance of organising, building alternatives, and the broader revolutionary project required to dismantle oppressive structures like capitalism and colonialism. https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2212-how-to-abolish-prisons This episode was recorded during the North South Criminology Conference earlier in the year.

Exploring the Legal Dimensions of Misinformation: Intent, Impact, and Human Rights

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of LawPod, Dr. Lauren Dempster, alongside colleague Dr. Ethan Shattock, explore the nuances of misinformation law. They begin by distinguishing between misinformation and disinformation based on intent to mislead and discuss the political and academic uses of 'fake news'. Dr. Shattock outlines existing legislation on misinformation, including the UK Online Safety Act and the EU Digital Services Act, and highlights its emerging framework and effectiveness. The episode also explores the human rights implications, particularly the right to freedom of expression and the right to free and fair elections, examining real-world examples and case law that influence the regulation of misinformation. You can find Dr Shattock's articles on his profile page linked above.

Exploring AI and Legal Education with Mark Higgins

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In this roundtable podcast, Dr Alice Diver, Dr John Taggart, and Dr Liam Sunner from Queen's University School of Law, engage in a conversation with Mark Higgins, a barrister and head of faculty at BPP Law School. Higgins discusses his career journey, from working at the Bar to entering academia, and the challenges he faced as a blind professional. The discussion also explores his recent paper presented at UNESCO on AI and its implications for privacy and information accessibility. Additionally, Higgins shares his insights into the evolving role of AI in legal education and training, emphasising its limitations and potential uses. The episode offers valuable perspectives on balancing legal theory, practice, and technological advancements, while also touching on Higgins' future interests in medical law, ethics and family law. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:42 Meet the Panelists 02:25 Discussion on AI and Information Accessibility 10:00 AI in Legal Education 15:05 Mark's Career Journey and Challenges 25:35 Advice for Aspiring Lawyers 28:17 Future Endeavors and Closing Remarks Please note this episode was remotely recorded.

Law, Psychology, and Emotion with Dr Martin Regan

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, hosts Marian Hill and Mary O'Neill converse with Dr. Martin Reagan, a senior lecturer at Queen's University Belfast School of Law, to explore the intricate relationship between psychology, emotion, and the law.

Dr. Reagan discusses his journey from psychology to studying law and highlights how both fields fundamentally involve human behavior. He illustrates the substantive influence of emotion within legal contexts, such as jury reactions and witness testimonies, and advocates for understanding emotional intelligence in legal professionals. The conversation also covers the reliability of eyewitness testimonies, the influence of high-profile cases on public perception, and the potential impact of emotions on judicial behavior.

NILQ - Law and Emotions https://nilq.qub.ac.uk/index.php/nilq/issue/view/33

The Blue Lights Special – with Law School Graduate Declan Lawn

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:15:00 +0100

In this special edition of LawPod, hosts Peter Doran and Rosie Cowan interview Declan Lawn, writer of the acclaimed series Blue Lights. Declan shares his career trajectory from journalism to screenwriting, with a focus on his legal studies and their impact on his work. The discussion explores his early life in Northern Ireland, his initial interest in journalism while studying English at Trinity College Dublin, and his shift towards law influenced by his experiences as a journalist. Declan reflects on significant moments in his career, including investigative journalism on subprime mortgages that faced heavy legal pushback and his inspirational transition into screenwriting. The podcast highlights Declan's method of character-driven storytelling, the influence of police work on Blue Lights, and the interdisciplinary collaboration essential in screenwriting. The narrative also touches on his personal motivations, especially the loss of his father, driving his passion and decision to transition from journalism to creative writing.

State Impunity in Northern Ireland, with Brian Dooley

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 02:30:00 +0100

In April of this year, the report, Bitter Legacy: State Impunity in the Northern Ireland Conflict, was published. Written by a panel of international human rights experts (The International Expert Panel on Impunity) convened by the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights at the request of the Committee on the Administration of Justice and the Pat Finucane Centre, the report documents “widespread, systematic and systemic” impunity for British state involvement in killings, torture and ill-treatment, and collusion. In this episode, Brian Dooley, Senior Advisor at Human Rights First and member of The International Expert Panel, joins Lauren Dempster and Kevin Hearty to discuss state violence in Northern Ireland, the report’s development and findings, and the impact of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 on efforts to address the legacy of the past. You can access the report here: https://www.jus.uio.no/smr/english/about/id/docs/bitter-legacy-29-april-24.pdf Please note that this episode was recorded on 3rd July 2024, one day before the UK General Election in which the Government that introduced the ‘Legacy and Reconciliation’ Act discussed in this episode lost power. The new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has since provided an update to parliament on the new Government’s approach to the Act: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/northern-ireland-troubles-legacy-reconciliation-act-2023#:~:text=It%20underlines%20the%20Government's%20absolute,and%20of%20victims%20and%20survivors

Modern Slavery, Business and Remedy with Dr Fiona McGaughey

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we welcome Dr Fiona McGaughey from the University of Western Australia to discuss business and human rights and the 2018 Modern Slavery Act in Australia.

Joined by Dr. Ciarán O'Kelly and Dr. Ciara Hackett, Dr McGaughey shares her journey into business and human rights research. The conversation delves into the evolution of business responsibilities toward human rights, the role of modern slavery legislation, and the importance of integrating human rights due diligence in business practices. They also explore the effectiveness of reporting laws, the role of SMEs, and the emerging significance of environmental considerations. Additionally, the discussion touches on the complexities of remedy for victims of corporate human rights abuses and the broader implications for climate change and community engagement.

Transitional Justice in the US: Insights and Challenges

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Dr. Cheryl Lawther welcomes Dr. Brianne Mc Gonigle Leyh from Utrecht University to discuss her research on transitional justice in the United States. The conversation explores how transitional justice, typically associated with countries emerging from conflict or authoritarian regimes, applies to the US. Leyh's work highlights historical and contemporary examples of transitional justice measures at federal, state, and local levels. Key topics include the aftermath of George Floyd's murder, local truth commissions, reparations, the role of social movements, and the potential for a national approach to address historical injustices and promote social justice.

Insight into Europe – MEP Frances Fitzgerald talks to Dr Norah Burns

Wed, 22 May 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Join Dr Norah Burns as she speaks with Member of the European Parliament Frances Fitzgerald. MEP Fitzgerald is an Irish politician, she is a former Tánaiste, Minister for Justice and Equality and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. In March 2024 she was the joint winner of the "European Values Champion of the Mandate" award at The Parliament Magazine's annual MEP Awards. In the EU Matrix ranking of the 100 most influential MEPs in the European Parliament for 2024, MEP Fitzgerald was named as the 8^th most influential MEP in the Parliament. She has also been appointed to the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council (GEAC) on behalf of the European Union.

Rainbow Refugees NI – Supporting LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers in Northern Ireland

Thu, 16 May 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Niamh and Tolu from Rainbow Refugees NI speak to Lauren Dempster about issues affecting LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers in Northern Ireland. Rainbow Refugees NI is a grassroots, volunteer-led organisation supporting LGBTQIA+ refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Niamh and Tolu tell us about the work of Rainbow Refugees NI, the challenges that LGBTQIA+ refugees can face, and they share the findings of their recent report on homophobia in asylum accommodation in Northern Ireland. To learn more about the work of Rainbow Refugees NI please visit their website https://www.rainbowrefugeesni.com/ and follow them on social media @rainbowrefugeesni on Instagram and @RainbowRefugeNI on X. "We are getting hurt" Safe Accommodation for LGBTQIA+ People Seeking Sanctuary in Northern Ireland, is now available here https://www.rainbowrefugeesni.com/safe-accommodation-report/

Dying Tidily – Your Last Gift

Wed, 08 May 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Join Dr Rosie Cowan as she talks to Professor Heather Conway and Barrister Sheena Grattan about how to die tidily with your affairs in order. Explore the pitfalls of dying without clear instructions left behind.

Do you have a will? If not, do you know who gets your property when you die? If you have a will, is it up-to-date? Are your personal documents in a mess, such that only you know where everything is? Do you have an enduring power of attorney (something that’s almost as important as a will)? In your household, is there one person who ‘wears the financial trousers’ (and no-one else knows anything about it)? Have you thought about your funeral choices? Have you discussed your funeral choices with your nearest and dearest; do they know what your wishes are?

This podcast probes these questions, and other legal issues connected to death. Released to coincide with Dying Matters Week, it encourages people to have difficult conversations and promotes the idea of ‘dying tidily’ with everything in order.

Katja Franko : Intersections of Law, Citizenship, and Migration

Thu, 02 May 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Join us for a riveting episode of LawPod, where we delve deep into the evolving field of criminology with distinguished guest Professor Katja Franko. Hosted by Dr. Alessandro Corda and Dr. Theresa Degenhardt, this special edition not only celebrates the ICCJ Annual Lecture 2024 but also offers a profound exploration of the global implications of criminological practices. The discussion traverses the impact of globalisation on criminal justice systems, the characteristics of the Scandinavian penal model, and the pressing issues surrounding migration and citizenship. This episode also explores Professor Franko and David R Goyes' insightful book on the legacy of Pablo Escobar, "Victimhood, Memory, and Consumerism: Profiting from Pablo" which critically examined the commercial exploitation of Medellín's violent past, tracing how global media, notably Netflix, have transformed the city’s trauma into entertainment, elevating Pablo Escobar to a global brand while overshadowing the victims' narratives. The conversation offers a profound look at the intersections of law, society, and transnational influences, making it a must-listen for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the dynamics of law and criminology in a globalised world.

International Law in Action: A Reality Check from Gaza to the UN

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of LawPod, Lawpodders Victoria and Nick interview QUB School of Law's Dr Conall Mallory. They explore the effectiveness and challenges of international law, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Palestine. The discussion, which took place at the end of January, centres around the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which mandates Israel to take specific actions to prevent genocide, emphasising the limited enforcement capabilities of international law without a global policing entity. The conversation critically examines the role of international bodies like the UN in enforcing such rulings and the inherent political challenges. This case illustrates the broader limitations and potential of international legal mechanisms in real-world geopolitical conflicts, highlighting the need for both realistic expectations and innovative diplomatic efforts to achieve tangible outcomes.

Transitional Justice and Civil Society in Turkey and Northern Ireland: Dr Nisan Alici

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, ESRC-NINE Post-doctoral Research Fellow Dr Nisan Alici speaks to Dr Lauren Dempster about her PhD research on victim mobilisation and transitional justice in Turkey's Kurdish conflict, focusing on the Saturday Mothers movement. Nisan also discusses her Post-Doctoral research, which compares the work of civil society in Turkey and Northern Ireland, and reflects on her experience applying for Post-Doctoral funding. Alici, N. (2023) ‘Imagining Transitional Justice in Turkey’s Ongoing Kurdish Conflict’ In Destrooper, T., Gissel, LE., and Carlson, KB. (eds.) Innovation and Consolidation in Transitional Justice. Learning from Aparadigmatic Contexts. Routledge Alici, N. ‘Complexities and Construction of Victimhood in the Kurdish Conflict’ In Sandal EÖ., Acar, YG., Uysal, MS, and Şen E. (2023) The Political Psychology of Kurds in Turkey: Critical Perspectives on Identity, Narratives, and Resistance. Palgrave Studies in Political Psychology series Alıcı, N. (2023) Linking Turkey's Kurdish Conflict to Transitional Justice: Grassroots Pursuit of Truth and Justice. Nottingham Law School Blog. Alıcı, N. (2021) The Saturday Mothers movement in Turkey: 26-year quest for justice and truth. LSE Women, Peace and Security Blog.

Legal Careers in Private Practice

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 09:00:00 +0100

What is the reality of working as a solicitor within Private Practice in Northern Ireland? Lawpodder Karen Wray, alongside Deirdre Timoney talks to two local solicitor's - Katherine McAuley (Joseph Magee & Co. Solicitors) who is in the early years of her career, and Simon Murray (MKM Solicitors) who is a long-serving practitioner. They reflect on what inspired them to pursue law, outline qualification pathways, and share what it’s like to work in private practice and the job satisfaction this provides. Thoughts are shared on why students should consider working in small legal firms/high-street practices, as opposed to working in large/multi-national companies, with a key benefit being the ability to see client cases from start to finish. They also talk about how they maintain their professional development and consider how Gen AI will impact the sector moving forward. Finally, based on their experiences of working on the front line, they offer advice to current law students how best to identify and shape their careers.

Navigating Exam Preparation

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Organise, Prepare, Conquer. Sadie Sturgeon, alongside Student Skills Assistants Aisling and Adam, delve into the possibly daunting realm of exam preparation. They share a treasure trove of strategies, tips, and mental frameworks to help law students navigate and excel in their upcoming exams.

Intermediaries in the Criminal Justice System – Dr John Taggart

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In this enlightening episode of LawPod, hosts Karen Wray and Sarah McMahon are joined by Dr John Taggart, a criminal law lecturer with a keen focus on the role of intermediaries in the criminal justice system. Dr Taggart, who transitioned from criminal defence practice to academia, shares his journey and the importance of intermediaries—professionals who facilitate communication between vulnerable individuals and the criminal justice system. Through a comprehensive discussion, the episode sheds light on the intermediary's role, their critical contribution to supporting vulnerable witnesses and defendants, and the evolving nature of their involvement across various stages of the legal process. The conversation delves into the challenges of identifying those in need of intermediary services, highlighting the diversity of vulnerabilities that necessitate such support. Dr. Taggart emphasises intermediaries' significant impact on enabling individuals to effectively participate in the justice system, regardless of their vulnerabilities. Additionally, the episode explores the future of legal accessibility, underscoring the need for the legal system to continue evolving to ensure fairness and comprehensibility for all. This episode of LawPod educates on the vital role of intermediaries and sparks a broader discussion on making the legal system more accessible and equitable for vulnerable groups within society.

Palestine, Law and Colonialism

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Dr Amanda Kramer leads an insightful exploration into the complex legal and humanitarian issues facing Palestine, she is joined by PhD student Tamara Tamimi and Dr Munir Nuseibah to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis, international crimes, and the international community's response.

They explore the historical and legal context, emphasising the need for justice, accountability, and the role of international institutions like the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. The conversation also explores settler colonialism, apartheid, and the global solidarity movements supporting Palestinian rights.

Dr Munir Nuseibah:

Munir Nuseibah is a human rights lawyer and academic based in Al-Quds University in Jerusalem, Palestine. He is an assistant professor at Al-Quds University’s faculty of law; the director (and co-founder) of Al-Quds Human Rights Clinic, the first accredited clinical legal education program in the Arab World; and the director of the Community Action Center in Jerusalem. He holds a B.A. degree in Law from Al-Quds University; an LL.M in International Legal Studies from the Washington College of Law of the American University in Washington DC and a PhD degree from the University of Westminster in London, UK, which he acquired after successfully defending his thesis entitled: Forced Displacement in the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, International Law, and Transitional Justice. Dr Nuseibah heads a number of research and services projects that focus on forced displacement, international law and Jerusalem.

Tamara Tamimi

Tamara Tamimi is a PhD researcher in Law at Queen’s University Belfast and scholar of the ESRC NINE Consortium. Tamara holds an MA in Human Rights Law from SOAS, University of London, where her MA thesis entitled “Destruction of Property and Unlawful Transfer in East Jerusalem: Reasonable Basis to Allege War Crimes” has received the Sarah Spells Prize for the best dissertation of the 2015/2016 academic year. Tamara’s research activity focuses on settler colonialism, transformative justice, forcible displacement, gender equality, and aid effectiveness of overseas development assistance. Tamara has also published extensively in peer reviewed journals and edited collections, including Development in Practice, Al-Shabaka- Palestinian Policy Network, University of Gottingen, E-International Relations, and Confluences Méditerranée.

Further Reading:

Tamara Tamimi, Ahmad Amara, Osama Risheq, Munir Nuseibah, Alice Panepinto, Brendan Browne, and Triestino Marinello “(Mis)using Legal Pluralism in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to Advance Dispossession of Palestinians: Israeli Policies against Palestinian Bedouins in the Eastern Jerusalem Periphery” in Noorhaidi Hasan and Irene Schneider (eds) in International Law between Translation and Pluralism: Examples from Germany, Palestine and Indonesia.

Munir Nuseibah and Tamara Tamimi “The Impact of the Oslo Accords on the Territorial Jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court in Palestine” in Noorhaidi Hasan and Irene Schneider (eds) in International Law between Translation and Pluralism: Examples from Germany, Palestine and Indonesia.

Munir Nuseibah and Sari Harb, “What Does the ICJ Ruling Mean for Palestinians”: https://www.rosalux.de/en/news/id/51686/what-does-the-icj-ruling-mean-for-palestinians

Tamara Tamimi and Daniela Suarez Vargas, “Propaganda vs. Truth: Israeli Propaganda and Palestinian Demonisation”, E-International Relations: https://www.e-ir.info/2024/02/13/israeli-propaganda-and-palestinian-demonisation/

Osama Risheq, Tamara Tamimi, Raghad Adwan, Munir Nuseibah, “Depoliticised Humanitarianism Critiquing the Effectiveness of International Aid for the Bedouin Communities in the Jerusalem Periphery”, Development in Practice Special Issue on Conflict Sensitivity/ Do No Harm in Development, Humanitarian & Peacebuilding Practice.

International Law and Perceptions of Justice in Palestine, with Tamara Tamimi; LawPod: https://lawpod.org/podcast/international-law-and-perceptions-of-justice-in-palestine/

Activist Lawyer Podcast, with Tamara Tamimi: https://activistlawyer.podbean.com/e/ep-70-tamara-tamimi/

Ilan Pappe, The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine

Rashid Khalidi, The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917- 2017

This episode was recorded 15th February 2024

Feminist Constitutional Futures – 3

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 09:45:00 +0100

FemCon 3: Learning from transnational feminist struggle for constitutional change. In this episode the FemCon team talk with Luis Eslava and Amaya Alvez about recent experiences of feminist constitutional change in Chile and with Rachel Rebouche about her knowledge of the US, constitutionalism and feminism. What is the Feminist Constitutional Futures Project (FemCon)? https://lawpod.org/ireland-northern-ireland-feminist-constitutional-futures/

FemCon is brought to you by Máiréad Enright (Birmingham University Law School), Aoife O’Donoghue (Queen’s University Belfast Law School) and Catherine O’Rourke (Durham Law School). FemCon podcasts episodes were produced by Orla Higgins with sound editing by Andy Gaffney

Feminist Constitutional Futures – 2

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 09:00:00 +0100

FemCon 2: Imagining feminist constitutional futures through the arts and utopian fiction. In this episode the FemCon team talks with Ruth Houghton about feminist utopian literature and Jess Jones about her work as an artist in projects that cross law and feminism. What is the Feminist Constitutional Futures Project (FemCon)? https://lawpod.org/ireland-northern-ireland-feminist-constitutional-futures/

Feminist Constitutional Futures – 1

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 08:45:00 +0100

FemCon 1: Introducing FemCon and asking new questions about constitutional change in Northern/Ireland. In this introductory episode the FemCon team talk with Ailbe Smyth and Joanna McMinn about their experience of feminist legal change in Ireland and Northern Ireland from an activist perspective. What is the Feminist Constitutional Futures Project (FemCon)? https://lawpod.org/ireland-northern-ireland-feminist-constitutional-futures/

International Student Stories

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In this engaging episode, we delve into the lives of international law students at Queen's University Belfast. Hosted by Anjana and Tarra, social media assistants at the Law School, the episode features insightful conversations with Eleanor and Shay. They share their personal journeys, from choosing Queen's University for its prestigious law program to adapting to life in Belfast.

They discuss the academic rigour, the vibrant student life, the comprehensive support systems available for international students, and the myriad opportunities for personal and professional growth. From navigating the visa process and settling into new accommodations to engaging with clubs and societies and finding their footing in the academic world, their stories are a testament to the enriching experience Queen's University offers to its international community.

Whether you're considering studying abroad or just curious about the international student lifestyle, this episode provides valuable perspectives and tips for future law students.

GenAI Readiness Begins With Humans

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In this thought-provoking episode of LawPod, Natalia Barbosa and Anshul Bajaj delve into the transformative role of generative AI in law and technology. Joined by Ed Sohn and Nimal Hemelge from Factor Law, they discuss the potential revolutionary effects that Generative AI tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT and other LLM's (Large Language Models) are going to have in legal practice.

The conversation highlights the challenges and ethical considerations of AI integration, its disruptive potential in legal careers, and the hopeful future it heralds for legal work amidst technological advancement. An enlightening discussion offering insights into the dynamic interface of law and technology, imbued with a sense of optimism for the future.

Biographies Edward Sohn, Global Head of Insights and Innovation and a member of the Executive Leadership at Factor. Ed is a prominent thought leader in the legal services innovation space and an attorney and computer scientist by training. As well as many years in practice, Ed has led product management at Thomson Reuters and global innovation and technology for EY Law globally, as well as pioneering the building of scaled legal delivery across a number of contexts. Ed now leads Factor’s AI insights and innovation function globally.

Nimal Hemelge, Head of Practice Operations and a Delivery Executive for Factor Law, is a commercial and contracts expert that has lead legal and contracts process and quality improvement across key critical national infrastructure contracts ensuring operational delivery. At Factor he oversees Legal and Contract Operations Delivery across a portfolio of global NYSE and FTSE100 clients. He is also an Accredited Assessor for the UK Government Commercial Function; and Non Executive Director and Trustee Board Member of the Education Development Trust

Holocaust Memorial Day 2024

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Holocaust Memorial Day 2024: Fragility of Freedom and the continued importance of memorialisation. Join Evie Cawte in conversation with Belfast's Jewish Society President Rheannon Platman to discuss Holocaust memorialisation, the fragility of freedom and why it is an important date to commemorate both in and outside the impacted communities. https://home.q-su.org/clubssocieties/jewish/

In conversation with Professor Aoife O’Donoghue

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, join Áine McKenna in an insightful interview with Professor Aoife O’Donoghue on her remarkable career in the field of law. Aoife delves into her unconventional path into law and, eventually, her esteemed role as a Professor. The interview unfolds with a sweeping overview of Aoife’s diverse research interests, specifically Brexit and its implications on Northern Ireland, feminist international law and the tyranny. Aoife reflects upon her involvement in significant projects: co-authoring ‘Bordering Two Unions: Northern Ireland and Brexit’(https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/bordering-two-unions), the ‘Northern/Irish Feminist Judgments Project’ (https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/northern--irish-feminist-judgments-9781509908936/), her role as the feminist judge on the case of McGimpsey v Ireland [1990] IR 110, and as co-director of the Northern/Ireland Feminist Constitutions Project (http://www.feministconstitutions.com/index.php). The episode concludes with Aoife sharing her plans for future research and projects, providing an insight into her ongoing contributions to the discipline. Participants Áine McKenna (Host/interviewer) Professor Aoife O’Donoghue (Interviewee) Sadie Sturgeon (researcher/editor) Rebecca McKimm (researcher/editor)

Transforming Justice Responses to Historical/Non-recent Institutional Abuses

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Prof Anne-Marie McAlinden (Queen’s University Belfast), Dr Marie Keenan (University College Dublin), and Dr James Gallen (Dublin City University) discuss their ongoing research project, Transforming Justice: An All-Island Examination of Justice Responses to Historical/Non-recent Institutional Abuses. They speak to interviewer Dr Lauren Dempster (Queen’s University Belfast) about the background to this project and their methods and share their reflections on conducting research in this area. Prof McAlinden, Dr Keenan and Dr Gallen explore the justice responses that we have seen so far in the context of historical/non-recent institutional abuse on the island of Ireland, North and South, and provide an update on what is currently happening in terms of responding to institutional abuse. You can learn more about the project at https://transformingjusticeproject.org/ and read the team’s 2023 report, Non-recent Institutional Abuses and Inquiries: Truth, Acknowledgement, Accountability and Procedural Justice here: https://transformingjusticeproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Non-recent_Institutional_Abuses_And_Inquiries-1.pdf

Citizenship, Counterterrorism and Human Rights post 9/11

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0100

We take our right to citizenship for granted, as an inalienable right, but is it? This episode focuses on the complex interplay between citizenship, human rights, and state powers in a post-9/11 world. The conversation features insights from Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin (United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms While Countering Terrorism) and Mohammed Tasnime Akunjee, who bring their extensive experience in human rights law and terrorism-related legal defense, respectively. Key topics include the evolution of citizenship concepts, challenges in maintaining human rights in the face of terrorism, and the impact of legal and ethical dilemmas in this context. The discussion also explores specific cases such as the Shamima Begum case and the broader implications for society and law. Hosted by Dr. Yassin Brunger, the episode offers a deep dive into critical contemporary issues in legal and human rights domains.

Student Skills Top Tips

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0100

This episode features a roundtable discussion with five Student Skills Assistants from the Law School, focusing on their top tips from last year's work with students. They share their collective thoughts on the importance of effective time management, critical thinking, confidence in one’s opinions, utilisation of available resources, and continuous learning. Each Skills Assistant's tips provide valuable insights into tackling common challenges faced by law students. Thanks to Gary, Mary-Jane, Ogaku, Aoife and Peter.

Autism and Policing in Northern Ireland

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In the first in our Neurodivergence and the Law mini-series, Sarah McMahon and Dr Lauren Dempster interview Naomi Maxwell and Dr Amanda Kramer about their research on autism and policing in Northern Ireland. In the UK, more than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum (National Autistic Society 2023). However, research shows that police can misunderstand or misinterpret the behaviour of autistic individuals, leading to suspicion, inappropriate responses, and rights violations. In this episode, Naomi and Amanda discuss the relationship between policing and autism, the methodology and findings of Naomi’s LLM Dissertation research on autism training in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and the changes they would like to see in policy and practice.

Law, Poetry & Feminism

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Professor Aoife O’Donoghue (QUB School of Law) and Dr Ruth Houghton (Newcastle University Law School) interview poet Julie Morrissy about Julie’s career as a poet. They explore how law influences and resonates in Julie’s poetry, the way that legal training shapes thinking and writing, and the notion of law as a performance. Aoife, Julie and Ruth also discuss the writing and language of constitutions and manifestos, with particular focus on women’s voices and the Irish feminist tradition. Biographies Julie Morrissy is an Irish poet, academic, activist, and a graduate of UCD Law. From 2021-22, she was the first Poet-in-Residence at the National Library of Ireland. Her award-winning project "Certain Individual Women" uses poetry to examine gender discrimination in Irish legislation and the Bunreacht (the 1937 Constitution). Her awards include the National Endowment for the Humanities, the MAKE Theatre Award, and the Arts Council of Ireland ‘Next Generation’ Award. Morrissy's poetry has been exhibited in the TULCA Festival of Visual Arts, Project Arts Centre, Dublin, and acquired for the Ireland State Art Collection. Her debut collection Where, the Mile End was published in 2019 by tall-lighthouse (UK) and Book*hug (Canada). Her website is www.juliemorrissy.com https://www.bathmagg.com/juliemorrissy/ Dr Ruth Houghton is a Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University Law School. Throughout her research in global constitutionalism and international law, Ruth uses feminist methodologies and constitutional and political theory to challenge the disciplinary assumptions on democracy and constituent power. Ruth's most recent work utilises law and humanities methodologies, including work on speculative fiction, utopias and feminist manifestos, as well as theatre productions to understand (re)constructions of constitutional moments and provide novel re-imaginings of constituent power.

International Law and Perceptions of Justice in Palestine

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, QUB School of Law PhD student Tamara Tamimi speaks about her research on international law and perceptions of justice in Palestine with Dr Alice Panepinto. Tamara shares what she has found in her research so far and how perceptions of justice might be shaped by the current violence in Palestine. Alice and Tamara discuss the historical context of the occupation of and settler colonialism in Palestine, the relationship between international law and armed violence in the region, and what the ways forward are from here. Resources

Tamara Tamimi, Ahmad Amara, Osama Risheq, Munir Nuseibah, Alice Panepinto, Brendan Browne, and Triestino Marinello “(Mis)using Legal Pluralism in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to Advance Dispossession of Palestinians: Israeli Policies against Palestinian Bedouins in the Eastern Jerusalem Periphery” in Noorhaidi Hasan and Irene Schneider (eds) in International Law between Translation and Pluralism: Examples from Germany, Palestine and Indonesia
Edward Said, The Question of Palestine
Edward Said, Out of Place: A Memoir
Noam Chomsky and Ilan Pappe, On Palestine
Ilan Pappe, The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine
Angela Davis, Freedom is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement
Judith Butler, Jewishness and the Critique of Zionism
Rashid Khalidi, The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917- 2017
Rashid Khalidi, Palestinian Identity: The Construction of Modern National Consciousness

This episode was recorded remotely on 26th October 2023

Exploring Health Rights for Migrant Populations: Dr Stefano Angeleri

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Dr Claire Wright talks with Dr Stefano Angeleri about his experience of conducting research on health rights for migrant populations. They discuss Angeleri’s motivation as a PhD and postdoc researcher, the findings of the book 'Irregular Migrants and the Right to Health,' https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/irregular-migrants-and-the-right-to-health/BF98CA548D0F08125CCAC39CE958309C and the partial outcomes, anecdotes, and stories related to his current project in Colombia, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 101032116—HEAVEN. Overall, Dr. Angeleri argues that partnerships and interdisciplinary collaborations are essential to address the health needs of marginalised groups. However, stable solutions for protecting the right to health should begin with the inclusion of irregular migrants in institutional preventive and primary care services.

Biography

Dr Stefano Angeleri is an EU’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) postdoctoral fellow at Queen’s University Belfast and currently visiting scholar at FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University. During his career he started working as a solicitor in Italy, then he focused on human rights research and capacity building in Europe and Latin America by collaborating with the International Organization for Migration (Colombia), Jesuit Refugee Service (Colombia), Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), Doctors of the World (Belgium) and the Italian NGO Naga.

His specific area of expertise are the relationships between health, migration and human rights. Recent publications include the monograph “Irregular Migrants and the Right to Health” (Cambridge University Press, 2022), the JA “Parsing human rights, promoting health equity: reflections on Colombia’s response to Venezuelan migration,” Medical Law Review, Volume 31, Issue 2, Spring 2023, Pages 187–204, https://doi.org/10.1093/medlaw/fwac053 (with Thérèse Murphy) & the blog “Migrant Health Rights in Colombia: What’s at Stake Beyond Justiciable Rights and Humanitarian Programmes?” Opinio Juris, 19^th October 2023 https://opiniojuris.org/2023/10/19/migrant-health-rights-in-colombia-whats-at-stake-beyond-justiciable-rights-and-humanitarian-programmes/

The Global Legal Action Network at Queen’s

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0100

Dr Conor McCormick is in discussion with Dearbhla Minogue, a lawyer from the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), about an exciting new clinical collaboration between GLAN and the School of Law at Queen's. They map out some of GLAN’s work in holding powerful actors to account through litigation, in addition to their collaboration with the digital investigators at Bellingcat.

This new project will enable a group of graduate students to learn how social media evidence is gathered and analysed for the purposes of war crimes accountability – and their work will be plugged in to GLAN’s ongoing cases.

Resources

GLAN/Bellingcat Methodology

Mock Admissibility Hearing with HHJ Joanna Korner KC

Open Source Evidence and the Laws of War Reports

Bellingcat’s Website – Sample geolocation and beginners’ guide to geolocation

Google Earth Pro

Youtube account of Benjamin Strick

On being a law student and a mother

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 08:30:00 +0100

Dr Louise Rhodes talks to MLaw graduates Tamara Duncan and Lisa McKeown about their experiences of studying while parenting. The conversation tracks their experience, along with the hosts own experience. They map out the particular socio-economic, physical and psychological issues that manifest whilst being a mother and studying for a law degree. Rounding off with advice to current and up and coming students with child care responsibilities, on how to navigate their way through their law degree whilst juggling the other tasks that go along with parenting. Masters in Law Programme

Lough Neagh’s Future Ownership

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Dr Bróna McNeill and Dr Ciara Brennan (Director of the Environmental Justice Network Ireland) discuss their recent report: Lough Neagh’s Future Ownership: Legal and Policy Considerations, which was developed in response to the ecological crisis that has unfolded at the lough over Summer 2023. The conversation takes a deeper dive into some of the issues raised in the report and considers: who currently owns Lough Neagh and the ecological implications of private ownership in this context; whether public ownership might help improve conditions at the lough; and whether ‘Rights of Nature’ can be considered a viable option for securing a more sustainable future for the lough. The discussion also considers the broader context of all of these issues: the catastrophic failure of environmental governance in this jurisdiction, and the pressing cross-border implications of a continued failure to effectively enforce environmental regulations.

The report is available here.

Find out more about EJNI here. Dr Bróna McNeill's Academic Profile

Invisible Spaces with Dr Báyò Akómoláfé and Dr Peter Doran

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this wide ranging discussion, the School of Law's Dr Peter Doran, meets Nigerian scholar, writer and philosopher, Dr Báyò Akómoláfé. The context is Dr Doran's upcoming report for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (Ireland) on the role of the artist in advancing the wellbeing economy, and the topics covered include 'postactivism', decoloniality and modernity. Báyo has recently taken up the position of Ambassador for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance worldwide, and is founder of The Emergence Network. "The task for today's activist," comments Dr Doran, "is to 'stay with the trouble' and avoid reaching for illusory solutions framed by the logics and power configurations that have brought us to the brink. In Báyò's words, 'times are urgent, it is time to slow down.' " Join us for a profound exploration with Báyo, delving into the depths of colonisation, perception, and art. Unpack the power of "ontological mutiny" and discover how getting "lost" can be our path to freedom. Dive deep, challenge norms, and reshape your understanding of the world.

More than a Number

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Prof Luke Moffett and Dr Kevin Hearty talk with Victims' Commissioner Ian Jeffers and Dr Cheryl Lawther about their recent report on More than a Number: Reparations for those Bereaved during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The report based on interviews with victims and archival work found that compensation during the early years of the Troubles, where half of all deaths occurred, was inadequate and not fit for purpose. Some victims who were killed in the same incident saw large discrepancies with one being paid £50 and another £15,000, even in the same family, in one case where two brothers were killed, their family received £5,000 for one of them and £112 for the other. Women were also discriminated against and make up most of the lowest awards, despite making up only 10% of those killed. In the podcast we discuss the findings and next steps to establish a bereavement payment scheme. The full report and presentations from the launch can be found here: https://reparations.qub.ac.uk/new-report-reparations-for-those-bereaved-during-the-troubles/

The Right to Strike?

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, LawPod’s Law and Society team participant Aoibhinn Graham interviews Kevin Doherty, the Union Services Officer for the Northern Ireland branch of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

The conversation focuses on the content and impact of the new Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) legislation on the function trade unions and the right to strike in Britain, as well as how this may affect the trade union movement in Northern Ireland.

Key challenges facing trade unions are highlighted, including a flurry of anti-union legislation and the media’s often biased portrayal of unions and industrial action. The discussion also features a broader analysis of the impact of such legislation on democracy and devolution in the UK.

For more information on ICTU’s work, visit https://www.ictu.ie/ and https://www.ictuni.org/

For more details about the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) legislation, see https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3396

Avoiding Origin Deprivation–Episode 2

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 00:15:00 +0100

Welcome to the second episode of our symposium podcast series, recorded on the final day of the event. In this slightly extended conversation, Dr Alice Diver is joined by Frances Latchford from York University in Toronto, Boon Young Han, co-founder of KAARN and a scholar at the National University in Seoul, and John McLeod from the University of Leeds.

This discussion delves into the complex issue of original identity, exploring its significance and pondering how we might redefine or understand it in our rapidly changing world. We'll also examine the human right to identity, questioning if such a concept truly exists, especially in the context of new reproductive technologies and varying familial structures.

Additionally, we'll touch on the ongoing work of the Korean Truth and Reconciliation Commission, looking ahead to the significance of its findings, which are expected to be released in 2024 or 2025. Join us as we navigate these intricate topics, seeking insights and understanding from our esteemed guests.

Read the accompanying blog post: https://lawpod.org/avoiding-origin-deprivation-and-genetic-identity-losses/

Avoiding Origin Deprivation – Episode 1

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of Lawpod, recorded on the first day of the 'Avoiding Origin Deprivation and Genetic Identity Losses: a 4-day Interdisciplinary Symposium on Adoption and Kinship Rights', host and conference organiser Dr. Alice Diver leads a discussion with KAARN founders Nikolaj Jang Lee Linding Pedersen from the Veritas Research Centre, Yonsei University, Seoul, and Ryan Gustafsson of the University of Melbourne. Joining them is Tobias Hübinette, a scholar in Critical Adoption Studies from Karlstad University, Sweden. The conversation centers around their research and personal ties to adoption. They discuss several important topics, including the right to original identity, the role of adoptee activism, and the implications of alternative life scenarios. The panel also contemplates the concept of 'what might have been' and examines the narratives that often surround transnational adoption. The sense of 'ghostliness' and the sometimes haunting aspects of searches for natal origin are also addressed. It's a substantial discussion that delves into the complexities of adoption studies. Read the accompanying blog post: https://lawpod.org/avoiding-origin-deprivation-and-genetic-identity-losses/

Doing Feminist Legal Work

Thu, 25 May 2023 09:00:00 +0100

This episode of Lawpod features Professor Aoife O'Donoghue from QUB School of Law and Dr Meabh Harding from UCD Sutherland School of Law, discussing their burgeoning initiative, 'Doing Feminist Legal Work'. They share their plans for the future of the project, aiming to establish a multi-disciplinary network that reaches across Ireland and the UK. This network will involve academics, PhD students, artists, activists, practitioners, and members of civil society, all working together to delve into the extensive and vital field of feminist legal work. Doing Feminist Legal Work (DFLW) is a new network of Feminist Legal Scholars funded by the Irish Research Council of Ireland under the New Foundations Shared Island scheme. DFLW connects legal scholars across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Britain addressing emerging issues of gender and law. DFLW is a sustainable network of feminist scholars that builds on existing, but ad hoc, North/South and East/West collaborations. Our aim is to create a long-term sustainable community which offers support, experience sharing and mentoring, alongside advancing research projects, policy developments and feminist teaching innovation. The purpose of DFLW is to develop and share experience and practice as well as developing the substantive research and educational tools necessary to respond swiftly and effectively to societal challenges. The network seeks to equip members to engage directly with policy makers and media. We welcome all those interested in issues related to law and feminism to join. There is no necessity to have done any feminist teaching or research before and all career stages including post-graduate students are welcome. We also welcome those from across disciplines who have an interest in law and feminism, alongside those in practice.

Website: www.dflw.ie

Email: dfeministlw@gmail.com

Aoife's Twitter: @aoifemod

Maebh's Twitter: @maebh_harding

Student focus: reflecting on the LLM experience at QUB

Thu, 18 May 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, host Dr Lauren Dempster chats with three current Master's students from the School of Law, each enrolled on different LLM programmes. Tom is studying the LLM in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Ogaku is enrolled on the LLM in Law and Technology, and Luc is on the LLM in International Commercial and Business Law. They discuss their motivations for choosing their programmes, the unique attributes of studying law in Belfast, and the challenges and rewards of transitioning to Master's level study. The episode provides a broad and insightful glimpse into the diverse experiences of LLM students at Queens University Belfast School of Law. The School of Law currently offers the following LLM Programmes: LLM Criminology and Criminal Justice LLM Intellectual Property Law LLM International Human Rights Law LLM International Commercial and Business Law LLM Law and Technology LLM (Law)

Making the world strange and more with Prof Reuben Miller

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this thought-provoking podcast, Professor Shadd Maruna and Dr Teresa Degenhart welcome Professor Reuben Miller, author of the ground-breaking book "Halfway Home", to discuss the complexities of re-entry from prison to communities in the United States. Prof Miller, an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago Crown Family School and a 2022 MacArthur Foundation Fellow, delves into the historical intersection between race and criminal justice that underpins the challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals. "Halfway Home" explores the lifelong burden that even a single arrest can entail, shedding light on the harsh reality that life after incarceration is its own form of prison. Throughout the podcast, Prof. Miller discusses the influence of prominent figures like James Baldwin and Nina Simone on his work, and integrates a diverse range of sources, including criminological writing, music, and literature, to provide a holistic understanding of the issues at hand. He emphasises the importance of incorporating lived experiences into research and addresses the ongoing debate around including personal perspectives in academic work. Join us as we delve into the poignant and eye-opening world of "Halfway Home" and explore how the American justice system perpetuates a cycle of impoverishment, instability, and disenfranchisement for millions of citizens long after they've paid their debt to society. This engaging conversation challenges listeners to confront the costs that the carceral system imposes on individuals, communities, and democracy itself, and encourages us to recognise the value and dignity of the lives of formerly imprisoned citizens.

Coping with Covid in Prison: The Impact of the Prisoner Lockdown

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Professor Phil Scraton is joined by Professor Shadd Maruna and Dr. Gillian McNaull to discuss their ESRC funded research project, Coping with Covid in Prison, commissioned by and conducted in partnership with the organisation User Voice. This unique project for the first time reveals the experiences of prisoners during the pandemic lockdown; a time when the voices of the incarcerated were unheard.

User Voice, founded by former prisoner Mark Johnson, is dedicated to amplifying the experiences of prisoners and former prisoners in the criminal justice system. The researchers worked closely with the organisation to enable prisoners to share their stories during this unprecedented time. The podcast discusses the historical relationship between prisons and disease, highlighting the heightened risks of Covid-19 and isolation for those incarcerated. While prison staff and politicians regularly claimed success for their Covid strategies, this episode sheds light on the harsh realities faced by prisoners during the pandemic.

LawPod presents: A chat with ChatGPT

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this groundbreaking episode, the collective intelligence of LawPod is pitted against the generative intelligence of ChatGPT to explore the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the study and practice of law and the world at large. We also probe the metaphysical and explore the legal and ethical considerations of generative AI in a wide-ranging and fascinating conversation with our most famous guest to date. Sorry George Monbiot! Thanks to the whole LawPod team for their collaborative work on this episode and a special thanks to Peter Lockhart for recording a special introduction. Peter's is the only human voice that you will briefly hear on the episode. The other voices, the collective LawPod voice and the voice for ChatGPT, were selected from the software we use to edit podcasts, Descript. Descript, in their own words, "is a collaborative audio/video editor that works like a doc. It includes transcription, a screen recorder, publishing, and some mind-bendingly useful AI tools." We have utilised the software's AI Overdub functionality to assign generated voices to our conversation's participants, we hope to good effect. The responses to our questions from ChatGPT have not been altered in anyway and appear as they were answered, there have been minor edits for sequencing of the questions and some minor edits with regard to the timing of answers most notably in the addition of a few milliseconds of time between a question finishing and an answer beginning to allow for a more considered flow. As Peter says in his introduction we are proud of this episode, please let us know what you think. Guidance For Students The response from the Higher Education community to ChatGPT and other generative models has been timely and measured and recent guidance from Queen's University Belfast outlines that "we need to focus on responsible usage by staff and students and associated ethical considerations to ensure the safe and productive deployment of this technology." This episode sets out ways in which AI could be used, but under no circumstances should students endeavour to generate content that is subsequently used in an assessment unless otherwise instructed. Listeners are encouraged to think critically about the responses produced by the AI in the episode, particularly in light of academic ethics and integrity standards, rather than to accept them as uncontentious facts. Pay close attention to the "Procedure for Dealing with Academic Offences" part of the aforementioned document and the proposed amendment to the Contract Cheating clause. Academic offences are treated extremely seriously by the University and penalties for what would be considered a major office can result in suspension or withdrawal. Links https://openai.com/ https://www.descript.com/ Quality Assurance Agency Guidance QUB Guidance AI generated cover art for the episode using Midjourney

The Women and the Law team answer your questions!

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0100

How do I qualify as a solicitor? What’s the best way to study for exams? What’s life like at the IPLS? These are just some of the questions answered by our Women and the Law team in this episode. Ruby (second year LLB student), Tamara (Trainee Solicitor at TLT) and Aoifé (Trainee Solicitor at Caldwell & Robinson) answer some of the most common questions that you asked them on the LawPod social media channels.

Student Focus-Answering Problem Questions

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode our Student Focus team, Peter and Ciara, talk to two of the Law School's Student Skills advisors, Gary and Sarah-Jane, about how to tackle 'problem questions'.Learn what problem questions are and how to effectively answer them. Get the insight and practical advice you need to dive into problem questions with confidence.

Another World is Possible – Professor Geoff Mulgan

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0100

Another World is Possible. That’s the proposition at the heart of this conversation with Professor Sir Geoff Mulgan, University College London, hosted Dr Peter Doran, QUB School of Law, touching on everything from the role of art in social change to the challenge of avoiding imaginative closure within the academy.

Working all over the world, Mulgan’s main focus is on how to get governments and other organisations to function well and how to create and find good ideas. This conversation focuses on themes from his books, Another World is Possible: How to reignite radical political imagination (C.Hurst and Co, 2022) and his latest work, Prophets at a Tangent: How Art Shapes Social Imagination (Elements in Creativity and Imagination) (Cambridge University Press, 2023).

Further Information

https://www.geoffmulgan.com/

Dr Peter Doran

Beyond TJ Mini-Series Episode 4: Beyond Disciplines, Beyond Fields, Beyond Transitional Justice

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 01:00:00 +0100

In this final episode of our mini-series exploring the edited collection Beyond Transitional Justice: Transformative Justice and the State of the Field (or Non-Field) (Routledge, 2022), Dr Matthew Evans speaks to Dr Lauren Dempster about his chapter in the collection: ‘Beyond Disciplines, Beyond Fields, Beyond Transitional Justice.’ Dr Evans introduces this chapter, discusses the dominance of law in transitional justice and explores the potential value of a postdisciplinary approach to TJ.

Information on the edited collection can be found here.

You can access Dr Evans’s University profile here and Orcid here.

Other publications referred to in this episode:

Evans, M. (2021) ‘You cannot eat critique: on uncritical critical (legal) theory and the poverty of bullshit,’ European Journal of Legal Studies 13(1). https://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/99731/

Evans, M. (2020) ‘Interdisciplinarity and punishment in the academy: reflecting upon researching and teaching human rights in university settings,’ Journal of Human Rights Practice, 12(3). https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jhuman/huaa048

Koram, K. Uncommon Wealth: Britain and the Aftermath of Empire (John Murray Press, 2022). https://www.johnmurraypress.co.uk/titles/kojo-koram/uncommon-wealth/9781529338621/

Sayer, A. (2000) ‘For Postdisciplinary Studies: Sociology and the Curse of Disciplinary Parochialism/Imperialism.’ In For Sociology: Legacies and Prospects, eds. J. Eldridge, J. Maclnnes, S. Scott, C. Warhurst, and A.Witz, pp. 83–91 (Durham: Sociologypress) https://eprints.lancs.ac.uk/id/eprint/19170

Beyond TJ Mini-Series Episode 3: ‘Greening’ Transitional Justice

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 00:45:00 +0100

In this special series of LawPod we introduce a recently published edited collection, Beyond Transitional Justice: Transformative Justice and the State of the Field (or Non-Field), edited by Dr Matthew Evans (University of Sussex) and published by Routledge in 2022.

In this third episode, QUB School of Law PhD candidate, Daniela Suarez Vargas, interviews Dr Rachel Killean and Dr Lauren Dempster about their chapter in this collection: “Greening’ Transitional Justice.’ They discuss the relationship between armed conflict and environmental harm, unpack several of the reasons why they think transitional justice has to date overlooked this type of harm, and draw on the green criminology literature to consider how transitional justice might better address conflict-related environmental harm.

Information on the edited collection can be found here.

You can read more of Rachel and Lauren’s research in this area here:

Killean, R. & Dempster, L. (2022) ‘Mass Violence, Environmental Harm and the Limits of Transitional Justice,’ Genocide Studies and Prevention 16(1), 11-39. https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/gsp/vol16/iss1/5/

Beyond TJ Mini-Series Episode 2: Citizen Security and Transitional Justice

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 00:30:00 +0100

In this special series of LawPod we introduce a recently published edited collection, Beyond Transitional Justice: Transformative Justice and the State of the Field (or Non-Field), edited by Dr Matthew Evans (University of Sussex) and published by Routledge in 2022.

In this second episode, Dr Dáire McGill (University of Oxford) tells us about his chapter in the collection, ‘Transforming Experiences of Citizen Security?’ Dáire introduces the concept of citizen security and its relevance to transitional and transformative justice through engendering participatory processes and strengthening state-citizen relationships, drawing on the case studies of Colombia and Northern Ireland.

Information on the edited collection can be found here.

Listeners may be interested in Dáire’s other work:

McGill, D. (2022) ‘Reduciendo la violencia estructural mediante la justicia transformativa’ in Gutiérrez Danton, J.A., Hoddy, E., and McGill, D. (Eds.) Justicia transformativa y cuestión agraria. Medellín: Universidad Santo Tomas Ediciones [forthcoming in Spanish].

McGill, D. (2022) ‘Transforming Experiences of Citizen Security?’ in Evans, M. (Ed.) Beyond Transitional Justice: Transformative Justice and the State of the Field (or non-field). Abingdon: Routledge.

McGill, D. (2020) ‘Book Review: From Transitional to Transformative Justice’. Social and Legal Studies, Vol. 29:6, pp925-928.

McGill, D. (2019) ‘Tackling Structural Violence Through The Transformative Justice Framework’ in Evans, M. (Ed.) Transitional and Transformative Justice: Critical and International Perspectives. Abingdon: Routledge.

McGill, D. (2017) ‘Different Violence, Different Justice? Taking Structural Violence Seriously in Post-Conflict and Transitional Justice Processes’. State Crime Journal Special Issue on Post-Conflict Reconstruction, the Crimes of the Powerful and Transitional Justice, Vol. 6:1, pp79-101.

Beyond TJ Mini-Series Episode 1: Beyond Transitional Justice

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 00:15:00 +0100

In this special series of LawPod we introduce a recently published edited collection, Beyond Transitional Justice: Transformative Justice and the State of the Field (or Non-Field), edited by Dr Matthew Evans (University of Sussex) and published by Routledge in 2022.

In this first episode, Dr Evans introduces the collection, discusses some of its key themes, and tells us about the background to, and experience of, preparing this edited volume.

Information on the edited collection can be found here.

You can access Dr Evans’s University profile here and Orcid here.

Other publications referred to in this episode:

Bell, C. (2009) ‘Transitional Justice, Interdisciplinarity and the State of the Field (or Non-Field),’ International Journal of Transitional Justice 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/ijtj/ijn044

Evans, M. (2016) ‘Structural Violence, Socioeconomic Rights and Transformative Justice,’ Journal of Human Rights 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/14754835.2015.1032223

Evans, M. Transformative Justice: Remedying Human Rights Violations Beyond Transition (Routledge, 2018). https://www.routledge.com/product/isbn/9780815375623

Transitional and Transformative Justice: Critical and International Perspectives, ed. Matthew Evans (Routledge, 2019). https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351068321

Surviving the Climate Crisis with Professor John Barry

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In a frank and open conversation, lawpodders Zoe and Charlotte talk to Professor John Barry about climate change and climate activism in this era of climate crisis.

From advocating for combining street activism with legal activism as a means to challenge governments, corporations and institutions to criticising the neoliberal framing of the climate crisis, the wide-ranging conversation calls for fundamental change in all parts of our society. It is a clarion call to action for academics, students and the wider community.

Professor John Barry - https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/john-barry

Production Team

Zoe Cleland

Charlotte Gourley

Student Focus – Dr Andrew Godden widening participation

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, the latest in a series providing a closer look at the lives and careers of members of the QUB law faculty, LawPod participant Peter Lockhart interviews Dr Andrew Godden.

Their conversation provides an insight into a fascinating journey, from leaving school at 17 to becoming the first member of his family to attend university and eventually being awarded the James MacQuitty Law Scholarship and becoming a lecturer at Queen’s.

The spine of the conversation explores Dr Godden's passion for a range of widening participation initiatives with which he has been involved, highlighting their paramount importance within further education.

ESC Mini-Series 4: Rural Transformations and Rural Crime

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 15:03:00 +0100

In this episode, Dr Amanda Kramer interviews Dr Matt Bowden (Technological University Dublin) about his recently published book ‘Rural Transformations and Rural Crime’ (2022) co-edited with Alistair Harkness. Matt explains to the listeners that what rural criminology is and why it is an important area of study. He explains that, while it is a relatively new area, rural criminologists are doing important work to try to understand crime, victimisation, criminal behaviours, and their impacts in rural areas. He outlines some of the key themes that emerge in the book and discusses the chapter he co-authored with his current PhD student, Artur Pytlarz, which aims to further develop the theoretical perspectives informing rural criminological research.

This is the final episode in a special series of LawPod recorded at the European Society of Criminology Conference in Malaga, Spain, in September 2022. You can listen to the rest of the series https://lawpod.org/taking-lawpod-on-tour/.

References:

Donnermeyer, J. F. and DeKeseredy, W. S. (2014) Rural Criminology. New York: Routledge.

Donnermeyer, J.F. ed. (2016) The Routledge International Handbook of Rural Criminology. London: Routledge.

Harkness, A., Peterson, J., Bowden, M. Pedersen, C. and Donnermeyer, J.F. eds (2022) The Encyclopedia of Rural Crime. Bristol: Bristol University Press

Links:

International Society for the Study of Rural Crime https://issrc.net/

ESC Mini-Series 3: Legal Internationalisation in the Search for the Disappeared in Spain

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 15:02:00 +0100

In this episode, Dr Lauren Dempster interviews Dr Natalia Maystorovich Chulio (University of Sydney) about her research on the recovery of those disappeared under the Franco regime in Spain. Natalia discusses the efforts made by the families of those disappeared to locate and exhume the graves of their loved ones, and the challenges they face. Focusing on the case of the Mandieta family from Guadalajara (Spain), Natalia considers the role and potential of legal internationalisation for those seeking to recover the remains of their disappeared loved ones.

This episode is the third in a special series of LawPod recorded at the European Society of Criminology Conference in Malaga, Spain, in September 2022. For the rest of this series please see https://lawpod.org/taking-lawpod-on-tour/.

Related publications:

Maystorovich Chulio, N. (2022, forthcoming). Democratising Collective Memory through Forensic Exhumations in Spain, Australian Journal of Politics and History.

Maystorovich Chulio, N., Pacheco Vila, R. (2019). Exhumando fosas en Espana: Alcala del Valle Cadiz. In Victor Ataliva, Aldo A. Geronimo and Ruy D. Zurita (eds.), Arqueologia Forense y Processos de Memorias: Saberes y reflexiones desde las practica, (pp. 165-186). Tucuman, Argentina: Universidad Nacional del Tucuman.

Maystorovich Chulio, N. (2017). Challenges to the Movement to Exhume the Missing Victims of the Spanish Civil War and Francoist Dictatorship. In Chrisje Brants, Susanne Karstedt (eds.), Transitional Justice and the Public Sphere: Engagement, Legitimacy and Contestation, (pp. 285-305). Oxford: Hart Publishing. http://dx.doi.org/10.5040/9781509900190.ch-

Maystorovich Chulio, N. (2016). Victims, Silence and the Exhumation of Mass Graves. In Robert Hermanson, Clare Mumford (eds.), Giving Voice to Silence, (pp. 23-33). Oxford: Inter-Disciplinary Press. 2015

Maystorovich Chulio, N. (2015). Challenging the discourses of the past through the exhumation of mass graves in Spain. NEXUS - Newsletter of The Australian Sociological Association (TASA), 27, 36-37.

ESC Mini-Series 2: Extractivism in Latin America as State-corporate Crime

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 15:01:00 +0100

In this episode, Dr Amanda Kramer interviews Dr María Laura Böhm (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany). This episode explores María Laura’s research on extractive industry activity in Latin America as a form of state-corporate crime. She outlines a variety of harms caused by the extractive industries that have significant consequences for the environment, individuals, and broader communities, such as environmental destruction, long term illness, displacement, and death. She explains how the causes of these harms are multifaceted and complex, but that the lack of regulation and control allows asymmetrical power relationships to flourish, enabling this type of state-corporate crime. María Laura also introduces listeners to her concept of the ‘crime of maldevelopment’ as a new way of understanding the global and regional criminogenic context, and as a new way for understanding how to implement more effective solutions.

This is the second in a special series of LawPod recorded at the European Society of Criminology Conference in Malaga, Spain, in September 2022. You can listen to the rest of the series https://lawpod.org/taking-lawpod-on-tour/.

Our interviewee, María Laura Böhm, has published extensively on this topic. Two of her recent English language publications include:

María Laura Böhm (2019) The Crime of Maldevelopment: Economic Deregulation and Violence in the Global South: https://www.routledge.com/The-Crime-of-Maldevelopment-Economic-Deregulation-and-Violence-in-the-Global/Bohm/p/book/9780367483586#

María Laura Böhm (2020) ‘Criminal Business Relationships between Commodity Regions and Industrialized Countries: The Hard Road from Raw Material to New Technology’ in Journal of White Collar and Corporate Crime, 1(1), 34-39: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2631309X19887681

You can find more information about María Laura Böhm’s teaching and research here: https://www.jura.uni-muenchen.de/personen/b/boehm_maria_laura/index.html

https://lmu-munich.academia.edu/Mar%C3%ADaLauraB%C3%B6hm

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mar%C3%ADa-laura-b%C3%B6hm-59a6262a/?originalSubdomain=de

ESC Mini-Series 1: Climate Change from a Southern Perspective

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 15:00:00 +0100

In this episode Dr Lauren Dempster interviews Dr David Rodriguez Goyes (University of Oslo) about his research on climate change from a southern perspective.

David tells us about the impact of climate change in the Global South and how criminology has to date responded to climate change. He considers how criminology's response to climate change has, until now, been shaped by the traditional global dynamics of knowledge production. David then highlights the potential for a Southern Green Criminology to better engage with the lived realities of climate change for those most affected.

This episode is the first in a special series of LawPod recorded at the European Society of Criminology conference in Malaga in September 2022. For the remaining episodes in the series please follow the link https://lawpod.org/taking-lawpod-on-tour/

Relevant publications:

Goyes, D.R., Abaibira, M.A., Baicué, P. et al. (2021) Southern Green Cultural Criminology and Environmental Crime Prevention: Representations of Nature Within Four Colombian Indigenous Communities. Critical Criminology 29, 469–485. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10612-021-09582-0

Goyes, D. R. South, N., Abaibira, M.A. et al. (2021) Genocide and Ecocide in Four Colombian Indigenous Communities: The Erosion of a Way of Life and Memory. British Journal of Criminology 61(4), 965-984. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjc/azaa109

Goyes, D. R. (2019). A southern green criminology: Science against ecological discrimination. Bingley: Emerald.

Goyes, D. R. (2020). “Little development, few economic opportunities and many difficulties”: Climate change from a local perspective. International Journal for Crime, Justice and Social Democracy 9(2).

Goyes, D. R., Sollund, R., & South, N. (2019). Introduction to the special issue: Toward global green criminological dialogues: Voices from the Americas and Europe. International Journal for Crime, Justice and Social Democracy 8(2), 1–5.

You can learn more about David’s work here: https://www.drgoyes.com/

Work of other scholars discussed in this episode:

Agozino, B. (2004) Imperialism, crime and criminology: Towards the decolonisation of criminology. Crime, Law and Social Change 41, 343-358.

Legal Careers with Yusur Dalloul – Paralegal, The Law Space, and the importance of wellbeing

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0100

This episode is hosted by Zi-Ming Ang, a member of the Student Focus and Careers Team and a final year Law student. With her is Yusur Dalloul, a QUB LLM graduate, a paralegal at Ogletree Deakins, a qualified Yoga instructor, and the founder of the Law Space – a legal sharing platform. This interview explores the role of a paralegal, looking at the tasks Yusur undertakes and the types of clients she deals with. Yusur shares her experience of her LLM and the importance of networking in furthering career objectives and provides advice on how undergraduate students can expand their horizons and discover their passion by engaging in extra-curricular activities and workshops. Furthermore, this interview highlights the significance of work-life balance in one’s ability to focus and how Yoga can aid with welbeing. The Law Space’s Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/thelawspace/?hl=en The Law Space's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-law-space/ Yusur’s Yoga Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/yogawithyusur/?hl=en

Co-authoring in Academic Research – from quarter-baked intuition to publication.

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Dr Ciara Hackett (QUB School of Law) and Prof Harry Van Buren (the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Honorary Professor, QUB School of Law) speak with Dr Ciarán O'Kelly about co-authoring in academic research. They ask how accurate and, indeed, how healthy it is to think of academics as solitary actors. They discuss both the merits of and the challenges involved in collaboration and co-authoring. Who ought one co-author with? What workflows work best? What ethical issues emerge? https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/ciara-hackett https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/ciarán-okelly

Treated with Contempt – The UEFA Champions League Final Debacle

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0100

For this episode, Professor Phil Scraton & Dr Deena Haydon are interviewed by Criminologist, Dr Gillian McNaul, about their part in the Independent Panel Report into Fans’ Experiences at the 2022 European Champions League Final. Outlining the finding from the report, they reflect on the stories of those who survived extreme violence at the hands of the police and local gangs before and after the game in Paris in May 2022. https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/news/IndependentPanelReportintoFansExperiences.html Panorama Excerpt The Champions League Final: What Went Wrong? BBC Panorama https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001d84s/panorama-the-champions-league-final-what-went-wrong

Women taking strides in the NI Civil Service!

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Join civil servants Claire Archbold and Geraldine Fee to explore the rewards of working in the public legal sector, and the positive changes we can make to gender equality as part of it! Ruby Sturgeon is joined by accomplished members of the NI Civil Service, Claire Archbold and Geraldine Fee to discuss entering the public legal sector as a career choice and their standout moments to date. They talk about their new roles as heads of the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy within government, and provide advice for women entering the legal workplace. See more information and how to support the VAWG Strategy at https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/topics/ending-violence-against-women-and-girls Researcher, interviewer, editor - Ruby Sturgeon Editor - Tamara Duncan

Dr John Stannard – A Life in Law

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Criminal Lecture supremo and Queen's University School of Law Legend, Dr John Stannard, in conversation with Judge in Residence, The Hon Madam Justice McBride. The wide-ranging conversation explores Dr Stannard's career at Queen's, his thoughts on law, the teaching of law and his feelings about his recent lifetime achievement award from QUB. https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/john-stannard The Hon Madam Justice McBride, is a Northern Irish judge and former barrister specialising in chancery, family, civil and international law. In October 2015, she was appointed the first female judge of the High Court of Northern Ireland.

Transitional Justice and Indigenous Peoples: A Tool for Decolonisation?

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 14:54:00 +0100

In this episode, Dr Lauren Dempster interviews Dr Claire Wright (QUB School of Law). The episode explores the relationship between indigenous peoples and transitional justice, with reference to the case of Colombia. We analyse the capacity of contemporary peacebuilding processes to deal with structural injustices rooted in colonial legacies, in this case racial hierarchies. We also explore other ways in which the post-colonial State can transform its relationships with Indigenous Peoples, namely via intercultural education, recognition of autonomy, and prior consultation. The discussion is based on research carried out within the project "Addressing post-colonial legacies in Transitional Justice", of which Fionnuala Ni Aolain (QUB ) and Bill Rolston (Ulster) are co-PIs, under the auspices of the GCRF Gender, Justice and Security Hub. Further information on the project can be found at https://thegenderhub.com/projects/addressing-post-colonial-legacies-in-transitional-justice/ Our interviewee, Claire Wright, recently published an article (co-authored with Fionnuala Ní Aoláin and Bill Rolston) on the first phase of their project. Claire Wright, Bill Rolston & Fionnuala Ní Aoláin (2022) Navigating colonial debris: structural challenges for Colombia’s peace accord, Peacebuilding, DOI: 10.1080/21647259.2022.2027153 A number of articles are referred to in this episode. The references are as follows: Augustine Park (2020) ’Settler colonialism, decolonisation and radicalising transitional justice,’ International Journal of Transitional Justice, 14(2), 260-279. Mohamed Sesay (2022) ‘Decolonization of postcolonial Africa: A structural justice project more radical than transitional justice,’ International Journal of Transitional Justice. Early online: https://doi.org/10.1093/ijtj/ijac006 Hakeem Yusuf (2018) ‘Colonialism and the dilemmas of transitional justice in Nigeria,’ International Journal of Transitional Justice,12(2), 257-276. Belkis Izquierdo & Lieselotte Viaene (2018) Decolonizing Transitional Justice from Indigenous Territories. Peace in Progress, No. 34 https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/IPeoples/SR/IPAndJustice/22-LViaene.pdf Twitter handles: @WrightPolitics @NiAolainF @TheGenderHub @GCRF @UKRI

Transitional justice in Ukraine?

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 05:42:00 +0100

In this episode, Dr Rachel Killean from the School of Law is joined by Professor Louise Mallinder for a conversation about transitional justice in Ukraine. Louise is Professor of Law at Queen's University Belfast, where she conducts research in the fields of international human rights law, international criminal law, and law and politics in political transitions. Between early 2019 and late 2021, Louise worked as an international consultant, supporting public officials and civil society in Ukraine. At the time, this group were developing a legal framework to enable the reintegration of the territory and people from temporarily occupied territories in Ukraine, including annexed Crimea and the self-proclaimed autonomous Republics in eastern Ukraine. This work has obviously been overtaken by the recent escalation of conflict. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in March this year, Louise has been reflecting on the potential role of transitional justice in Ukraine’s uncertain future, and what lessons can be learned from the transitional justice work that has already been carried out in Ukraine in recent years. In April 2022, she published a blog on QUB’s QPol website in which she contextualised the current conversations about international accountability for crimes perpetrated in Ukraine and outlined some of the recent debates about what a transition could look like. The blog is available here.

Innocence in the criminal justice system

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 13:10:00 +0100

This episode focuses on how the law views the concept of innocence in the criminal justice system, particularly when it comes to compensation for someone who was wrongly convicted. Host Anurag Deb (PhD student, School of Law) interviews Hugh Southey QC, of Matrix Chambers (London), who practices at the Bars of England and Wales and Northern Ireland, sits as a Deputy High Court Judge and a Recorder in the Crown Court of England and Wales and is an Acting Justice of the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. Hugh has a broad public law practice, specialising in human rights, crime, immigration, extradition, terrorism, inquests, immigration, discrimination and privacy. He also acted in a number of cases which are discussed in the episode, including R (Adams and others) v Justice Secretary [2011] UKSC 18 and Allen v United Kingdom (2016) 63 EHRR 10. In this episode, Hugh shares his insights into acting in Adams and the various ways in which the criminal justice system, and the courts generally, view innocence. At times, these views differ considerably from how the concept is understood in wider society. These differences allow us not only to understand how the law treats people who have been charged with and convicted of criminal offences, but also how we, as a society, view the notion of innocence in criminal matters. The cases referenced in this episode are: R (Adams and others) v Justice Secretary [2011] UKSC 18 https://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKSC/2011/18.html Allen v United Kingdom (2016) 63 EHRR 10 https://www.bailii.org/eu/cases/ECHR/2013/678.html R (Hallam and others) v Justice Secretary [2019] UKSC 2 https://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKSC/2019/2.html The report referenced in this episode is: ‘Supporting Exonerees: Ensuring accessible, consistent and continuing support’ (2018) by JUSTICE https://files.justice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/06170441/0218037-BROCHURE-Justice-Pro-Bono-brochure-Supporting-Exonerees_07-standard-00000002.pdf

International Women’s Day – ‘Break the Bias’

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 09:22:00 +0100

In this episode, Dr Rachel Killean (School of Law), speaks to three legal practitioners who took part in the Women as Legal Change Makers conference hosted by the School of Law Athena Swan Committee in September 2021. The three guests, Leah Treanor (a barrister-at-law in Northern Ireland and former School of Law PhD student), Claire Archbold (an Honorary Professor of Practice in Public Law and Deputy Departmental Solicitor for the Northern Ireland Civil Service), and Mara McCloskey (solicitor at The PILS Project and Chair of the Northern Ireland Law Society's Human Rights and Equality Working Group), discuss the 2022 International Women's Day theme 'Break the Bias'. In particular, they consider the IWD three mission statements: celebrating women's achievements, raising awareness against bias, and taking action for equality.

Dr Peter Doran with Dr Eilís Ward – The Neoliberal Self

Thu, 12 May 2022 05:00:00 +0100

Dr Peter Doran is joined by his friend and colleague Dr Eilís Ward to discuss her new book, Self (2021). The book is published by Cork University Press in the Síreacht series on longings for another Ireland. Ward argues that we have got it wrong in the West with our belief in a ‘self’ that is autonomous and separate from others, exemplified by the entrepreneurial self: always on, always positive and always self-improving. This is the neoliberal self, a particular creature of late capitalism. Drawing on her Zen Buddhist philosophy and practice, Ward goes further and argues that this entrenched view of the isolated self is harmful to us and is the source of much of our suffering. Dr Doran, who shares a deep interest in Zen Buddhist responses to our neoliberal times, engages Dr Ward on the prospects for human liberation and narratives to counter the dominant influence of neoliberalism on our modern constructions of the disembedded self longing for connection. Eilís Ward was lecturer in the School of Political Science and Sociology, National University of Ireland, Galway. Her book is available from Cork University Press. https://www.corkuniversitypress.com/Self-p/9781782054870.htm

Dr David Capper – Third-Party Litigation Funding

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 14:21:00 +0100

Dr David Capper in a fascinating conversation with Dr Lauren Dempster about the potential developments in third-party litigation funding in Ireland, the UK and further afield.

PhD Series – Daniela Suarez Vargas

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 14:34:00 +0100

Daniela is a second-year PhD student in Law at Queen's University Belfast (UK), a scholar of the AHRC Northern Bridge Consortium's doctoral training programme (UK), and a qualified lawyer in Colombia. Her PhD project analyses the impact of legal narratives of criminalisation and victimisation of sexual violence on the recognition of the victim status of combatants who suffered this form of violence within their own armed group. Daniela holds a Master in Law (LLM) with distinction from Queen's University Belfast and a first-class (equivalent) undergraduate degree in law with a minor in criminal law from Universidad del Rosario (Colombia). She has engaged in conducting academic research on international criminal law, sexual and gender-based violence, transitional justice in the contexts of Latin America (particularly Colombia) and Northern Ireland, international human rights law, non-state armed groups, modern slavery, colonialism and green criminology. She has published academic papers on international criminal law, human rights and postcolonialism. She has participated in the drafting of amicus curiae briefs for the International Criminal Court Office of Victims and the ICC Appeals Chamber in the cases of Laurent Gbagbo and Bosco Ntganda, and the situation in Afghanistan. She has participated in the drafting of consultation reports for the UN Special Rapporteur on transitional justice measures and colonial contexts and the report for the Northern Irish Department of Justice on the modern slavery strategy 2021-22. In this episode we discuss Daniela's PhD research on Colombian transitional justice narratives of criminalisation and victimhood in the context of sexual violence within armed groups. Orcid profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8534-4931 Twitter profile: @Daniela_suarezv

Qualifying & Joining the Bar in England and Wales

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 05:01:00 +0100

Former students Kiera Vinall and Jack Meek share their experience of applying for the Bar in England and Wales.

Jack Meek, Barrister at Government Legal Department and Bar Council Social Mobility Advocate 2021/2022
Kiera Vinall, Bar student, Lincoln’s Inn Scholar and future pupil barrister at Government Legal Department

How to distinguish yourself as a law student

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 05:01:00 +0100

LawPod Publicist David O'Sullivan is joined by Employability and Placement Officer Deirdre Timoney to discuss how to distinguish yourself as a law student.

How to maximise your employability at Queen’s

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 05:01:00 +0100

LawPod Publicist David O'Sullivan is joined by Careers Consultant Terry O'Hanlon to discuss how to use QUB services to maximise your employability while studying.

Professor Anne-Marie McAlinden – International Women’s Day

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 14:07:00 +0100

PhD researcher Samantha Hopkins talks to Professor Anne-Marie McAlinden about her achievements as a woman in law and her role as a legal changemaker. https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/anne-marie-mcalinden

Professor Joan Loughrey chats with LawPod for International Women’s Day!

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 06:59:00 +0100

The new Head of School of Law, Professor Joan Loughrey, joins Tamara & Ruby for a special International Women's Day episode, where we discuss her plans for QUB law students and gender diversity in the profession! Tune in to hear us discuss gender diversity in law, as well as Professor Loughrey's professional journey to date and her future plans for QUB law students. Tamara Duncan and Ruby Sturgeon - Interviewers

Quotas and Consequences

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 16:19:00 +0100

LawPodder Kavina Rajendran talks to Professor Julie Suk from the Fordham School of Law about the jurisprudence of quotas and the evolving discourse surrounding its consequences transnationally. They discuss Professor Suk's 2014 paper, Quotas and Consequences: A Transnational Evaluation. The episode explores the US jurisprudence surrounding quotas and the evolving discourse surrounding the consequences of quotas in countries such as Germany and Chile.

Allen & Overy Graduate Recruitment Programme

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 06:01:00 +0100

In this episode, Ruby Sturgeon is joined by Sara Fegan and Rosalie Rothwell from Allen & Overy to discuss its graduate recruitment opportunities and annual intake for up to 25 legal professionals. With the application deadline of the 4th March 2022 fast approaching, they provide top tips for successful applications and insight into the workings of commercial practice. Allen & Overy- www.allenandovery.com.ParticipantsSara Fegan - Senior Associate Solicitor at Allen & Overy Rosalie Rothwell - Legal Professional at Allen & Overy Ruby Sturgeon- LLB Law Student at Queen's University Belfast

Adoption & Culture: A discussion of adoptee-othering (and various ‘monsters’) in Literature and Law (Reform)

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 17:22:00 +0100

Discussion of adoptee 'othering' in literature and law: personal accounts, Frankenstein's creature, and Ireland's latest attempt at enabling access to birth records. Alice Diver (Lecturer, School of Law, QUB) in conversation with Professor Emily Hipchen (Editor of Adoption & Culture (adoptionandculture.org), Director of Nonfiction Writing, Senior Lecturer in English, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island ) about some of the themes underpinning her recent publication, “Monstrous Othering”: The Gothic Nature of Origin-Tracing in Law and Literature" (November, 2021). The session opens with a brief discussion of their own respective experiences as 'mother and baby home' adoptees in the U.S. and Canada in the 1960's, before turning to an analysis of how the particular adoptee brand of 'fearful otherness' is often represented -and indeed perpetuated - in certain works of fiction e.g. Shelley's 'Frankenstein,' Emily Bronte's 'Wuthering Heights', and Ishiguro's 'Never Let Me Go.' In respect of achieving meaningful reform to law and policy, language is key. Ireland's controversial Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022 - currently being debated - has similarly served to highlight how certain lingering biases of mistrust still attach to the adoptees' need to search for origins and (potentially uncomfortable) familial truths. Discriminatory barriers to accessing one's own information - and to achieving some form of contact with genetic relatives - still exist: the use of labels also continues to matter, as the recent controversy over the use of the term 'birth mother' within the legislation (since amended to 'mother') also evidenced. Links: Insta @adoptionandculture https://ohiostatepress.org/AdoptionCulture.html @emilyhipchen link to book: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-01071-7

LawPod Study Skills: OSCOLA

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 13:52:00 +0100

In this episode, Peter Lockhart from the Student Focus and Careers LawPod student team interviews Dr Deborah Wilson, QUB Subject Librarian for the School of Law, and the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics about the OSCOLA referencing. This episode was created by the Student Focus and Careers LawPod student team. Peter from the team interviews Dr Deborah Wilson, QUB Subject Librarian for the School of Law, and the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics about the OSCOLA referencing system. They discuss the key principles of using OSCOLA and how to reference the main sources that students use. Deborah also shares her responses to the queries she is mostly frequently asked about OSCOLA. You can find more information on Deborah's role and the resources the Library has for Law students here https://libguides.qub.ac.uk/law and the guides to OSCOLA that Deborah refers to in this episode are here https://libguides.qub.ac.uk/c.php?g=282324&p=2605010

Life as a Law student – balancing extracurricular activities

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 11:37:00 +0100

In this episode five law students and members of the LawPod team sit down and discuss how they achieve this balance. Check it out and find out how you can make the most of your time! During your time at Queen's, it's important to maintain a healthy balance between academia and extracurricular activities. In this episode, five law students and team members of LawPod sit down to talk about how they balance getting good grades with a good extracurricular life. Whether it's sport or volunteering as a tutor, a life outside the law school can help to boost both your CV and your spirit. Check out the episode and find out how you can get the most out of your time! Participants Adam Kirk-Smith, Peter Lockhart, Mishka Farooqui, Lydia Millar Interviewer: David O'SullivanEditor: Katherine Pittalis

The Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Queen’s University Belfast: Celebrating 25 years of Research, Policy, and Community Engagement

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 06:01:00 +0100

In this episode, Dr Alessandro Corda, current Director of the QUB Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice(ICCJ), interviews four of the Institute’s former Directors - Prof Graham Ellison, Prof Shadd Maruna, Prof Kieran McEvoy and Prof John Jackson. They reflect on the first 25 years of research, policy, and community engagement at the ICCJ at Queen’s University Belfast. Guests share memories and discuss the past, present and future of doing Criminology & Criminal Justice work in Northern Ireland, the island of Ireland and beyond.

Developing Countries Experience with Extraterritoriality in Competition Law

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 06:01:00 +0100

This special edition of LawPod focuses on cross-border, transnational application of competition law with special focus on the experience of developing countries and economies in transition. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Research Partnership Platforms facilitated a novel empirical study in this area designed and conducted by QUB academic—Dr Marek Martyniszyn. UNCTAD has now published the official project Report. This LawPod episode serves to showcase it and consider its broader consequences. The episode is guest-hosted by Ms Teresa Moreira, Head of UNCTAD Competition and Consumer Policies Branch, who is joined by Dr Marek Martyniszyn (QUB) and further expert discussants: Prof. Alexey Ivanov, Director of BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre at the Skolkovo – Higher School of Economics, in Moscow, Russia; Prof. Imelda Maher, Sutherland Full Professor of European Law, Sutherland School of Law, University College Dublin; and Prof. Qianlan Wu, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nottingham, bringing together a range of perspectives from all over the world.

Sexual Violence on Trial: Local and Comparative Perspectives

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 06:01:00 +0100

In this episode, ICCJ Director Dr Alessandro Corda interviews Dr Rachel Killean, Dr Eithne Dowds and Prof Anne-Marie McAlinden about their recently published edited collection ‘Sexual Violence on Trial: Local and Comparative Perspectives’ (Routledge, 2021). The podcast focuses on the main themes of the book, which provides a contemporary critical examination of the investigation, prosecution and cultural contexts of sexual violence by drawing on Northern Ireland as a case study as well as on experiences from other jurisdictions across the UK and the island of Ireland. (Content warning - this episode discusses sexual violence).

‘COP26: The Inside Story’ with Ian Fry, veteran negotiator on behalf of the island nation of Tuvalu and the Alliance of Small Island States

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 10:48:00 +0100

Veteran climate change negotiator, Ian Fry, revisits the Glasgow Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement (COP26). In this special LawPod edition, veteran climate change negotiator, Ian Fry, a former representative of the island nation of Tuvalu and the Alliance of Small Island States, revisits the Glasgow Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement (COP26), which took place between 31 October and 13 November 2021. Dr Peter Doran, of QUB Law School, and a senior writer/editor for the IISD’s Earth Negotiations Bulletin at UN environmental negotiations, review the highlights of the Glasgow COP, examine the background to some of the big issues, and consider the growing gap between the incremental progress of UN-sponsored responses to the climate emergency and demands for radical system change from civil society. Ian Fry has been at the heart of the UN climate negotiations process for several decades, including negotiations leading up to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and played an important role acting as negotiator for the pacific island state of Tuvalu. He takes a close interest in the fate of the small island states and the Least Developed Countries in the negotiations. Dr Doran describes the importance of the small island states as “the conscience of the UN climate change negotiations process”, the indigenous and most exposed people and cultures for whom a failure to achieve climate justice raises the very real prospect of their extinction. “Madam President, The fate of my country rests in your hands.” Ian Fry, Lead Negotiator for Tuvalu, reduced the ill-fated Copenhagen COP in 2009 to silence as he brought proceedings to a halt in a heartfelt plea for a legally binding agreement.

PhD Series - Nikhil Narayan

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 12:30:00 +0100

In this episode LawPod Director Lauren Dempster talks to PhD candidate Nikhil Narayan about his research exploring the role of guarantees of non-recurrence in transitional justice. Nikhil has an Advanced LL.M. (cum laude) in Public International Law (Specialization: Peace, Justice, Development) from Leiden University (Leiden, the Netherlands); a J.D. from Columbia University Law School (New York, NY, USA); and, a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA, USA). Prior to joining QUB in 2019, Nikhil was a practicing international human rights and transitional justice advocate in the field, living and working in countries undergoing armed conflict, post-conflict transition or humanitarian emergency across South and Southeast Asia, East and Horn of Africa and Middle East & North Africa (MENA). Among others, Nikhil served as Senior Legal Adviser and South Asia Head of Office for the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ); and, as Project Director and Senior Peace Fellow for the Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG). Nikhil has also taught international human rights and transitional justice at law schools in the US and India, including at the George Washington University School of Law (Washington, DC, USA). Nikhil has published extensively on these topics as well. Nikhil’s full bio can be found at his LinkedIn page Links to selected recent publications can be found at his SSRN page.

Women and the Law: Gender Diversity in the Legal Profession

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 06:01:00 +0100

Sara Fegan & Rosalie Rothwell from Allen & Overy join Tamara Duncan to discuss gender diversity in law, as well as give their top tips for females starting their own legal journey. www.allenandovery.com Participants Sara Fegan - Senior Associate Solicitor at Allen & Overy Rosalie Rothwell - Legal Professional at Allen & Overy Tamara Duncan - Masters in Law Student at Queen's University Belfast TeamInterviewer and Editor - Tamara Duncan Researcher and Editor - Ruby Sturgeon

“The Rights of Nature – A legal revolution” with Jurist, Valérie Cabanes.

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:47:00 +0100

Dr Peter Doran and Dr Rachel Killean are joined by French Jurist Valérie Cabanes in a wide-ranging discussion about the rights of nature, biocultural rights, ecocide and more. Valérie is an international lawyer with expertise in international humanitarian law and human rights law. Since 2006, she has been involved in defending the rights of indigenous people. She started a thesis in Legal Anthropology in northern Quebec with the Innu people and then became involved in the defence of their ancestral territory in the face of large hydroelectric dam projects. In 2011, she also opposed such industrial projects in the Brazilian Amazon, in particular, the Belo Monte dam, by preparing reports debated in the United Nations Human Rights Council or the European Parliament. In 2013, she participated in the launch of a European citizens' initiative proposing a European directive on the crime of ecocide. https://www.rightsofnaturetribunal.org/judges/valerie-cabanes/ https://valeriecabanes.eu Dr Peter Doran https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/peter-doran Dr Rachel Killean https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/rachel-killean Articles From ecocide to eco-sensitivity: ‘greening’ reparations at the International Criminal Court https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13642987.2020.1783531 Criminalising ‘Ecocide’ at the International Criminal Court https://ejni.net/resources/student-working-papers/

Human Dignity in Cambodia

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:31:00 +0100

In this episode, Dr Rachel Killean, Prof. Chris McCrudden and Ms Boravin Tann discuss some of the challenges associated with defining human dignity and what they have learned so far about the concept’s diverse meanings in Cambodia. Since its inclusion in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1949, ‘human dignity’ has become a foundational human rights concept. It can be found in international human rights documents, in judicial reasoning in multiple jurisdictions and increasingly in the context of sustainable development programmes around the world. Yet, what human dignity means in practice is by no means so obvious. In fact, understandings of what human dignity requires are often widely varied and contested. In this episode, Dr Rachel Killean, Prof. Chris McCrudden and Ms Boravin Tann dig into some of these complexities. Reflecting on their recent research project ‘Locating Human Dignity in Cambodia’, they discuss some of the challenges associated with defining human dignity and what they have learned so far about the concept’s diverse meanings in Cambodia. Dr Rachel Killean is a Senior Lecturer in the Queen’s School of Law and the Principal Investigator on the ‘Locating Human Dignity in Cambodia’ project. You can read more about her work here: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/rachel-killean and https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=1949834. Prof. Chris McCrudden is Professor of Human Rights and Equality at Queen’s School of Law, the William W Cook Global Law Professor at the University of Michigan, and a practising Barrister at Blackstone Chambers in London. He is the author of several publications exploring the human dignity’s diverse meanings and uses and is the editor of the multidisciplinary collection ‘Understanding Human Dignity,’ published by Oxford University Press in 2013. You can read more about his work here: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/christopher-mccrudden andhttps://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/fellows/christopher-mccrudden-FBA/ Ms Boravin Tann is a Researcher and Lecturer at the Centre for the Study of Humanitarian Law in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Her interests centre around human rights and transitional justice, and she has published on a range of topics including the right to freedom of expression, victims’ perceptions of justice in Cambodia’s transitional justice processes, and memorialisation in post-conflict contexts. Links You can read more about the project and access the research brief here: https://law.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/research/publications/human-dignity-cambodia/See also: ‘Dignity and Mana in the 'Third Law' of Aotearoa New Zealand’ https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3932625

How To Get the Most From Your Degree with Yi Kang Choo

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0100

In this episode, School of Law Social Media Ambassador Róise Pelan interviews recently graduated student, Yi Kang Choo, about his time studying Law at QUB. In addition to studying for his LLB, Choo was President of the University's Malaysian Students' Society NI during 2020-2021 and he volunteered as a mentor in the School of Law. In 2021, Choo received a Diana Award for his work to support fellow Malaysian students during the pandemic and he was named 2021 Allstate NI Queen's Student of the Year. In this episode, Choo discusses his experience of studying Law at QUB, what it is like to be an international student at QUB, and he offers guidance on how to make the most out of the university experience.

Stopping Street Harassment

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 05:05:00 +0100

A conversation with the two founders of the campaign to stop street harassment in Northern Ireland. In this episode PhD researcher Meghan Hoyt speaks with fellow QUB law students Kirsten Wallace and Hannah Campbell about their campaign to criminalise street harassment. Further Information: Vera-Grey, F. (2016) ‘Men’s Stranger Intrusions: Rethinking Street Harassment’. Women's Studies International Forum. Vol: 58 pp. 9–1. Page, T., Bull, A. and Chapman, E. (2019) ‘Making Power Visible: “Slow Activism” to Address Staff Sexual Misconduct in Higher Education’. Violence Against Women. Vol: 25 (11) pp. 1309 – 1330. Vera-Grey, F. and Kelly, L. (2020) ‘Contested gendered space: public sexual harassment and women’s safety work’. International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice. Vol: 44(4) pp. 265-275.

Report and Support

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 09:28:00 +0100

In this episode two of our Law & Activism team – Charlotte Gourley and Debora Mosso - speak to John Finnigan from QUB’s Report & Support, the University’s support service for students affected by sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment, or hate crime. They talk about the work of Report & Support, what happens when you engage with the service, and what to do if you have been impacted by – or witnessed – sexual misconduct, hate crime, bullying or harassment. You can learn more about Report & Support here https://reportandsupport.qub.ac.uk/ Please note that the service remains open over the summer holidays.

Dr Peter Doran in conversation with Malik Ayub Sumbal.

Thu, 06 May 2021 05:28:00 +0100

Dr Peter Doran talks to Malik Ayub Sumbal, author of 'Tovuz to Karabakh: a comprehensive analysis of war in the South-Caucasus', about geopolitics, 'frozen conflicts' and energy in relation to the recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Malik Ayub Sumbal is author of: Tovuz to Karabakh: a comprehensive analysis of war in the South-Caucasus, 2021. “The appropriation of land thus opens up a legal space as such, turns the earth into a location.” Byung-Chul Han, What is Power?, p.80) For decades, during a civil conflict that engulfed Northern Ireland, we regularly featured in articles and book collections on so called “intractable conflicts.” The world is littered with these “frozen conflicts” that seem to “flare up” and flash intermittently across our screens, seizing our attention momentarily when conflicting parties calculate that an escalation in violence can shift the balance of power and public opinion in their favour. In every case that I can call to mind, these conflicts are the unfinished business and geopolitical fractures created in the wake of a collapse or reconfiguration in wider regional imperial or other strategic interests. Consider Kashmir and Palestine to name but two other examples. In the case of Nagorno-Karabakh, the fate of local populations and politics per se will turn, ultimately, on their continued utility in a regional balance of power shaped by Turkey and Russia, driven largely by a timeless and toxic deployment of energy politics and ethnic conflict. Malik Ayub Sumbal, has taken on the complex task of combining his keen skills as a geopolitical analyst and commentator to bring us a fresh account of the “frozen conflict” involving Armenia and Azerbaijan. While Armenia won control over the Nagorno-Karabakh territory in the 1988-1994 war, its population has remained largely hostage to Azerbaijan’s refusal to accept the new status quo. This account is an invaluable and heartfelt series of insights based on Malik’s first-hand knowledge of the region, not least the border areas where previous hostilities have left their tragic mark on civilian populations. His sense of history and geopolitics is weaved together with granular accounts of the characters and detail that is also a hallmark of Malik’s journalism. When conflicts become “frozen” and beset with intermittent low-level – even routinized skirmishes – we rely on writers such as Malik Ayub Sumbal to provide a reliable up-to-date account when all-out war flares up and our attention is drawn once again to the region. Not only has he provided a fresh account of the background to and fall-out from the 2020 war, the writer and analyst has demonstrated an unerring ability to foresee the significance of vital developments that led to war in 2020, for example the Tovuz incident in July. This is just one of the events documented in some detail, events that led to a new “hot war”, with Armenia delivering on its promise to embark on a high-stakes attempt to leverage new influence by targeting vital Azeri oil and gas infrastructure, compelling regional powers with interests in the new trans-Eurasian east-west corridor, to engage in a new round of Russian-sponsored diplomacy designed to trade territorial concessions in return for the restoration of corridors linking Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. War is always an exchange. In exchanges over energy and geopolitical advantage, the regional powers learn all too often that the relatively powerless lives and futures of civilians can be taken hostage time and time again. Malik Ayub Sumbal provides an invaluable, timely and incisive account from a conflict that will not be allowed to die, just yet. Reference Byung-Chul, Han, 2019, What is Power?, Polity Press, Cambridge.

Archives in Transitional Justice

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 13:12:00 +0100

In this episode, Lauren Dempster is joined by Ulrike Lühe, Dr Julia Viebach and Dr Benjamin Thorne to explore the role of archives in transitional justice. Our guests discuss how archives have been understood in Transitional Justice in the past, the various forms and functions that archives have, and the intersection of archives and power in transitional justice processes. You can learn more about the work of our guests here: Atrocity’s Archives: The Role of Archives in Transitional Justice’ Thorne, B. (2020) Remembering Atrocities: Legal Archives and the Discursive Conditions of Witnessing. The International Journal of Human Rights. Viebach, J., Hovestädt, D. and Lühe, U. 'Beyond evidence: the use of archives in transitional justice,' International Journal of Human Rights Viebach, J. (2020) Transitional Archives – Towards a Conceptualisation of Archives in Transitional Justice, International Journal of Human Rights Works referenced in the episode include: Browder and Herrera: An Archive; Public Participation and a Performance Ariana Phillips-Hutton: 'Performing the South African Archive in REwind: A Cantata for Voice, Tape, and Testimony' Henry Redwood: Archiving (In)justice: Building Archives and Imagining Community Andy Aydin Aitchison: Transitional Justice Between the Individual and the State: Criminal Trials, Historical Record, Societal Responsibility Piotr Cieplak documentary, 'The Faces We Lost' - https://www.faceswelostfilm.com/ Interview with Luisa Franco: https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/role-archives-transitional-justice/luisa-franco Jelena Subotic: Ethics of archival research on political violence

Lord Kerr – the “Provocative” Judge?

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 05:01:00 +0100

A unique and illuminating conversation about the work and legal legacy of Lord Kerr. This episode provides a unique opportunity to hear a wide ranging and animated conversation about the work and legal legacy of Lord Kerr. Host Anurag Deb chairs the exchange with reflections from Lady Brenda Hale, Professor Brice Dickson, Professor Claire Archibold and Ms Monye Anyadike-Danes QC. The episode touches on his time as Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, his changing judicial philosophy within the Supreme Court and his personal warmth and generosity while also taking in specific analysis of certain key judgements. This gathering of eminent colleagues provides an illuminating portrait of Lord Kerr which is not to be missed. Please download our Additional Show Notes PDF for a full list of resources mentioned in the episode in the sequence in which they are mentioned along with participant biographies. Team Details: Interview: Anurag Deb Participants: Lady Hale, Professor Brice Dickson, Professor Claire Archibold, Ms Monye Anyadike-Danes QC Additional Support: Richard Summerville, Meghan Hoyt and Rachel Thompson

Student Focus – Mooting at Queen’s

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 14:09:00 +0100

In this episode, Lawpodder and Mooter, Lucy Bill talks to Dr David Capper, Sarah Hair and Joseph Le Seelleur about their collective mooting successes this year. A must listen episode for any prospective mooter as they share their experiences, tips for success and explore the role mooting has played in enhancing their skills as well as their legal studies.

Defamation law reform in Northern Ireland

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 05:10:00 +0100

Dr Mark Hanna talks with Professors Andrew Scott (LSE), Daithí MacSithigh (QUB), and Gavin Phillipson (Bristol) about the various aspects of potential defamation law reform in Northern Ireland today. In the podcast the participants discuss, amongst other things, the legislative competence of the devolved Assembly to reform the law in this area, the wider implications of online communication for Defamation law reform today, the statutory protection and development of the ‘public interest defence’, and the section 1 requirement of ‘serious harm’, and what that now means for both parties in Defamation actions. The participants’ profiles can be found below: Andrew Scott: https://www.lse.ac.uk/law/people/academic-staff/andrew-scott Daithí MacSithigh: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/daith%C3%AD-mac-s%C3%ADthigh Gavin Phillipson: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/law/centre-for-brexit/brexit-team/professor-gavin-phillipson/ Mark Hanna: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/mark-hanna For a copy of the ‘Scott Report’ on the subject of Defamation law reform in Northern Ireland in 2016, see: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/67385/1/Scott_Reform%20of%20defamation%20law_2016.pdf If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, please get in touch atmark.hanna@qub.ac.uk

LawPod Stories – A Case of Ginger Beer

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 14:36:00 +0100

This episode outlines the facts surrounding Donoghue v Stevenson [1932], a landmark case that lays the foundation of the modern law of negligence. Introducing the first in a new series - Lawpod Stories - a more narrative look at key legal cases. This episode outlines the facts surrounding Donoghue v Stevenson [1932], a landmark case that lays the foundation of the modern law of negligence. Script by Dylan Knutsen Voices: Dylan Knutsen, Lucy Bill and Emer Smyth.

LawPod Retrospective: 100 Episodes

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode, the LawPod team reflect on our first 100 episodes. LawPod's current Director, Dr Lauren Dempster interviews its former Director, Dr Rachel Killean, and Producer Richard Summerville about why and how they created LawPod, and the challenges and rewards of podcasting. The Team discuss some of their favourite episodes, how LawPod has adapted in the age of COVID-19, and where it might go in the future. And, we have reflections from two of our student LawPodders on their podcasting experience. The episodes we discuss in this episode are: Episode 2 - 16 Days of Activism: Legal and Policy Responses to Domestic Violence Episode 5 - Digital Punishment Through Online Criminal Records Episode 7 - 16 Days of Activism: Activism, International Justice and Sexual and Gender Based Violence Episode 8 - Activism, Research and Human Rights Student Focus - Episode 12 - Women in Law : Axiom Managed Solutions Episode 16 - Moazzam Begg & Muhammad Rabbani in conversation with Dr Kevin Hearty Episode 41 - Interview with George Monbiot Episode 47 - Brexit: Justice and Security Episode 61 - Global Norms in a Divided World: Discussion with Professor Hans Lindahl Episode 62 - Law in Action: Modern Voices of Eco Activism Episode 75 - NI: The Constitutional Conversation Episode 97 - Being Black in Northern Ireland: BLM Protests, Institutional Racism and Social Media Episode 98 - Legal Lexicon - Parliamentary Sovereignty Episode 99 - The Shadow Pandemic: Domestic Abuse and COVID-19 Episode 77 - Contact tracing apps and Data Privacy Episode 100 - COVID-19 and the Laws of Death and Burial The Transitional Justice Series Criminology Matters series

International Women’s Day Series – Angela Godfrey Goldstein

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 10:26:00 +0100

Dr Alice Panepinto interviews peace activist Angela Godfrey-Goldstein about her life, career and work with Jahalin Solidarity which advocates against tranfer and forced displacement of Bedouin and other Palestinians living under occupation. Angela Godfrey-Goldstein is Director of Jahalin Solidarity, a Palestinian organisation she set up to support Jahalin Bedouin with capacity raising and advocacy, especially with regard to their forcible displacement, and to advocate against the Israeli Occupation. She was for many years Action Advocacy Officer with ICAHD – the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions, and Advocacy Officer for Grassroots Jerusalem, having previously been an environmental activist in Sinai, Egypt, where she lived for four years with Bedouin. Together with Eid abu Khamis Jahalin, she was a Rebuilding Alliance “Peacemaker” awardee in 2018. A chapter she wrote about her work for the past 20 years with Bedouin was published in 2018 by Veritas in the best-selling book “Defending Hope Dispatches From The Front Lines In Palestine And Israel”. https://www.iwgia.org/en/palestine/3638-iw-2020-palestine.html https://www.jahalin.org

International Women’s Day Series – Gemma McKeown

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 10:43:00 +0100

In the second of three episodes developed in partnership with the QUB School of Law Athena Swan Committee for International Women's Day 2021, Dr Eithne Dowds interviews Gemma McKeown about her career and work as a solicitor with CAJ.

International Women’s Day Series – Anne-Marie McAlinden

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 16:29:00 +0100

In this episode Dr Rachel Killean interviews Prof. Anne-Marie McAlinden about her research and life as an academic. In the first of three episodes developed in partnership with the QUB School of Law Athena Swan Committee for International Women's Day 2021, Dr Rachel Killean interviews Prof. Anne-Marie McAlinden about her research and life as an academic. This episode is part of our International Women’s Day series, and highlights the important work carried out by women in different legal and activist spheres. Prof Anne-Marie is a world leading expert on ‘harmful’ sexual behaviours amongst young people. Her recent projects include ‘grooming’ and the sexual abuse of children; desistance from sexual offending; sexual exploitation and abuse by children and young people; and apologies and the past where one of the case studies is institutional child abuse. More information on Anne-Marie’s work is available here.

COVID-19 and the Laws of Death and Burial

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 11:05:00 +0100

In this episode, PhD candidate Paula Shilliday talks to Professor Heather Conway about the intersections between the COVID-19 pandemic and the laws of death and burial. Prof Conway outlines the ways in which COVID-19 and related restrictions have impacted upon the socially and culturally significant act of the funeral, and the implications of this - in particular in terms of the potential risk to emotional wellbeing and mental health. You can read Heather Conway's post for The Conversation on this issue here and you can access a longer piece by Heather on the NI specifics for (2020) 2 Folio: Northern Ireland Conveyancing and Property Law Journal 16-21 here.

The Shadow Pandemic: Domestic Abuse and COVID-19

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 10:10:00 +0100

This episode explores Dr. Ronagh McQuigg’s research into the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Ronagh shares her reflections on the effect of lockdown and social distancing measures implemented due to the Covid-19 pandemic on rates of domestic violence. She points to the numerous ways in which the pandemic has exacerbated the situation for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and made it more difficult to reach women in crisis. Dr. McQuigg also discusses the ways in which human rights frameworks can be used to mitigate against domestic abuse. Further reading: Dr McQuigg's original QPol blog , McQuigg (2018) 'Is it time for a UN Treaty on Violence Against Women?' , McQuigg (2014) on human rights law, the courts, and domestic violence.

Legal Lexicon: Parliamentary Sovereignty

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 10:20:00 +0100

This episode explores the concept of parliamentary sovereignty with Professor Aileen McHarg. It is a wide-ranging conversation which touches on foundational elements of parliamentary sovereignty, judicial interpretation, devolution, Brexit and democracy. It is an engaging and enlightening look at a key legal concept which underpins constitutional law in the United Kingdom and has been at the forefront of political discourse in the debate over Brexit. Further reading on parliamentary sovereignty by Professor McHarg: A. McHarg, (2018) “Constitutional Change and Territorial Consent: The Miller Case and the Sewel Convention” in The UK Constitution after Miller (eds) M. Elliott, J. Williams and A. L. Young. Hart Publishing. A. McHarg and C. McCorkindale "Continuity and Condusion: Towards Clarity? The Supreme Court and the Scottish Continuity Bill" (blogpost, UKCLA) A. McHarg (2006) “What is devolved legislation?” Public Law. The academic work mentioned by Professor McHarg in the episode can be found here: Public Law for Everyone - Professor Mark Elliott (Professor of Public Law, Chair of the Faculty of Law, University of Cambridge) J. Goldsworthy, (2001) The Sovereignty of Parliament: History and Philosophy. Oxford University Press. M. Gordon, (2015) Parliamentary Sovereignty in the UK Constitution: Process, Politics and Democracy. Hart Publishing. Oxford Putney Debates 2020 - Keynote lecture on parliamentary sovereignty by Prof Mike Gordon (Constitutional Law, University of Liverpool) AL. Young, (2009) Parliamentary Sovereignty and the Human Rights Act. Hart Publishing.

Being Black in Northern Ireland: BLM Protests, Institutional Racism and Social Media

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 15:00:00 +0100

In this podcast we discuss with guests Tura Arutura, Cassie Logan (both activists for BLM) and Sinead Marmion (from Phoenix Law) the PSNI's approach to the BLM protests in Belfast last June. Our guests discuss their experiences of institutional racism in Northern Ireland and how social media plays a key role in educating others about the reality of being black in Northern Ireland. This episode also discusses the importance of representation in the legal field and how the law can be changed to protect minorities in Northern Ireland.

Episode 78 – Informers and Transitional Justice

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 12:53:00 +0100

In this podcast, Prof Kieran McEvoy and Prof Mark Drumbl explore the intersections between informers and transitional justice. Drawing in particular on Mark and Dr Barbora Hola's research on informers and collaborators in the former Czechoslovakia, this podcast explores the role of informers in transitional justice so far and considers what transitional justice should do with informers. Kieran and Mark discuss the complex motivations behind informing, reactions to informing, and the implications for victims of the activity of informants. https://law.wlu.edu/faculty/full-time-faculty/mark-drumbl https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/kieran-mcevoy

Episode 77 – Contact tracing apps and Data Privacy

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 06:01:00 +0100

In this episode, Arianna McBurney and Megan Burns talk to Professor Daithi Mac Sithigh about the contact tracing apps in the UK. Professor Mac Sithigh discusses the implication for data privacy law, whether we should be concerned about data breaches, and what his ideal contact tracing app would look like. Professor Daithi Mac Sithigh is a professor of Law and Innovation at Queen's University Belfast. His research interests are in law and technology, with recent work addressing audiovisual media law, legal issues in the creative industries, the 'sharing economy', and data privacy issues. Further details are available here: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/daith%C3%AD-mac-s%C3%ADthigh

Episode 76 – The origins of human rights at Queen’s: student activism, the study of human rights law and the Human Rights Centre

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 06:01:00 +0100

In this episode, Professor Tom Hadden and Professor Brice Dickson discuss the origins of human rights research at Queen's. The episode discusses the history of the human rights centre at Queen's, the role students play in human rights movements, researching and applying human rights law during the troubles, and the future of human rights research.https://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/human-rights-centre/

Episode 75 – Northern Ireland: The Constitutional Conversation.

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Professor Colin Harvey reflects on the constitutional arrangement here in Northern Ireland with Emer Smyth, a Master of Laws student at QUB. At the end, Colin is asked five quickfire questions about himself - the answers can only be one word or one sentence. In this episode we cover: - The Good Friday Agreement - its rights-based and constitutional promises. ( the Agreement itself can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-belfast-agreement The Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. You can follow the activity of the Ad Hoc Committte on a Bill of Rights here: http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/committees/2017-2022/ad-hoc-committee-on-a-bill-of-rights/ & the Northern Ireland Human Right's Commission's advice to the British Government on a Bill of Rights can be accessed here: https://www.nihrc.org/publication/category/Bill-of-Rights? Brexit & the European Union - the implications of Brexit for Northern Ireland & how Brexit alters the debate in that if there were a referendum on the constitutional status of Northern Ireland and people voted for re-unification, Northern Ireland would automatically rejoin the EU. Colin Harvey's paper (mentioned in the episode) with Barrister Mark Bassett can be accessed here: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/publications/the-eu-and-irish-unity-planning-and-preparing-for-constitutional- The South/Republic of Ireland - how that factors into the constitutional status of Northern Ireland. - The role of academics in the constitutional conversation.

Episode 74 – Defamation and Privacy Law in Northern Ireland

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Dr. Mark Hanna talks about Defamation and Privacy Law in Northern Ireland with media lawyers Paul Tweed, Peter Girvan and Oliva O'Kane, the journalist and author Sam McBride, and Jessica Ní Mhainín of the Index on Censorship organisation

Episode 73 – Apologies and Transitional Justice

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 15:42:00 +0100

In this episode, Prof Kieran McEvoy and Dr Anna Bryson discuss the findings of their ESRC-funded research project, Apologies, Abuses and Dealing with the Past. Focusing on apologies for harms related to the Northern Ireland conflict, they consider what makes a good apology, some of the specific apologies that have been made in relation to the conflict, and the relationship between apologies and other transitional justice mechanisms. You can learn more about the project here and access the report the project team prepared for the UN here.

Episode 72 – Disappearances in Cyprus with Dr Iosif Kovras

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 15:39:00 +0100

In this episode, Dr Iosif Kovras (University of Cyprus) explores issues relating to disappearances in Cyprus. He discusses the context of disappearances, mobilisation by families of the disappeared, the work of the Committee on Missing Persons, and the challenges of recovering the remains of those who have been disappeared. You can learn more about Iosif's work on his website. His monograph, Grassroots Activism and the Evolution of Transitional Justice, was published by Cambridge University Press in 2017.

Episode 71 – Conflict Textiles: Following the Footsteps of the Disappeared

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 12:26:00 +0100

In this episode we welcome Roberta Bacic and Breege Doherty to discuss the Conflict Textiles archive and the current exhibition, Following the Footsteps of the Disappeared. Drawing on descriptions of specific pieces from the exhibition, Roberta and Breege explore the role of textiles in activism and in the memorialisation of the disappeared. Four pieces are discussed in this episode: For Paul Where are the “disappeared”? Stitching the Search The Earth Always Remembers Learn more about the Conflict Textiles archive here and on Twitter @conflicttextiles You can watch a video about the archive here View the exhibition here and access a list of the textiles here

Episode 70 – Ex-combatants and Transitional Justice

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 12:12:00 +0100

In this episode, Dr Lauren Dempster interviews Prof Kieran McEvoy about the role of ex-combatants in transitional justice processes. Kieran discusses the notion of the ex-combatant as a 'spoiler', the role of ex-combatants in transforming cultures of violence and building peace, and what the Northern Ireland experience suggests for other transitional contexts.

Episode 69 – Amnesties in Transitional Justice

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Prof Kieran McEvoy interviews world-leading amnesties expert Prof Louise Mallinder and Dr Lauren Dempster about the role of amnesties in transitional justice processes. In particular they discuss what Louise has learned about these mechanisms through the process of compiling her database of some 700 amnesty laws. You can access Louise's amnesty database here.

Episode 68 – Policing in Transition

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 09:00:00 +0100

Prof Kieran McEvoy and Dr Kevin Hearty explore the relationship between policing and transitional justice. Drawing on the Northern Ireland case study and international examples, they analyse the compromises, challenges and complexities of policing in transition. To learn more about Dr Hearty’s research into policing, please see his 2017 Critical Criminology article on ‘Discourses of political policing in post-Patten Northern Ireland’ and his 2016 Irish Political Studies article on ‘How the ‘suspect community’ became ‘critical engagers.’’ Dr Hearty discusses a recent article by Brianne McGonigle Leyh. You can access it here.

Episode 67 – Truth Recovery in Northern Ireland

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 14:03:00 +0100

In this episode, Prof Kieran McEvoy and Dr Cheryl Lawther discuss official and grassroots approaches to truth recovery in Northern Ireland. Transitional Justice Series 2 - In this episode, Prof Kieran McEvoy and Dr Cheryl Lawther discuss official and grassroots approaches to truth recovery in Northern Ireland, the politics of – and challenges facing – efforts to recover truth in this context, and the current status of efforts to ‘deal with’ the legacy of the Northern Ireland conflict. For a slightly different take on the themes discussed, you can read Cheryl Lawther’s article in the International Review of Victimology on ‘Haunting and Transitional Justice’. In this LawPod episode, Cheryl references a BBC Red Lines interview with Northern Ireland’s Lord Chief Justice, Sir Declan Morgan. You can access that here.

Episode 66 – Women of Color and Human Rights

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 16:38:00 +0100

Dr Mark Hanna talks about Women of Colour and Human Rights with Dean Adrien Wing and Professor Anna Spain Bradley. Dean Adrien Wing is Associate Dean for International and Comparative Law Programs and the Bessie Dutton Murray Professor at the University of Iowa College of Law, and Professor Anna Spain Bradley is Vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion at UCLA. The distinguished guests discuss Critical Race Theory and Global Critical Race Feminism, and the insights of those approaches into the distinctive voice that women of colour have in the development of human rights at both the national and global level. Anna Spain Bradley SSRN: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=1339908 Twitter: @ASpainBradley https://lawweb.colorado.edu/profiles/pubpdfs/spain/AfricanWomenLeaders.pdf https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3423611 http://opiniojuris.org/2019/09/04/international-laws-racism-problem/ https://law.uiowa.edu/adrien-wing

Episode 65 – Reparations for Conflict-Related Environmental Harm

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 05:00:00 +0100

Transitional Justice Series 1 - In this episode Dr Rachel Killean tells us about her recent article, ‘From ecocide to eco-sensitivity: ‘greening’ reparations at the International Criminal Court,’ published in The International Journal of Human Rights in 2020. Rachel examines the challenges of responding to conflict-related environment harm, explores the concept of ‘eco-sensitivity,’ and discusses what it might look like to see reparations through an ‘eco-sensitive’ lens. You can read Rachel’s full article here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13642987.2020.1783531?casa_token=HbRIJGMMjhYAAAAA%3AQ1f5Mg9tez88Yy-xzKKjqbN605ZCs7rhPFN6j0vViAl0f5kFaH3mHkk88EoshCy5XEouBhCunnDoCA Download the Episode Transcript

Episode 64 – Challenging Racism and Pursuing Decolonisation in Higher Education

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 05:01:00 +0100

Oluwayomi Olaide-Kolapo (QUB’s African and Caribbean Society) and Hamsavani Rajeswaren (former QUB Student Union Officer for Equality and Diversity) discuss the particular challenges of facing up to white supremacy in higher education institutions. In this episode we welcome Oluwayomi Olaide-Kolapo (the President of QUB’s African and Caribbean Society) and Hamsavani Rajeswaren (former QUB Student Union Officer for Equality and Diversity) to LawPod, to discuss the particular challenges of facing up to white supremacy in higher education institutions. We discuss their advocacy work at QUB, the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, the promises and pitfalls of ‘decolonising the curriculum’ movements, and much more in this thought-provoking episode. Further resources mentioned in the episode: Abolitionist Futures Reading Group: abolitionistfutures.com/reading-groups 13th: Netflix.com Black and Irish: /www.instagram.com/black_andirish/?hl=en Black and British: www.instagram.com/iamblackbritish/

Episode 63 – Restoring Cultural Property and Communities after Conflict

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode Dr Lauren Dempster interviews Prof. Robin Hickey and Dr Rachel Killean about their project ‘Restoring Cultural Property and Communities after Conflict’. They discuss the experience of the Cham Islamic minority in Cambodia, reflecting on their loss of cultural property during the Khmer Rouge regime, and exploring their process of recovery following the end of that regime. More information about the project can be found here: https://reparations.qub.ac.uk/cultural-property/

Episode 62 – Law in Action: Modern Voices of Eco Activism

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 05:01:00 +0100

Host Anoushka Syed is joined by Kaitlyn Laverty (Youth Strike 4 Climate Belfast) and Paul Brogan (Extinction Rebellion Northern Ireland) to talk about being modern activists, how eco-anxiety can be channelled into constructive efforts, and how media representations are largely missing the point. Youth Strike 4 Climate Belfast https://www.facebook.com/ys4cbelfast/ https://fridaysforfuture.org/ https://twitter.com/UKSCN1 https://twitter.com/strike4youth Extinction Rebellion Northern Ireland https://www.facebook.com/ExinctionRebellionNorthernIreland/ https://twitter.com/xr__ni https://twitter.com/ExtinctionR https://rebellion.earth/ https://www.ipcc.ch/ https://report.ipcc.ch/sr15/pdf/sr15_spm_final.pdf Host: Anoushka Syed Sound: Niamh Brogan Research: Wen Xiang Li, Anoushka Syed, Niamh Brogan Thank you so much to Kaitlyn and Paul for an insightful, passionate and informative discussion.

PhD Series 5 – Siofra Corr

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 05:01:00 +0100

Lawpod Director Rachel Killean talks to PhD candidate Siofra Corr about her research which is focused on reparations processes for sexual violence victims of mass conflicts. They explore the contextualites of Siofra's chosen topic and her experience of studying at the Law School, touching on how she has managed with the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on her studies. Siofra obtained her undergraduate degree in law at QUB in 2017 during which she developed an interest in transitional justice and reparations (especially for victims of sexual violence during times of conflict). She pursued this interest during her Master’s degree in Public International Law at Utrecht University, graduating in 2018.

Episode 61 – Global Norms in a Divided World: Discussion with Professor Hans Lindahl

Thu, 21 May 2020 05:01:00 +0100

Dr Mark Hanna and Professor Hans Lindahl, Chair of Legal Philosophy at Tilburg University in a wide ranging conversation about law, philosophy, boundaries and social movements. Dr Mark Hanna in discussion with Professor Hans Lindahl, Chair of Legal Philosophy at Tilburg University and Chair of Global Law at Queen Mary University of London. Professor Lindahl discusses a range of issues, including the importance of boundaries to legal orders and their relevance to Brexit and Northern Ireland, as well as the importance of social movements from the aboriginal Tent Embassy in Australia in the 1970s to the more recent phenomenon of Greta Thunberg and the school strike for climate.Professor Lindahl has published Fault Lines of Globalization: Legal Order and the Politics of A-Legality with Oxford University Press in 2013, and Authority and the Globalisation of Inclusion and Exclusion with Cambridge University Press in 2018. His research is focused on globalization processes, such as the concept of legal order in a global setting; the relation of boundaries to freedom, justice, and security; a politics of boundary-setting alternative to both cosmopolitanism and communitarianism; transformations of legal authority and political representation; immigration and global justice; collective identity and difference in the process of European integration.

PhD Series 4 – Iain Nash

Thu, 14 May 2020 05:01:00 +0100

Lawpod Director Rachel Killean talks to PhD candidate Iain Nash about his research which is focused on examining how nation-states regulate cybersecurity with a particular focus on consumer protection and Smart Devices. He is particularly interested in how we can legislate for 'post-data' cybersecurity, as we now live in an environment where our connected devices can have a physical impact on our lives, and whether we can apply a Cadbury code style of governance to technology markets.Iain is a late-stage PhD student; His undergrad ('08) and MA ('10) were in Economics (TCD and Warwick) and he then did an LLM in QUB back in 2010. He has worked in banking and tech companies over the past decade, although for a couple of years was involved in a startup, where he was involved in working with cybersecurity companies in Israel and the USA, helping them market their products.He started the PhD in Feb 2019 on a part-time, distance basis. Some resources:Working Paper Link: https://iainnash.ie/content/Cybersecurity_In_A_Post_Data_Environment.pdfTruncated abstract:This paper outlines the threats which are posed by the hacking of Smart Devices, and provides a rudimentary methodology to apportion liability to either the manufacturer or the user, where appropriate, following a hack. This is done in a robust manner, from a technologically agnostic perspective, to ensure a persistent relevance in the face of unrelenting technological advancement. Good books (non academic) Bruce Schneier - Click Here To Kill Everybody Bruce Schneier - Schneier on Security Joel Brenner - America The Vulnerable Good blogs:Ross Anderson's blog: https://www.lightbluetouchpaper.org/ (always a fascinating read) Brian Krebs' blog: https://krebsonsecurity.com/ Interesting Reads:Stuxnet (where it all began from a cyber physical threat perspective) - https://www.wired.com/2014/11/countdown-to-zero-day-stuxnet NotPetya - https://www.wired.com/story/notpetya-cyberattack-ukraine-russiacode-crashed-the-world Wannacry - https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/12/15630354/nhs-hospitals-ransomware-hack-wannacry-bitcoin & https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/14/15637472/renault-nissan-shut-down-french-uk-factories-wannacrycyberattack Mirai (the largest [at the time] Botnet in the world, made up of mostly IoT devices) - https://blog.cloudflare.com/inside-mirai-the-infamous-iot-botnet-a-retrospective-analysis/

Episode 60 – Mass graves, forensics, and the right to truth

Thu, 07 May 2020 05:01:00 +0100

This episode, featuring Dr Melanie Klinkner interviewed by Dr Lauren Dempster, explores issues relating to mass graves, exhumation, and the right to truth. Dr Melanie Klinkner of Bournemouth University is interviewed by Dr Lauren Dempster about her work on the Mass Graves Protection for Truth and Justice project, the use of evidence from mass graves at the ICTY, and the role of forensic science in advancing the right to truth. Dr Melanie Klinkner is a Principal Academic in Law at Bournemouth University. You can access a list of Melanie's publications here: https://staffprofiles.bournemouth.ac.uk/display/mklinkner#publications . More information on the Mass Graves Protection project is available here: https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/research/projects/mass-grave-protection-truth-justice

Episode 59 – ‘The Problems with Human Rights’

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 05:01:00 +0100

Dr Andrew Godden talks to Professor Brice Dickson about his Stephen Livingstone Lecture, ‘The Problems with Human Rights’ On 21 November 2019, Professor Brice Dickson (Emeritus Professor of International and Comparative Law) delivered the Stephen Livingstone Lecture at the School of Law. His lecture, entitled ‘The Problems with Human Rights’, focused on the philosophical, legal and practical problems faced by human rights advocates in the modern world. This podcast explores Professor Dickson’s lecture in more detail, and includes discussion of a potential Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland and the challenges facing the human rights movement in the developing world. Dr Andrew Godden is a Lecturer (Education) at the School of Law, with an interest in Public International Law. http://nilq.qub.ac.uk/index.php/nilq/article/view/299 https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/brice-dickson-2 https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/andrew-godden-2

PhD Series 3 – Meghan Hoyt

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 05:01:00 +0100

LawPod Director Rachel Killean talks to PhD candidate Meghan Hoyt about her research into misogyny and hate crime. Meghan Hoyt is a first year PhD researcher at Queen University Belfast. Her thesis is entitled Addressing Misogyny: Gender, Hate Crime and New Feminist Approaches and she is exploring whether or not current hate crime legislation in the UK could be used to tackle the gendered harms associated with misogyny.

PhD Series 2 – Nkem Itanyi

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 05:01:00 +0100

LawPod Director Rachel Killean talks to PhD candidate Nkem Itanyi about her research into copyright infringement in the film industry in developing economies.

Nkem is a second-year PhD research student at Queen’s. Her research is looking at copyright infringement in the film industry in developing economies using Nigeria as a case study. The Nigerian film industry is popularly referred to as Nollywood and is regarded as the world’s third-largest film industry regarding films produced. In carrying out this research, in addition to a doctrinal analysis, Nkem will conduct qualitative research in the form of in-depth semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders in the film industry.

Nkem’s other research interests include Intellectual Property Law and Commercial Law. Currently on study leave, she is a lecturer employed in the department of Commercial and Corporate Law, Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria.

https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/n-itanyi

On her Pure Page, there are links to her Orchid, Scopus Profile, Google Scholar, Twitter and LinkedIn Accounts.

PhD Series 1 – Gillian Kane

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 06:19:00 +0100

LawPod Director Rachel Killean kicks off the PhD series by talking to PhD candidate Gillian Kane about her research into human trafficking.

Gillian is a PhD candidate in the School of Law at QUB. Her research focuses on the role of international law in preventing and tackling human trafficking among refugees and asylum seekers.

UNHCR Figures at a Glance: https://www.unhcr.org/uk/figures-at-a-glance.html Human Trafficking Knowledge Portal: https://sherloc.unodc.org/cld/en/v3/htms/index.html ECRE (European Council on Refugees and Exiles): https://www.ecre.org/

Episode 58 – Speaking Her Truth – Rape Myths and Consent

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 13:44:00 +0100

QUB students Maeve Devlin, Jade Mc Cauley, Tavisha Sood and Alexandra Cook discuss rape myths and consent with PHD student and former journalist Rosie Cowen. Recommended Book 'A trial by Jury' https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trial-Jury-D-Graham-Burnett/dp/0375420398 Farooqui v State Government of Delhi https://ohrh.law.ox.ac.uk/farooqui-v-state-government-of-delhi-confusing-consent/ How rape myths are used and challenged in rape and sexual assault trials https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/files/148641675/Smith_and_Skinner_How_rape_myths_are_used_at_trial.pdf Rape myths must be tackled after Belfast rape trial https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/rape-myths-must-be-tackled-after-belfast-rape-trial-says-ex-judge-1.3747866

Episode 57 – The Power of the Corporation in Society

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 06:01:00 +0100

PhD student Samantha Hopkins talks to Professor Harry van Buren from the University of New Mexico about the responsibilities which corporations owe to society, based on both their vast impact and their reliance on society in order to function. Among the issues discussed are the role of states in regulating corporations, ways in which corporate measures for protecting human rights may be made more effective, the effects which the reduction of the worker to a ‘resource’ can have on human rights, and the potential role of the public in influencing corporate practice. Professor van Buren has published widely in the business and human rights field, most recently regarding the global supply chain and its impacts on human trafficking. Professor van Buren can be found on ResearchGate at [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Harry_Buren] and on twitter:https://twitter.com/hjvb3?lang=en’

Episode 56 – Could Hong Kong Become Another Belfast?

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 06:01:00 +0100

In this episode, the Law in Action team talks to Professor Brice Dickson and students from Hong Kong about the protest and whether the government intransigence and police overreaction would ultimately lead to Hong Kong becoming another Belfast. The ongoing Hong Kong protests were triggered via the introduction of the Fugitive Offenders amendment bill by the Hong Kong government. If enacted the bill would have paved the way for extradition of criminal fugitives to China with which Hong Kong does not currently have extradition agreements. It led to concerns that this would subject Hong Kong residents and visitors to the legal system of mainland China, undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy and people’s civil liberties. As protest have progressed, the five key demands laid down by the protestors are as follows - the withdrawal of the bill, investigation into alleged police brutality and misconduct, release of arrested protestors, retraction of the official characterisation of the protests as ‘riots, and Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s resignation along with introduction of universal suffrage for the election of the Legislative Council and the Chief Executive. Though it seems that Hong Kong is safe on the whole, those inside the city are still immensely worried about where this all leads and if there is an end in sight. In this episode, the Law in Action team talks to Professor Brice Dickson and students from Hong Kong about the protest and whether the government intransigence and police overreaction would ultimately lead to Hong Kong becoming another Belfast. They also discuss possible ways of resolution to avert further eruptions of violence. https://edition.cnn.com/specials/asia/hong-kong-protests-intl-hnk https://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/could-hong-kong-become-belfast Discretion: The episode was recorded back in November 2019. As such, it did not account for recent events such as the council elections where it saw an unprecedented victory for the pro-democracy camp which details could be found: https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/11/25/what-happened-hong-kong-elections/ Professor Brice Dickson is an emeritus professor in Queen’s University Belfast. You can find more about his work here: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/brice-dickson In relation to the 2019 Stephen Livingstone Annual Lecture delivered by him on the Problems of Human Rights, it can be found here: http://law.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/news/StephenLivingstoneAnnualLecture2019ProfessorBriceDickson.html

Student Focus – Episode 13 – Responding to domestic violence, a conversation with Women’s Aid

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 06:01:00 +0100

Women’s Aid representative Sonya McMullan gives an eye-opening and informative discussion with law student Katie Kennedy. Warning: this episode discusses sensitive topics surrounding domestic violence which some listeners may find upsetting. Women’s Aid representative Sonya McMullan gives an eye-opening and informative discussion with law student Katie Kennedy on the worrying levels of domestic violence, and the impressive work of Women’s Aid to combat it. This Student Focus episode urges students to be informed and inspired to support the work of Women’s Aid. To find out more: https://www.womensaidni.org https://twitter.com/womensaidni?lang=en 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline: Call 0808 802 1414 Email: 24hrsupport@dvhelpline.org Text support to 07797 805 839

Episode 55 – Transitional Justice and Memory in Cambodia

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 06:01:00 +0100

Rachel Killean interviews Dr Peter Manning from the University of Bath about his research on the connections between human rights, transitional justice and memory. In this episode, Rachel Killean interviews Dr Peter Manning from the University of Bath about his research on the connections between human rights, transitional justice and memory, and discusses how these connections play out in the context of Cambodia. To learn more about Dr Manning’s work, visit his profile: https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/peter-manning His book ‘Transitional Justice and Memory in Cambodia’ is available here: https://www.routledge.com/Transitional-Justice-and-Memory-in-Cambodia-Beyond-the-Extraordinary-Chambers/Manning/p/book/9781472459374

Episode 54 – Criminology, Desistance, Collaboration & Creativity

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 15:43:00 +0100

10 - Criminology Matters - In this conversation, Shadd Maruna and Fergus McNeill reflect on what they learned from collaborating in making the documentary film ‘The Road from Crime’ and from the associated Desistance Knowledge Exchange project. They also stray into wider discussions about creative, sensory and public criminologies, musing on how researchers can and should engage with others in pursuit of justice. Fergus McNeill is Professor of Criminology & Social Work in the University of Glasgow where he works in the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research and in Sociology, and his work can be found here: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/staff/fergusmcneill/ Shadd Maruna is Professor of Criminology in the Department of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, QUB. You can find out more about Shadd's work here:https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/shadd-maruna See the docuementary 'the Road from Crime' here: https://vimeo.com/45631057

Episode 53 – The Collateral Consequences of Criminal Records

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:47:00 +0100

9 - Criminology Matters - Alessandro Corda talks to host Gillian McNaull about his research on criminal records. In it he examines the multiple collateral consequences experienced by individuals with a criminal record post-conviction. Additionally he outlines the impact of the market and technological forces that have dramatically reshaped the creation and sharing of criminal record data in recent years. This sees privatised third parties now producing and managing criminal records and their proxies according to corporate aims and processes, creating 'disordered punishment' which is difficult for governments and individuals to control.Dr Alessandro Corda is a Lecturer in Law at Queen's University Belfast. You can find out more about his work here: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/alessandro-corda Read his recent British Journal of Criminology article with Sarah E Lageson here: https://academic.oup.com/bjc/advance-article/doi/10.1093/bjc/azz039/5520079

Episode 52 – Non-State Armed Groups, Human Rights and International Law

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 06:01:00 +0100

Dr Luke Moffett talks to Dr Katharine Fortin about the complexities surrounding the obligations of 'non-state armed groups' under current legal frameworks. The majority of conflicts since the Second World War have been non-international armed conflict (civil war) involving non-state armed groups fighting against state forces, rather than traditional state vs state international conflicts. Yet international law that governs the conduct of war (IHL) and human rights law is aimed at states, which little scope for non-state armed groups' obligations. This podcast explores these issues along with contemporary problems on the return of ISIS detainees and their families, the complexity of armed groups and civilian relationships and reparations by groups like FARC. Assistant Professor Dr Katharine Fortin from Utrecht University, is the winner of the ASIL 2018 Lieber Prize for her book on 'The Accountability of Armed Groups under Human Rights Law' OUP (2017). She is also co-editor of the 'Armed Groups and International Law' blog (https://armedgroups-internationallaw.org/author/armedgroupsinternationallaw/) and recent recipient of VENI grant, which she is the PI of the project of 'Dangerous Liaisons: Civilian agency, armed groups and international law'. This podcast followed her presentation in the School of Law on 'Non-State Armed Groups and International Law: Engaging on Values and Building Ownership'. Dr Luke Moffett is a senior law lecturer at Queen's University Belfast, and is currently Principal Investigator of the AHRC funded 'Reparations, Responsibility and Victimhood in Transitional Societies' project, which is exploring the role of non-state armed groups in making reparations to their victims, including engagement with nearly two dozen armed groups on these issues around the world. More details of the project can be found here: https://reparations.qub.ac.uk/

Episode 51- Rape and Sexual Violence

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 06:01:00 +0100

8 - Criminology Matters - Host Rachel Killean talks to Eithne Dowds about her work on conceptualisations of rape under international law. (Content warning - this episode discusses sexual violence) Using a feminist methodology, Eithne discusses the nuances of consent and coercion, considering the potential of 'constructive force' to provide a framework for understanding rape in a global context. Find out more about Eithne's work in her recent article with the Modern Law Review: E. Dowds, ‘Towards a contextual definition of rape: Consent, coercion and constructive Force’ (2019) Modern Law Review. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1468-2230.12461 See Eithne's upcoming book here: E. Dowds, Feminist Engagement with International Criminal Law: Norm Transfer, Complementarity, Rape and Consent (Hart forthcoming): https://www.bloomsburyprofessional.com/uk/feminist-engagement-with-international-criminal-law-9781509921898/

Episode 50 – Prison Abolition: Decarceration and Transformation

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 06:01:00 +0100

7 - Criminology Matters - In this podcast co-host Gillian talks to Professor Phil Scraton about the harms of imprisonment and prison abolition. This entails an examination of issues of decarceration - decreasing existing rates of criminalisation and imprisonment. They also discuss the transformative justice dimensions of prison abolition, which sees building of community responses to harms that occur in society, putting in place the building blocks for transformative social change. Phil's work can be found here: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/phil-scraton/publications/

Episode 49 – Victim Participation in the Prosecution of International Crimes

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Dr Luke Moffett talks to Dr Elisa Novic from Advocats Sans Frontièrs about the challenges and developments with regard to victim participation in the prosecution of international crimes. Victim participation is a relatively recent development within international criminal justice, being introduced in the 1998 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. However, given the scale of international crimes that can involve thousands of victims, affording them a procedure to participate meaningfully and effectively in practice against an individual perpetrator is challenging at the international and domestic level. This podcast discusses the challenges and developments with regard to victim participation in the prosecution of international crimes. Dr Elisa Novic is the Transitional Justice and Business and Human Rights Expert in Avocats Sans Frontières, she is author of the book 'The Concept of Cultural Genocide: An International Law Perspective', published by Oxford University Press (2016) and works with a number of civil society and victim organisations on the issue of participation in a number of countries. ASF has recently published a briefing on victim participation at the Ugandan International Crimes Division here: https://www.asf.be/blog/2019/09/16/observations-et-reflexions-sur-la-participation-des-victimes-en-ouganda/ Dr Luke Moffett is a senior lecturer in the school and author of the book 'Justice for Victims before the International Criminal Court', by Routledge (2014).

Episode 48 – Corporate Pharmaceutical Crime

Fri, 08 Nov 2019 06:01:00 +0100

6 - Criminology Matters - Co-host Gillian McNaull talks to SSESW NINE MRes student, Angela Rogan about her research and activism in the area of corporate pharmaceutical crime. In this episode, Angela examines the gendered nature of medical implant harms against female reproductive systems and discusses her own experiences with the Essure Device and the radical activism this has provoked. Her research examines women's experiences of pharmaceutical reproductive harms in the context of gendered power dynamics in society, using a Foucaultian perspective. Angela's UG paper on this topic was Highly Commended in The Global Undergraduate Awards (UA), the world’s largest academic awards programme. Her paper, A Fusion of Feminism and Foucault to Fight Pharmaceutical Crime, was assessed by an international panel of expert judges and was ranked in the top 10% of 4,887 submissions from over 300 global universities:https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ssesw/Discover/News/Archive/GlobalAwardCommendationforSSESWStudent.html

Episode 47 – Brexit: Justice and Security

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 05:54:00 +0100

5 - Criminology Matters - Rachel Killean talks to Dr. Amanda Kramer about her recent IHREC/NIHRC research with Rachael Dickson and Anni Pues on the potential impact of Brexit on Criminal Justice on the Island of Ireland. The research focuses on justice and security cooperation measures across five areas including the European Arrest Warrant (EAW), policing and prosecution cooperation, and data sharing tools such as the European Criminal Records Information System and Passenger Name Records. The report has a particular focus on the human rights implications of potential changes in justice arrangements. They discuss the risk of justice and security vulnerabilities, as arrangements for justice are made post-Brexit. http://www.nihrc.org/uploads/publications/Evolving_Justice_Arrangements_Post_Brexit_FA.pdf Amanda Kramer PURE Biography https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/amanda-kramer

Episode 46 – Exploring Victimhood

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 18:45:00 +0100

4 - Criminology Matters - Paul Gallagher, PhD researcher in the Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice at Queen’s, and Dr Sarah Jankowitz, Lecturer in Criminology in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, discuss the complex concept of victimhood. Sarah begins with an overview of how victimhood as a concept is socially constructed, and discusses the implications of the so-called ‘ideal victim’ image for how society responds to victims’ needs. Paul then shares his own experiences of violence during the Northern Ireland conflict and how he encounters many of the paradoxes of victimhood in his advocacy work as part of the campaign for a pension for those severely injured as a result of the conflict and on the Victims and Survivors Forum. Dr Sara Jankowitz PURE profile http://wavetraumacentre.org.uk

Episode 45 – Patten 20 years on: Young People, Policing and Stop and Search

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 14:51:00 +0100

3 - Criminology Matters - In this podcast Gillian talks to Dr John Topping from SSESW about his recent event - Patten 20 years on: Young People, Policing and Stop and Search. http://qpol.qub.ac.uk/event/patten-20-years-on-young-people-policing-and-stop-and-search/They discuss the significance and implications of NI's disproportionate and rising use of stop and search - which is used to little effect. They ask, what are the tensions of policing in NI and what promise do alternative community restorative justice mechanisms hold?https://www.theguardian.com/law/2019/sep/04/stop-and-search-northern-ireland-psni Find out more about the series on our blog.

Episode 44 – Young People and Harmful Sexual Behaviour

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 05:01:00 +0100

2 - Criminology Matters - Professor Anne-Marie McAlinden and Dr Elizabeth Agnew speak about their individual research projects exploring young people and harmful sexual behaviour (HSB). Together they set out some of the key challenges in defining, conceptualising and responding to HSB among young people. To find out more follow Anne-Marie McAlinden https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/annemarie-mcalinden(e6193a8e-9011-4be7-85e0-79c3ea131d38).html and Elizabeth Agnew https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/elizabeth-agnew(56d451ef-598b-43b3-930d-76175bc221ba).html For further reading see: A.-M. McAlinden (Cambridge Studies in Law and Society, Cambridge University Press, 2018): https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/children-as-risk/43C59B8F7127F34329DD5F2815802FD8 QPOL blog: http://qpol.qub.ac.uk/sexual-exploitation-abuse-children-young-people-normal-risky-harmful/ Conversation piece: https://theconversation.com/teenage-sexting-were-letting-young-people-down-by-not-talking-about-it-107054 L. Ashurst and A.-M. McAlinden (2015), ‘Young People, Peer-to-Peer Grooming and Sexual Offending: Understanding and Responding to Harmful Sexual Behaviour within a Social Media Society’, Probation Journal 62(4): 374-388.

Episode 43 – Sex work and Criminalisation

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 05:01:00 +0100

1 - Criminology Matters: A criminology podcast series in conjunction with Lawpod - Gillian McNaull interviews Graham Ellison and Caoimhe Ní Dhónaill on their recent report. In this episode Gillian McNaull interviews Graham Ellison and Caoimhe Ní Dhónaill on their recent report: – ‘A review of the criminalisation of paying for sexual services in Northern Ireland’. They set out the context and scope of sex work in Northern Ireland before implementation of the Nordic Model which criminalises the purchase of sexual services, and discuss their findings of its impact upon sex workers, their safety, and conviction rates. Find the report here: https://www.justice-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/justice/report-criminalisation-paying-for-sex.pdf. Follow the work of Graham https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/graham-ellison(bb41ac14-2a33-4099-818a-6d1dedd5214b).html and Caoimhe https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/caoimhe-ni-dhonaill(101f7d1d-02dc-46ff-bd3b-9f8747cf38ff).html Find out more about the series on our blog.

Student Focus – Episode 12 – Women in Law : Axiom Managed Solutions

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 16:41:00 +0100

Women in Law: Lucy Bill and Emily Dickinson interview Naomi Little, Nicola Mallon and Jilly Cameron from Axiom Managed Solutions. They each discuss how their law careers developed.

Episode 42 – Speaking Out: Feminism, Rape and Narrative Politics

Wed, 29 May 2019 15:18:00 +0100

” In this episode, Rachel Killean sits down with Dr Tanya Serisier to discuss her book “Speaking Out: Feminism, Rape and Narrative Politics”https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9783319986685 and the successes, challenges and unresolved questions of ‘speaking out’ as a response to rape. This episode was recorded in conjunction with Dr Serisier’s visit to the QUB School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work in May 2019” To learn more about Tanya’s work, visit her profile here: http://www.bbk.ac.uk/law/our-staff/serisier.”

Student Focus – Episode 11 – Transition from University to Employment

Fri, 03 May 2019 09:47:00 +0100

James Milliken talks to Claire Ussher from the Queen's University Careers Service about employability.

Student Focus – Episode 10 – Study Skills: Legal Theory and Practice

Fri, 03 May 2019 08:26:00 +0100

Melissa McDonnell speaks to Dr Mark Hanna from the School of Law and Dr Claire McCann, Human Rights in Practice Officer at the Human Rights Consortium about Legal Theory and its link to practice.

In this third SWAN Study Choices podcast Level 2 LLB student and UG SWAN Representative Melissa McDonnell speaks to Dr Mark Hanna from the School of Law and Dr Claire McCann, Human Rights in Practice Officer at the Human Rights Consortium about Legal Theory and its link to practice. They discuss what studying legal theory involves and why it is a useful choice for careers in human rights practice work and beyond.

Student Focus – Episode 9 – Study Skills : Corporate Law

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 13:45:00 +0100

Dr Ciarán O'Kelly from the School of Law and Lindsey McCracken from Belfast firm FSCom about Corporate Law and where it might take you.

Are you a Level 2 law student considering optional module selection for next year? Not sure of what career options are opened up by particular areas of study? In this SWAN Study Choices podcasts Level 2 LLB student and UG SWAN Representative Melissa McDonnell speaks to Dr Ciarán O'Kelly from the School of Law and Lindsey McCracken from Belfast firm FSCom about Corporate Law and where it might take you.

FSCom are specialists in providing regulatory advisory services to a broad range of Financial Services institutions including Payment Services and e-money, Challenger Banks, Alternative Finance providers and WealthTech firms.

If you're interested in finding out more about FSCom and the work they do, visit their website here.

Student Focus – Episode 8 – Study Skills: Support for Law Students

Fri, 12 Apr 2019 09:38:00 +0100

How to Enhance Your Studies at QUB with the Learning and Development Services and the study skills support that is offered to law students. Melissa McDonnell is Level 2 LLB student and our undergraduate Athena SWAN Representative. In this podcast she talks to Level 2 student Shing Him Mak and Dr Ciarán O'Neill from Learning and Development Services about the study skills support that law students at QUB can avail of and how this can help your studies. Learning and Development Service offer a range of resources to support your academic work and personal development across the academic year. These include one-to-one appointments, and a range of learning resources available online. You can find out more information on the Learning Development Service website, or by contacting Ciarán O'Neill (c.g.oneill@qub.ac.uk).

Episode 41 – Interview with George Monbiot

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 11:12:00 +0100

Dr Peter Doran interviews George Monbiot in an electrifying discussion ranging the power of narratives in politics, the creation of a new politics to respond to political and environmental crises and the value of the commons in modern society. George Monbiot’s career as an author, columnist and environmental activist spans decades and he has written several best-selling books including Feral: Rewilding the land, sea and human life, The Age of Consent, and Heat: how to stop the planet burning. This interview was recorded on 26 March 2019 and coincided with George’s appearance at the Imagine! Festival where he delivered a talk based on his latest book Out of the Wreckage – a new politics for an age of crisis.

Episode 40 – The Injured Campaign

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 13:00:00 +0100

In the decades since The Troubles, the question of reparations has been left unanswered. This special episode of LawPod tells the story of the WAVE Trauma Centre’s campaign for a recognition payment to seriously injured victims of The Troubles. It features interviews with WAVE members Paul Gallagher, Jennifer McNern and Peter Heathwood, as well as Dr. Luke Moffett. The episode charts the stories of victims of the conflict, the origins of the campaign and the continuing effort to find a way forward in the face of political obstacles. Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of graphic violence Resources Find out more about WAVE’s campaign here: http://www.wavetraumacentre.org.uk/campaigns/the-injured-campaign-recognition-for-all The Reparations, Responsibility and Victimhood in Transitional Societies Project: https://reparations.qub.ac.uk Audio Credits: Lasting Hope by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100178 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Horology by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard is licensed under the artist’s own public-domain-equivalent license Source: http://kinggizzardandthelizardwizard.com/polygondwanaland/index.html All royalty free Musical loops Copyright © 2019 Apple Inc. All other royalty free music used in this episode was sourced from the YouTube audio library Clips of media coverage used in this episode are the property of the BBC and are used for the purposes of criticism or review consistent with fair dealing law under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988

Episode 39 – Law and the Legacy of Conflict

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 06:01:00 +0100

Professor Louise Mallinder joins LawPod for a conversation about how the law is used to navigate issues of the past. Chair of the Committee on the Administration of Justice and amnesty scholar Professor Louise Mallinder joins LawPod for a conversation about how the law is used to navigate issues of the past, providing context about the legislative history of the conflict in Northern Ireland. We reflect on the Northern Ireland Office’s Legacy Consultation and the Model Bill Team response, and how legal professionals can take a positive role in shaping public policy. Read the Model Bill Team’s response here: https://www.amnesties-prosecution-public-interest.co.uk/model-bill-team-response-to-nio-legacy-consultation/

Episode 38 – The Harms of Imprisonment: Insider Perspectives

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 06:01:00 +0100

A conversation between criminology lecturer Gillian McNaull and author Michael Irwin, where they discuss the impact of imprisonment on prisoner mental health and suicide. **CONTENT ADVISORY Informed by 'insider' experiences as a Samaritans prison visitor, and a former prisoner and Samaritans Listener, they consider the recent RQIA and RCP reports on prison mental health in Northern Ireland and explore the 'prison paradox' - conceptualized as a place of rehabilitation, is prison in fact a site inflicting violence and harm? Bibliography Irwin, M (2017). My Life Began at Forty. London: L.R. Price. https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Life-Began-at-Forty/dp/0992903769 Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (2018). Baseline Audit of Forensic Mental Health and Learning Disability Services - Adult Services. Belfast: The Regulation Nd Quality Improvement Authority. https://www.rqia.org.uk/RQIA/files/f8/f8d1d996-5902-4d6d-bed5-8ba6b3f4d0fd.pdf Royal College of Psychiatrists (2018). College Report CR219 'Prison Mental Health in Northern Ireland'. London: Royal College of Psychiatrists. https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/docs/default-source/improving-care/better-mh-policy/college-reports/college-report-cr219.pdf Content Advisory : This podcast discusses, graphically, issues of self harm and suicide.

Episode 37 – Rights of Communities, Rights of Nature.

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 06:05:00 +0100

Rights of Communities, Rights of Nature: a new conversation on law and ecology with Dr Peter Doran, QUB Law, and Thomas Linzey and Mari Margil, Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund, United States. Associate Director of CELDF Mari Margil and Executive Director of CELDF Thomas Linzey join Peter Doran in a wide-ranging discussion on an emerging new paradigm in environmental law, linking the rights of communities to the rights of nature. As the limits and systemic failures of environmental protection and governance become all too apparent across the island of Ireland, this timely conversation examines the limits of conventional environmental law approaches, explores the role of communities in resisting the collusion of state and corporate authorities in the despoliation of our common environmental heritage, and the increasing acknowledgement of nature as a rights-bearing subject worthy of our deepest respect and cooperation. The conversation also touches on new challenges for the legal profession and law schools in the context of systemic failures to equip communities and professionals with the means to resist ongoing ecosystem collapse. In an era where governmental institutions are unable to confront growing environmental crises, Linzey and Margil talk about a new people’s movement emerging in the United States and beyond, to forge a new system of law that enables people to protect their communities and nature by rejecting certain harmful corporate projects. The Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF), a U.S.-based community organizing organization and law firm, is pioneering this movement toward “community rights” and the “rights of nature.” Across the U.S. and around the globe, CELDF is working with communities and national governments to recognize the rights of ecosystems in law, and to stop fracking, factory farms, and other threats. CELDF’s senior legal counsel and co-founder Thomas Linzey, and associate director Mari Margil, will share stories from the frontlines: why U.S. municipal communities began to revolt against a system of law that elevates corporate “rights” and centralized governmental control over the rights of people and nature; how community rights and rights of nature laws were first enacted by U.S. communities; how Ecuador became the first country in the world to enshrine the rights of nature in its constitution; and how in countries from India to Colombia, from Nepal and Mexico, there is a growing movement to protect not only the human right to a healthy environment, but the rights of the environment itself. Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund: https://celdf.org/

Episode 35 – Legalise It? Debating the Criminalisation of Drugs

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 06:01:00 +0100

Dr Amanda Kramer leads a discussion with Dr Gillian McNaull and QUB JD student Caoimhe Anderson about Canada’s recent decision to legalise marijuana. This leads into a broader critical discussion about the criminalisation of drugs and approaches taken in other countries. Resources: -The Cannabis Act: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-24.5/page-1.html -Portugal and Decriminalisation of Drugs: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/dec/05/portugals-radical-drugs-policy-is-working-why-hasnt-the-world-copied-it Profiles: -Dr Amanda Kramer: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/amanda-kramer(6bf216e8-a01c-4633-95dc-745e52393dc0).html -Dr Gillian McNaull: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/gillian-mcnaull(75facf96-9baf-4656-9d65-1c78bc23a8be).html

Student Focus – Episode 7 – RBG Movie Review

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 15:40:00 +0100

The Gender Network at QUB present their movie review of the documentary ‘RBG’. Based on the extraordinary life of Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, it tells the story of the 84-year-old’s ‘breath-taking legacy’ in criminal justice, and her rise to the position of cultural icon. In this podcast the Gender Network crew, Amy Coulter & Niccola Parkes, give their review of the movie, discussing emerging themes of feminism, judicial diversity and the landmark legal legacies RBG has created. Book your tickets now for the Gender Network panel discussion and showing at QFT, this Thursday 10thJanuary, 6pm https://queensfilmtheatre.com/Whats-On/RBG https://edition.cnn.com/2019/01/01/us/harris-county-judges-texas-houston-black-women-trnd/index.html

Student Focus – Episode 6 – What I wish I had known as a first year PhD student

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 06:01:00 +0100

Final year PhD student's Conor McCormick, Sarah Craig and Roise Connolly discuss "What I wish I had known as a first year PhD student" "Your deadlines need not become dreadlines" Final year PhD student's Conor McCormick, Sarah Craig and Roise Connolly discuss "What I wish I had known as a first year PhD student" They talk about the PhD journey, provide tips and advice for incoming PhD students, dispel some of the myths surrounding PhD study and outline a few key strategies for success.http://www.law.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/Study/PhDandMPhil/

Episode 34 – Emergency Pandemics and the Limitations of Human Rights with Dr Patrycja Dabrowska-Klosinska: Are we legally prepared?

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 06:01:00 +0100

Pandemic emergency responses often lead to limitations of fundamental human rights in favour of the safety of public health. How do we justify lawful limitations on human rights? QUB Researcher and Marie Curie Fellow, Dr Dabrowska, joins LawPod to discuss her research on the judicial approaches to emergency preparedness and what this means for the future. Within the episode, the team considers the case of Kaci Hickox and the court's decision, a recent widely publicised Ebola case when quarantine procedures were legally questioned. For information on Dr Dabrowska’s current research and her contact information: THEMIS ‘Protecting Human Rights and Public Health in Global Pandemics: A Map of the Standards Applied by EU and US Courts’ This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 746014 ORCID iD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3581-3226 http://law.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/Research/projects/themis-project/ https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/patrycja-dabrowskaklosinska(c4fc82e3-3c8c-4216-8909-3b3c83b40cf0).html For more information on the subject and episode citations: Annas, G. J. and Mariner, W. K. (2016) ‘(Public) Health and Human Rights in Practice’, Journal of Health Politics, Policy & Law, 41(1), pp. 129–139. doi: 10.1215/03616878-3445659. Hickox, K. (2015) ‘Caught between Civil Liberties and Public Safety Fears: Personal Reflections from a Healthcare Provider Treating Ebola [article]’, Journal of Health & Biomedical Law, (Issue 1), p. 9. You can follow the contributors to this week’s episode on Twitter: @qublawpod

Student Focus – Episode 5 – Women in Law

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 17:22:00 +0100

Lucy Bill and Emily Dickinson talk to Juris Doctor Student Maria Pimentel and Undergraduate Student Madeleine Huber about the Women in Law Lean In Circle. The Circle is a student-led peer support group for QUB law students who identify as women and offers a venue for inspirational speakers to encourage members to ‘lean in' to their ambitions. They talk about their experience, an upcoming event with the NI Human Rights Festival and how to join the circle. https://leanin.org/circles/qub-women-in-law https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-womens-networks-insight-into-lean-in-circles-experiences-of-gender-inequality-tickets-52725015942

Episode 33 – The leading writer and physician, Gabor Maté in conversation with Dr Peter Doran

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 06:25:00 +0100

A fascinating and broad exploration of trauma, capitalism, psychology, Buddhism and the conflict in Northern Ireland. Among other things, they discuss the co-relationship between the functions of the economic system and the degree to which people are traumatised by the nature of the system itself. https://drgabormate.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabor_Maté_(physician) https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/peter-doran(389bd8bf-8535-4161-bc88-d2cc3e841c47).html

Episode 32 – The Criminalisation of Homelessness

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 17:28:00 +0100

Graduate student Alina Utrata talks to Dr Kevin Brown about the criminalisation of homelessness, and in particular the increasing use of Public Space Protection Orders. Episode produced by Alina Utrata, Rachel Alexandra Lynn Daphne Lim & Joanne Mei Jie Tang Academic Profile https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/kevin-j-brown(afe0a3eb-4af3-4171-aec9-7b777a341a52).html THE HYPER REGULATION OF PUBLIC SPACE: THE USE AND ABUSE OF PUBLIC SPACES PROTECTION ORDERS IN ENGLAND AND WALES https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/publications/the-hyper-regulation-of-public-space-the-use-and-abuse-of-public-spaces-protection-orders-in-england-and-wales(a633c910-2c8a-4230-b6cd-96791dc5d5a3).html Photo: Garry Knight on Flickr

Episode 31 – The Brexit & Environment Episode

Thu, 22 Nov 2018 12:01:00 +0100

LawPod coordinator Dr Rachel Killean talks to Dr Mary Dobbs (Queen’s School of Law) and Dr Viviane Gravey (Queen’s School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, co-chair of Brexit & Environment) about their work on Brexit, environment and agriculture policy. The discussion covers a variety of issues – why is Brexit also an environmental matter, why the Northern Irish situation is most challenging, and how to engage with policy debates in a country ‘tired of expert’s. To find out more: Read their report (co-authored with Dr Ciara Brennan & Attracta Ui Bhroin) on Environmental Governance after Brexit in Northern Ireland https://www.brexitenvironment.co.uk/policy-briefs/#nigov Read the House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee report on Agriculture to which they both participatedhttps://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmniaf/939/939.pdf

Student Focus – Episode 4 – How to Survive Law?

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 15:03:00 +0100

An informal guide on how to manage work-life balance according to law students Lucy Bill and James Milliken. Produced by Emily Dickinson Student Resourceshttps://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/wpu/Resources/ Student Wellbeinghttps://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/wellbeing/InformationforStudents/ Student Law Societyhttps://www.facebook.com/qublawsoc/

Episode 30 – Law and Emotion – Dr Martin Regan in conversation with Professor Susan Bandes

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 15:42:00 +0100

This wide ranging discussion explores the field of law and emotion and the intersection of law, psychology, neuroscience and philosophy. Prof Bandes is Centennial Professor of Law Emeritus at DePaul University College of Law, Chicago and an expert in the field of law and emotion. Drawing on the fields of law, psychology, neuroscience and the social sciences, Professor Bandes describes how emotions pervade the legal system, and influence the behaviour of legal actors in the courtroom setting. Topics include the role the remorse plays in the courtroom setting, and how judges and juries evaluate remorse. This is essential listening, not just for all Law Students interested in the criminal justice system - but for anyone with an interest in how emotions (those basic human experiences) infuse and ultimately shape courtroom dynamics. Should judges and juries recognise emotion in the courtroom? What role does remorse play in the courtroom and how do judges and juries evaluate remorse? Does a colour or black and white photograph make for better evidence and what effect do they have on a juries emotional state? http://www.susanbandes.com https://law.depaul.edu/faculty-and-staff/faculty-a-z/Pages/susan-bandes.aspx https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/martin-regan(44b6ad5d-ce52-4c0c-a4c7-b94c48d9a56e).html

Episode 29 – Misuse of ‘Stop and Search’ powers in Northern Ireland?

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 13:36:00 +0100

Lawpodder Reece Simpson talks to Dr John Topping about the disproportionate use of stop and search powers in Northern Ireland. Presenter: Reece Simpson Researcher : Michael Sheerin https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/john-topping(9c0b4144-2457-4069-bb1a-6a645e75732b).html http://www.ark.ac.uk/publications/updates/update120.pdf https://academic.oup.com/bjc/article/57/4/885/2623982 http://www.ark.ac.uk/ylt/results/summary17.pdf http://www.stop-watch.org https://www.psni.police.uk/inside-psni/Statistics/stop-and-search-statistics/

Episode 28 – Podcasting with Sarah Lageson

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 23:01:00 +0100

Adam Harkens talks to Dr Sarah Lageson about the joys of podcasting. She shares her experience of developing a popular social science podcast called "Give Methods a Chance". They explore how academic podcasting puts meaning into research and highlight the value of student participation. Participants Adam Harkens - pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/adam-harkens(2c64170f-091f-4cee-8beb-9480dd014537).html @AdamHarkens Dr Sarah Lagerson – www.sarahlageson.com and https://rscj.newark.rutgers.edu/people/faculty/dr-sarah-e-lageson/ @sarahlageson https://thesocietypages.org/methods/

Episode 27 – Master Victoria McCloud on Judicial Diversity, Accessible Laws and Autonomous Technologies

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 16:00:00 +0100

Conor McCormick and Ciaran Moynagh talk to Dr Victoria McCloud - a Master of the Senior Courts in the Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court in London. They discuss a variety of issues ranging from judicial diversity to the accessibility of legal writing. Master McCloud’s judgment in Warsama & Anr v Foreign and Commonwealth Office & Ors [2018] EWHC 1461 (QB), complete with the “accessible language summary” discussed in this episode, can be read in full here: http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/QB/2018/1461.html. Master McCloud’s summer reading recommendation can also be sourced at this link: https://archive.org/details/GEBen_201404. The text of Master McCloud’s Belfast Pride Law Lecture can also be accessed in full at this link You can follow the hosts of this week’s episode on Twitter: @ConorMcCormick and @CiaranMoy

Episode 26 – Legislating for Marriage Equality in Northern Ireland with Ged Killen MP and Patrick Corrigan

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 14:00:00 +0100

Conor McCormick hosts a discussion with Ged Killen MP and Patrick Corrigan of Amnesty International NI about constitutional issues confronting campaigners seeking to extend same-sex marriage to Northern Ireland via legislation at Westminster. Matters discussed include the utility of Private Members’ Bills and the conventional constraints on individual parliamentarians involved in law reform projects. For a press release detailing some of the other constitutional issues raised in a speech delivered by Ged Killen MP at the Amnesty International Belfast Pride Lecture which took place on the same date this podcast was recorded, click here: https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/northern-ireland-ged-killen-mp-says-opponents-same-sex-marriage-have-lost-belfast. For further information about the Love Equality campaign, visit: https://loveequalityni.org/. For Conor McCormick’s critique of how In Re X [2017] NIFam 12 was decided at first instance, see: https://www.irishlegal.com/article/ni-blog-queerying-petition-x. You can follow the contributors to this week’s episode on Twitter: @ConorMcCormick, @Gedk and @PatrickCorrigan.

Episode 25 – The World Cup, Business and Human Rights

Fri, 06 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0100

This episode with Ciara Hackett, Clare Patton and Ciarán O Kelly explores the intersection between business, human rights and the World Cup. In a wide ranging conversation the guests look at the role of law in the regulation of and restitution for human rights abuses, poverty wages, modern slavery and the moral and ethical considerations surrounding consumer participation in the Word Cup. ParticipantsCiarán OKelly Ciara Hackett Clare Patton Downloads LawPod Resources: Football, Business and Human Rights

Episode 24 – Implementing the Stormont House Agreement

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 23:01:00 +0100

This episode focuses on the recent launch of a public consultation on the legislation to implement the Stormont House Agreement. The conversation, with Prof Kieran McEvoy, Dr Anna Bryson and Dr Lauren Dempster, explores the context for SHA Model Bill, the proposed mechanisms and some of the difficulties surround its implementation including concerns about national security proposals. Prof Kieran McEvoy https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/kieran-mcevoy(c9ea4e5d-156a-4dc6-8d5c-5371712cbf9b).html Dr Anna Bryson https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/anna-bryson(5e765811-b6e0-4252-b144-15401383e328).html Dr Lauren Dempster https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/lauren-dempster(370f7c1f-9d62-480d-b69b-beb218947797).html Links https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-stormont-house-agreement https://caj.org.uk/2015/09/17/stormont-house-agreement-model-implementation-bill-explanatory-notes/ https://amnesties-prosecution-public-interest.co.uk https://amnesties-prosecution-public-interest.co.uk/output-type/stormont-house-agreement/ Acronym Glossary Stormont House Agreement (SHA) Historical Investigations Unit (HIU) Independent Commission on Information Retrieval (ICIR) Implementation and Reconciliation Group (IRG) Oral History Archive (OHA)

Episode 23 – Is it time for an Irish Language Act for Northern Ireland?

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 23:01:00 +0100

Postgraduate student Emma McMillen talks to Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin, Advocacy Manager for Conradh na Gaeilge about the case for an Irish Language Act for Northern Ireland. The conversation explores the cultural and historical background of Irish on the island, the provisions of the St Andrews agreement and of course the impact of Brexit. @crogallmorglas https://cnag.ie/ @CnaG

Episode 22 – Exploring the impacts of Brexit on Northern Ireland with BrexitLawNI

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 23:01:00 +0100

Dr Rachael Dickson talks to members of BrexitLawNI about potential constitutional, conflict transformation, human rights and equality impacts of Brexit for Northern Ireland. BrexitLawNi is: Professor Colin Harvey (QUB)Dr Amanda Kramer (QUB)Professor Rory O'Connell (UU)Brian Gormally (CAJ) https://brexitlawni.org

Episode 21 – Broadcasting & Brexit with Prof Daithí Mac Síthigh & Sherlly Acleus

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 23:01:00 +0100

Prof Daithí Mac Síthigh explores the potentially serious implications of Brexit for the £1 billion a year UK broadcasting industry. Professor Mac Síthigh explains the Country of Origin Principle which allows media companies to broadcast throughout the EU from any member country and whether Northern Ireland could continue to benefit from the Principle, post-Brexit. The episode addresses Theresa May’s allusion to “creative solutions” for the broadcasting industry and how they might align with possible free trade agreements between the UK and EU. Professor Mac Síthigh also considers the future viability of Irish language broadcasts in Northern Ireland. See Professor Mac Sithigh’s new book, ‘Medium Law’, for a more in-depth analysis of media and communication regulation. Further reading: https://brexitlawni.org/blog/broadcasting-and-brexit/ https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/audiovisual-media-services-directive-avmsd https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/Research/research-news/BroadcastingandBrexit.html https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/feb/25/ireland-pushes-for-uk-tv-channels-to-make-post-brexit-move https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44307883 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-28/it-s-back-to-the-80s-for-brexit-hit-broadcasters-without-deal Professor Mac Sithigh’s research profile: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/daithi-mac-sithigh(1b3b1427-2839-4683-9dc7-fc56a54e1a67).html

Episode 20 – Exploring Consent with Eithne Dowds and Jessica Elder

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 23:01:00 +0100

QUB School of Law’s Eithne Dowds in a conversation with QUB welfare officer Jessica Elder discussing the role of consent in relation to the crime of rape. This episode features QUB School of Law’s Eithne Dowds in a conversation with QUB welfare officer Jessica Elder. They discuss the role of consent in relation to the crime of rape, and some of the challenges associated with the interpretation and application of this concept within both social and legal contexts. Jessica draws on her experience of running consent workshops in QUB and Eithne highlights key issues around consent from a domestic and comparative perspective. You can learn more about Jessica here: http://www.qubsu.org/YourUnion/MeettheTeam/StudentOfficers/Welfare/ You can learn more about Eithne here: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/eithne-dowds(8cd45b65-e26e-4cb5-bc4b-fa8b11906f15).html Some material mentioned as part of the conversation or relevant to it:

Elder, Launch of the Consnet Ambassador Programme and Results Launch of the S.C.O.R.E. Stand Together Survey: https://blogs.qub.ac.uk/studentsunion/2017/08/22/cw-sexual-assault-launch-of-the-consent-ambassador-programme-and-results-launch-of-the-s-c-o-r-e-stand-together-survey/.

S.C.O.R.E, Stand Together Report, 2017 https://www.dropbox.com/s/bljy7rpn92sk5le/The%20Stand%20Together%20Report%202017.pdf?dl=0

Dowds, ‘An International Response to #MeToo, Rape and Sexual Abuse is Needed’, The Conversation, 4 May 2018: https://theconversation.com/an-international-legal-response-to-metoo-rape-and-sexual-abuse-is-needed-95617

Dowds, ‘Rape and Consent: Ongoing Challenges’, agendaNI Magazine, 28 April 2018: http://www.agendani.com/rape-and-consent-ongoing-challenges/

Dowds, ‘Conceptualising the Role of Consent in the Definition of Rape at The International Criminal Court: A Norm Transfer Perspective’ (2017)International Feminist Journal of politics: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14616742.2018.1447311

Larcombe, B. Fileborn, A. Powell, N. Hanley and N. Henry, ‘I Think it’s Rape and I Think He Would be Found Not Guilty’: Focus Group Perceptions of (un)Reasonable Belief in Consent in Rape Law’ (2016) 25(5) Social & Legal Studies61: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0964663916647442

Episode 19 – A discussion on the scope and legal implications of International Cartels

Wed, 30 May 2018 23:01:00 +0100

Dr Marek Martyniszyn joins second year QUB Law Student, Michael Sheerin, to explore the highly topical issue of International Cartels which have far reaching negative implications for potentially millions of consumers. Marek draws upon his extensive research and expertise in this area to help explain the means by which they are able to operate, the unique problems they present to both domestic markets and the international legal order as well as highlighting potential remedies for this very real problem. http://ec.europa.eu/competition/international/bilateral/agreement_eu_ch_en.pdf http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-16-2582_en.htm https://www.gov.uk/government/news/man-charged-in-cma-criminal-cartel-investigation https://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2015/april/eu-court-confirms-210m-fine-for-lg-over-lcd-panels-cartel-/ https://www.steptoeantitrustblog.com/2017/09/eu-court-justice-finally-delivers-landmark-judgment-intel-case/ Marek Martyniszyn, 'Export Cartels: Is it Legal to Target Your Neighbour? Analysis in Light of Recent Case Law', 15(1) Journal of International Economic Law 181 (2012) Marek Martyniszyn,'Foreign State’s Entanglement in Anticompetitive Conduct', 40(2) World Competition 299 (2017) Marek Martyniszyn,'How High (and Far) Can You Go? On Setting Fines in Cartel Cases Involving Vertically-Integrated Undertakings and Foreign Sales', 37(3) European Competition Law Review 99 (2016) Marek Martyniszyn, 'Inter-Agency Evidence Sharing in Competition Law Enforcement', 19(1) International Journal of Evidence and Proof 11 (2015) Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development, Competition Law and Policy: Drivers of Economic Growth and Development(2015)

Episode 18 – Repeal the 8th Referendum Special

Thu, 24 May 2018 16:00:00 +0100

This episode explores some of the issues around this referendum, and reflects on the law surrounding access to abortion both North and South of the border. On the 25th May the Republic of Ireland will vote in a referendum on whether or not to Repeal the eighth amendment of the Irish Constitution. The Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Act 1983 amended the Constitution by inserting a subsection recognising the equal right to life of the mother and the unborn. This episode explores some of the issues around this referendum, and reflects on the law surrounding access to abortion both North and South of the border. Participants

Danielle Roberts, a PhD candidate from Ulster University, and a member of Alliance for Choice and the Together for Yes campaign, explains the laws around abortion in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Dr Paula Devine, from Queen’s University, discusses her role as the coordinator of the annual Northern Ireland life and times survey, and explores public attitudes towards abortion within Northern Ireland.

Students Eimear O’Donaghue and Hanorah Hardy talk about their involvement in the Project Choice campaign in the Queen’s Student Union.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eighth_Amendment_of_the_Constitution_of_Ireland http://www.qubsu.org/change/Campaigns/ProjectChoice/ http://www.ark.ac.uk/nilt/ http://www.alliance4choice.com https://www.togetherforyes.ie

Episode 17 – A Cambodian Spring, Chris Kelly and the Venerable Sovath in conversation with Rachel Killean

Wed, 16 May 2018 23:01:00 +0100

LawPod's Rachel Killean in conversation with filmmaker, Chris Kelly and one of the protagonists of 'A Cambodian Spring', the Venerable Sovath, exploring the cultural, political and legal backdrop to the film. A Cambodian Spring is an intimate and unique portrait of three people caught up in the chaotic and often violent development that is shaping modern day Cambodia. Shot over 6 years, the film charts the growing wave of land rights protests that led to the ‘Cambodian spring’ and the tragic events that followed. This film is about the complexities and costs both political and personal, of fighting for what you believe in. LawPod caught up with the director of the fillm, Chris Kelly and one of the protagonists the Venerable Sovath to explore the cultural, political and legal backdrop to the film. http://acambodianspring.com Chris Kelly’s website: http://chriskellyfilm.com The Venerable Sovath’s Twitter: @luonsovath Information about Cambodia: https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2018/country-chapters/cambodia https://www.amnesty.org/en/countries/asia-and-the-pacific/cambodia/report-cambodia/ https://www.transparency.org/country/KHM https://www.licadho-cambodia.org

Episode 16 – Moazzam Begg & Muhammad Rabbani in conversation with Dr Kevin Hearty

Wed, 09 May 2018 23:02:00 +0100

In a wide-ranging conversation about their work with CAGE, Moazzam Begg & Muhammad Rabbani talk to post-doc researcher Kevin Hearty about PREVENT, schedule 7, civil sanctions, anti-terrorism laws, and Islamic ideas of justice. CAGE is an independent grassroots organisation striving for a world free of injustice and oppression. They campaign against discriminatory state policies and advocate for due process and the rule of law. We caught up with Cage Outreach Director, Moazzam Begg and international Director Muhammad Rabbani before the Negotiating Detention event for the QUB Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security, & Justice on the 2 May 2018. @UK_CAGE @Moazzam_Begg @hearty_kevin https://www.cage.ngo https://www.amazon.co.uk/Virtue-Disobedience-Asim-Qureshi/dp/1912395037 https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/jun/17/uksecurity.ukcrime http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16171251 http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/intern/chron.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Demetrius https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control_order https://www.ltai.info/what-is-prevent/ https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/oct/19/uks-prevent-counter-radicalisation-policy-badly-flawed https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice_and_Security_Act_2013 https://www.theguardian.com/law/2013/jun/14/what-are-secret-courts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diplock_courts https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/sep/04/craigavon-two-appeal-pc-stephen-carroll https://www.qub.ac.uk/about/Global-research-institutes/TheSenatorGeorgeJMitchellInstituteforGlobalPeaceSecurityandJustice/

Episode 15 – Breast cancer, cause related marketing and corporate social responsibility.

Wed, 02 May 2018 23:01:00 +0100

Postgraduate student Jay Burbank talks to Dr Clare Patton about her research into the ‘Cause-related Marketing’ of breast cancer and how multinational corporations can influence the behaviour of women with breast cancer through these campaigns. Dr Clare Patton graduated with her PhD from QUB Law in December 2017. Her area of research is in Business and Human Rights with a special interest in a branch of Corporate Social Responsibility called ‘Cause-related Marketing’ (CRM) which is a partnership between a for-profit organisation and a non-profit organisation with the objective of raising awareness and funds for a particular cause (such as breast cancer). Her PhD research involved analysing the largest breast cancer CRM campaigns in the UK to explore the hypothesis that multinational corporations (MNCs) can influence the behaviour of women with breast cancer through these campaigns. Since completing this research Clare has widened her scholarship focus to include companies who produce breastmilk substitutes. She is currently working on research which juxtaposes the campaigns of two MNCs: the campaigns which promotes breastmilk formula to new mothers in jurisdictions in the global south and the CRM campaigns which promote the corporate charity work to stakeholders in the global north. Clare has developed Goffman’s Frame Analysis theory to help identify the behavioural patterns that can lead to CRM campaigns shaping the behaviour of individuals. In this episode she discusses the power that MNCs have to influence individual behaviour, from women with breast cancer to breast feeding mothers in the Philippines and how this area might be regulated. Links: Samantha King’s monograph Pink Ribbons, Inc.: Breast Cancer and the Politics of Philanthropy Patton C. (2017) ‘Breast Cancer Cause-Marketing: Reworking the Social Contract’ 24(3) Commercial Law Practitioner 43–50 (Save the Children report on the promotion of breastmilk substitutes) Don't Push It: Why the formula milk industry must clean up its act The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes Global strategy for infant and young child feeding

Episode 14 – Everything you wanted to know about outcomes and were afraid to ask!

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 23:01:00 +0100

In conversation with Dr Peter Doran, Dr Ailsa Cook of Outcomes Focus offers a unique insight into the merits and limitations of an outcomes-based approach to public sector delivery in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Dr Ailsa Cook of Outcomes Focus offers a unique insight into the merits and limitations of an outcomes-based approach to public sector delivery. In a wide-ranging discussion with Dr Peter Doran of the QUB School of Law, Ailsa shares her deep experience of outcomes work in a Scottish context and more recent research for Scotland's What Works Centre. Ailsa is a leader in the field of outcomes. Through her research and work with policy and practice, Ailsa has made a significant contribution to shifting the focus of public services in Scotland towards the outcomes that are important to citizens and communities. Dr Cook addresses a number of issues that will be of particular interest to public sector bodies in Northern Ireland and the community and voluntary sector who have been initiated into a particular form of outcomes-based methodology, Outcomes Based Accountability (OBA) following its adoption by The Executive Office for the 2016-21 Programme for Government. The OBA/RBA method is licensed and promoted on behalf of Mark Friedman by the United States-based company, Clear Impact. Ailsa Cook discusses: - The adoption of outcomes in the context of the 'Scottish Approach' to public sector reform; - How the Scottish approach to outcomes differs from that adopted in Northern Ireland; - Lessons from the Scottish experience; and - The shortcoming and pitfalls associated with outcomes-based approaches to public sector reform and delivery. For more information on outcomes, contact: Ailsa Cook, Outcome Focus The Scotland What Works paper on outcomes in public sector reform http://whatworksscotland.ac.uk/publications/outcomes-based-approaches-in-public-service-reform/ Evidence to The Executive Office Committee on the 11th October 2016, the day before Dr Lowe’s evidence. The video of this meeting is available here - https://niassembly.tv/committee-executive-office-meeting-11-october-2016/https://niassembly.tv/committee-executive-office-meeting-11-october-2016/ Dr Lowe's evidence to The Committee is based here: https://niassembly.tv/committee-executive-office-meeting-12-october-2016/ Dr Peter Doran's pure profile Towards a Wellbeing Framework

Episode 13 – “It Stays With You: Use of Force by UN Peacekeepers in Haiti”

Thu, 19 Apr 2018 11:43:00 +0100

LLB student Julia Hunter talks with Cahal McLaughlin Chair of Film Studies at QUB, and Siobhán Wills, Prof of International Law at Ulster University, about their documentary ‘It Stays With You’

Episode 12 – NI Bill of Rights : 20 years on from the Good Friday Agreement

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 11:58:00 +0100

Professors and former Human Rights Commissioners Monica McWilliams, Brice Dickson, and Colin Harvey join Dr Amanda Kramer to reflect on the Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland 20 years on from the Good Friday Agreement. Bios: Professor Monica McWilliams: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/institutes/transitional-justice-institute/people/staff/mcwilliams-2 Professor Brice Dickson: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/brice-dickson(a5bf480a-280c-469a-9492-4cd7f9320b7d).html Professor Colin Harvey Bio: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/colin-harvey(b78326e0-78c4-437b-9d23-9cd6217db870).html Links: A full list of all the submissions made by the Human Rights Commission in relation to the Bill of Rights, can be found here: http://www.nihrc.org/publication/category/Bill-of-Rights Professor Colin Harvey and Dr Anne Smith’s work on the Bill of Rights summarised here:https://ukconstitutionallaw.org/2017/07/21/anne-smith-and-colin-harvey-continuing-the-conversation-about-a-bill-of-rights-for-northern-ireland/ BrexitLawNI: www.brexitlawni.org

Student Focus – Episode 3 – Study Choices with Niamh Hargan

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 12:51:00 +0100

Niamh Hargan a media lawyer joins QUB final year law student Alana Hughes on this podcast. Together they discuss Niamh’s fast paced, exciting and interesting career in the media, film and TV industry. Together they discuss Niamh’s fast paced, exciting and interesting career in the media, film and TV industry. Niamh discusses the nature of her work, the highlights of her career and most importantly, the reasons why she would encourage any student with an interest in IP or media law to pursue this line of work. Participants Niamh Hargan http://smithdehn.com/people/niamh-hargan Alana Hughes https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-hughes-00125612a/ @lanzhughz Links for Episode Notes The Guardian media law news reel https://www.theguardian.com/media/medialaw Further insight into what a career in media law entails https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/stage/areas-of-law/sports-media-law Academic profile of Professor Daithí Mac Síthigh, Professor of Law and Innovation at Queen's University Belfast https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/daithi-mac-sithigh(1b3b1427-2839-4683-9dc7-fc56a54e1a67).html

Episode 11 – Victim Participation in International Criminal Courts

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 12:49:00 +0100

This episode features QUB’s Rachel Killean, joined by Megan Hirst and Kinga Tabori-Szabo. They discuss the role of victims within international criminal courts, and some of the challenges associated with responding meaningfully to mass victimisation. Kinga Tibori-Szabo is a legal officer in the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, and was formerly a legal officer working for the legal representatives at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. Learn more about her here: www.st-philips.com/our-people/barristers/kinga-tibori/ Megan Hirst is one of the lawyers representing victims in the Dominic Ongwen case at the International Criminal Court. Learn more about her here: www.doughtystreet.co.uk/barristers/profile/megan-hirst1 Megan and Kinga recently edited a volume entitled 'Victim Participation in International Criminal Justice -Practitioners’ Guide' by Springer 2017. This book comprehensively outlines the law and practice of victim participation at the International Criminal Court, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. Rachel’s book, entitled ‘Victims, Atrocity and Justice: Lessons from Cambodia’, will be published by Routledge in September.

Student Focus – Episode 2 – Study Choices

Sun, 01 Apr 2018 23:01:00 +0100

Seamus Mulholland Barrister-at-law joins QUB final year law student Alana Hughes to continue our family law discussion.Against a contextual background of gender imbalance in family law practice discussed in an earlier podcast discussion here focuses on the positive reasons why students should be interested in and excited by the nature and challenges of family law work. Seamus discusses his career and the aspects of his job that he loves. Participants Seamus Mulholland Barrister-at-law http://www.barofni.com/directory/seamus-mulholland Alana Hughes https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-hughes-00125612a/ @lanzhughz

Episode 10 – Kathryn McNeilly : Human Rights and Radical Social Transformation

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 14:26:00 +0100

Dr Amanda Kramer interviews Dr Kathryn McNeilly about her book Human Rights and Radical Social Transformation: Futurity, Alterity, Power (Routledge, 2017) which was shortlisted for the 2018 Hart-SLSA Early Career Prize. This episode has been released early to coincide with the Socio-Legal Studies Association Conference 2018 Dr Kathryn McNeilly is a Lecturer in QUB School of Law. Her research intersects the areas of human rights, critical legal theory and feminist/gendered thought. In 2017 Kathryn published Human Rights and Radical Social Transformation: Futurity, Alterity, Power (Routledge) which was shortlisted for the 2018 Hart-SLSA Early Career Prize. In this work Kathryn explores the possibility to use human rights in contemporary radical politics, offering a way for human rights to be revived to better speak back to power through considering the future-focused elements at the heart of rights. Reviewing the book, Illan rua Wall (Warwick) states ‘the prose is crisp, the theory is handled with a deft touch and the arguments are perfectly weighted’. You can find out more about Kathryn’s research here. Dr Amanda Kramer Amanda is a Research Fellow in the School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast. She is currently working on an ESRC funded project, 'Brexit and Northern Ireland: The Constitutional, Conflict Transformation, Human Rights and Equality Consequences'. Amanda completed her PhD, entitled ‘Law and Policy in Africa: Postcolonialism and the DRC, Mali, and Nigeria’ in 2017 in the School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast.

Student Focus – Episode 1 – Study Choices

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 14:10:00 +0100

Brendan Devlin Barrister-at-law joins QUB final year law student Alana Hughes to discuss study choices for third year students.Together they discuss gender imbalances at the family law Bar with a particular focus on the reasons why the myth that family law is an area of law for women and not men is entirely inaccurate. Participants Brendan Devlin Barrister-at-law http://www.barofni.com/directory/brendan-devlin Alana Hughes https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-hughes-00125612a/ @lanzhughz Links for Episode Notes Family Law Bar Assocation (England and Wales) http://flba.co.uk/ Family Law resources on Lexis Nexis https://www.familylaw.co.uk/ The Guardian feature on gender inequality generally in the legal profession https://www.theguardian.com/law/2015/sep/27/the-right-way-to-tackle-gender-inequality-in-the-legal-profession Further insight into gender inequality in the legal profession http://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/where-to-start/newsletter/2014-gender-in-the-law-survey

Episode 9 – Historical Institutional Abuse and Transitional Justice

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 01:31:00 +0100

Dr James Gallen of Dublin City University joins Dr Luke Moffett on the podcast to discuss historical institutional abuse in democratic states, with a focus on Ireland. He brings to light how investigative 'tools' available from transitional justice can be used to unearth ongoing systematic issues in dealing with the past. Participants Dr James Gallen - https://dcu.academic.ie/live/!W_VALOCAL_DCU_PORTAL.PROFILE?WPBPRSN=1632949 @JamesGallen Dr Luke Moffett - pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/luke-moffett(d58e1207-77f3-4b6a-952d-a76ff0d02fc6).html @reparationsni Links for Episode Notes Ryan inquiry (http://www.childabusecommission.ie/); Jesus wept article (https://academic.oup.com/ijtj/article/10/2/332/2356890); Justice for Magdalenes (http://www.magdalenelaundries.com/); SNAP (http://www.snapnetwork.org/)

Episode 8 – Activism, Research and Human Rights

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 05:01:00 +0100

Dr Rachael Dickson, Ivanka Antova and Professor Phil Scraton engage in a thoughtful conversation about the connection between activism, research and human rights. They interrogate the purpose of research and ‘expertise’ in an effort to demonstrate how academic work can be used as an emancipatory tool to disrupt power structures in society and help achieve social justice. Key words/phrases: Power, knowledge, ideology, view from below, human rights, emancipation, expert, expertise, education, critical analysis/thought, social justice, bearing witness, solidarity Participants: Professor Phil Scraton - pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/phil-scraton(143e7c8d-b5ea-4517-9df1-0541250b9008).html Ivanka Antova - www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/Research/PhDprofiles/IvankaAntova/ Dr Rachael Dickson - www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/Research/PhDprofiles/RachelDicksonHillyard/ Links for Episode Notes: ‘Hillsborough: The Truth’ (2016) by Phil Scraton https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hillsborough-Truth-Professor-Phil-Scraton/dp/1910948012 Welfare Reform policies: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2010-to-2015-government-policy-welfare-reform ‘Letters to a Law Student’ (2013) by Nicholas J McBride https://www.amazon.co.uk/Letters-Law-Student-3rd-edn/dp/1447922654 Feminist Judgments Project: https://www.kent.ac.uk/law/fjp/ ‘Feminist Judgments: From Theory to Practice’ (2010) Rosemary Hunter, Clare MyGlynn, Erika Rackley: https://www.bloomsburyprofessional.com/uk/feminist-judgments-9781849460538/

Episode 7 – 16 Days of Activism: Activism, International Justice and Sexual and Gender Based Violence

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 06:01:00 +0100

As part of our 16 Days of Activism in December 2017, Dr Yassin Brunger, Dr Rachel Killean and Dr Eithne Dowds discuss the role of activism and international criminal justice in responding to conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence. Participants: Dr Yassin Brunger –pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/yassin-brunger(03af0eb9-dd70-403b-b46a-bdfee1129dcc).html @YBrunger Dr Eithne Dowds - pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/eithne-dowds(8cd45b65-e26e-4cb5-bc4b-fa8b11906f15).html @eithne_dowds Dr Rachel Killean –pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/rachel-killean(6025127e-e382-4994-9fd0-d6eeb51fe113).html @rkillean

Episode 6 – 16 Days of Activism: In Conversation with Justice Doherty

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 00:01:00 +0100

As part of our 16 Days of Activism programme in December 2017, Dr Yassin Brunger is joined by Justice Teresa Doherty, former Presiding judge at the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Justice Doherty speaks openly about her experience as an international criminal judge, violence against women and the legacy of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Participants Dr Yassin Brunger –pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/yassin-brunger(03af0eb9-dd70-403b-b46a-bdfee1129dcc).html @YBrunger Hon. Teresa Doherty - iawj-womenjudges.org/hon-teresa-doherty/ and http://www.rscsl.org/Trial_Chamber_II.html Links for Episode Notes: Link to Charles Taylor case: http://www.rscsl.org/Taylor.html Controversies of Trial: https://www.hrw.org/report/2012/07/25/even-big-man-must-face-justice/lessons-trial-charles-taylor

Episode 5 – Digital Punishment Through Online Criminal Records

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 06:01:00 +0100

Sarah E. Lageson talks to Adam Harkens  about new forms of digital punishment and social control in the United States. Sarah E. Lageson PhD  joins the podcast  to discuss new forms of digital punishment and social control in the United States, brought about by the unregulated digital dissemination of arrest information, court records and criminal history reports. As criminal justice paperwork is increasingly transformed into digital data, this information is purchased and replicated by big data vendors for use outside of the criminal context, and can later be found on social media, online news and credit and background checks, among other channels.  In this podcast, Sarah discusses the contexts contributing to this situation, the consequences for individuals involved in the process, and highlights some of the key regulatory differences between the U.S. and the European Union. Participants Adam Harkens - pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/adam-harkens(2c64170f-091f-4cee-8beb-9480dd014537).html @AdamHarkens Dr Sarah Lagerson – www.sarahlageson.com and https://rscj.newark.rutgers.edu/people/faculty/dr-sarah-e-lageson/ @sarahlageson

Episode 4 – Myanmar’s Ethnic Politics: the Rohingya and other Refugees

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 06:01:00 +0100

Dr Kirsten McConnachie from the School of Law at Warwick University talks to our own Professor Colin Harvey about the ongoing refugee crisis in Myanmar. Dr McConnachie discusses her ongoing research into the region, and places the Rohingya crisis into its broader political and historical context. Participants: Dr Kirsten McConnachie – warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/law/research/people?id=bb98657259820030fc251db3bc3485f7 @KirstenMcconnac Professor Colin Harvey - pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/colin-harvey(b78326e0-78c4-437b-9d23-9cd6217db870).html

Episode 3 – Human Rights in Palestine

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 06:00:00 +0100

Human Rights in Palestine. This podcast was recorded in conjunction with an event hosted by the Queen’s Human Rights Centre, the Queen’s George Mitchell Institute, and the School of Ecumenic in Trinity College Dublin, at which Dr Nahed Habiballah and Nery Ramati discussed their work in relation to the human rights situation in Palestine. It begins with an interview with Alice Panepinto about her research and time living in Palestine, before moving into a conversation between Alice, Nahed and Nery about the legal systems in the Occupied Territories, and the impact of Israeli occupation on the lives of Palestinians. Participants: Dr Alice Panepinto joined QUB Law School as a lecturer in August 2017. Prior to that she was a Research Fellow at the Centre for Human Rights in Practice at Warwick University, and previously worked outside academia on human rights and international law issues in the Middle East. Alice researches international law, human rights and transitional justice, with a regional interest in the Middle East. She also pursues land law themes emerging from her research specialisms. You can see a film she made about her research here https://lacuna.org.uk/war-and-peace/al-khan-al-ahmar-palestine-school-demolition-order/ Nery Ramat is a is a partner in Gaby Lasky and Partners Law Office, a leading human rights firm in Israel specializing in freedom of expression and protest. He has represented Palestinian, Israeli and international human rights and anti-occupation activists in the military and civil courts since 2008. He has also provided legal counsel to various organizations engaged in documenting and protesting human rights abuses and violations of international law by the Israeli authorities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Dr Nahed Habiballah is an adjunct professor at the Arab American University in Palestine. She has a background in Sociology, and her research interests include the sociology of religion and political sociology with an emphasis on the Middle East in general and Israel/Palestine in particular.

Episode 2 – 16 Days of Activism: Legal and Policy Responses to Domestic Violence

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 06:01:00 +0100

Podcast notes: As part of the 16 Days of Activism Event held at Queen’s University in December 2017, Dr Kathryn McNeilly was joined in the studio by Dr Charlotte Bishop (Exeter University), Dr Vanessa Bettinson (De Montfort University) and Jan Melia (CEO of Women's Aid Federation NI). They discussed national and international perspectives on domestic violence, and how law and policy has responded to this type of harm. Personal Profiles: Dr Kathryn McNeilly: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/kathryn-mcneilly(464c4e02-1d65-41e2-b872-75d0a6a58579).html (Twitter - @kmcneilly01) Dr Charlotte Bishop - https://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/law/staff/bishop/ Dr Vanessa Bettinson - http://www.dmu.ac.uk/about-dmu/academic-staff/business-and-law/vanessa-bettinson/vanessa-bettinson.aspx Jan Melia - www.womensaidni.org/ Links for Episode Notes 16 Days of Activism –www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/take-action/16-days-of-activism Guidance on Domestic Violence and Abuse: www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-violence-and-abuse 24 hour domestic and sexual violence helpline: Call 0808 802 1414 Text support to 07797 805 839 Email 24hrsupport@dvhelpline.org

Episode 1 – Incarceration with Prof Phil Scraton

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 06:00:00 +0100

Podcast Notes On today’s episode, Professor Phil Scraton discusses the implications of mandatory life sentencing and the failures of the modern penal system. Professor Scraton’s research profile can be found here. His new book, ‘Women’s Imprisonment and the Case for Abolition: Critical Reflections on Corston Ten Years On’ co-edited with Linda Moore and Azrini Wahidin, is out now. For more information about the recent inspection reports on HMP Liverpool and HMP Nottingham, as well as the results of a 2015 report on Maghaberry Prison, please visit the following links: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42310501 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hmp-nottingham-prison-inmates-lives-risk-urgent-notification-inspector-suicide-a8166336.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-34733832 A findings paper from the HM Inspectorate of Prisons details the poor conditions found across the UK in general. Further statistics and information on life imprisonment can be found at https://www.penalreform.org/priorities/life-imprisonment/.