Double Jeopardy - UK Law and Politics
Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC
Covering the critical intersections of law and politics in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain’s legal and political present and future.
-What happens when law and politics collide?
-How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back?
-What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged?
-And who really holds power in Britain’s legal and political system?
Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays. Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, human rights and the British Constitution.
Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, and a leading voice on civil liberties.
Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades. Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape.
Episode topics have included:
-How UK politics is shaping the legal system and British politics explained – from judicial review of government decisions to the erosion of civil liberties.
-The toxic confrontation between gender critical feminists and trans activists over what defines a woman in law.
-The extent to which special measures intended to support vulnerable witnesses are making it harder to prosecute rape and other serious sexual offences.
-Inside the most controversial legal cases – including human rights battles over immigration law, terrorism and national security, the Assisted Dying Bill and the gross miscarriage of justice in the Andrew Malkinson case.
-Britain’s never ending criminal justice crisis – from overfilled prisons to policing policies that test the rule of law, threats to jury trial and the massive backlog of Crown Court cases.
-Lucy Letby’s convictions, the media’s role, the Court of Appeal’s detailed rejection of her appeal and the fresh evidence which may demonstrate fundamental problems with the safety of the convictions.
Episodes feature discussions with the most influential voices in law, politics, and justice, including:
-Professor Kathleen Stock – leading gender critical feminist and Professor of Philosophy hounded out of her job at Sussex University discusses science, gender and the importance of free speech.
-Joshua Rozenberg - Legal commentator and broadcaster reviewed major legal and political developments, including judicial independence, rule of law, and shifts in UK legal norms.
-Baroness Brenda Hale – Former President of the Supreme Court discuss human rights, politicians and populist attacks on the judiciary.
-Danny Shaw - Former BBC Home Affairs Correspondent explored the government’s Crime and Policing Bill, political motives behind law-and-order messaging, and public trust in the justice system.
-Melanie Phillips – Times columnist and public commentator discussed the developing constitutional crisis in Israel arising from the Netenyahu government’s plans to trim the powers and role of Israel’s Supreme Court.
If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you’ll enjoy Double Jeopardy.
If you would like to sponsor the podcast, contact us at info@thepodcastguys.co.uk.
-What happens when law and politics collide?
-How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back?
-What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged?
-And who really holds power in Britain’s legal and political system?
Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays. Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, human rights and the British Constitution.
Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, and a leading voice on civil liberties.
Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades. Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape.
Episode topics have included:
-How UK politics is shaping the legal system and British politics explained – from judicial review of government decisions to the erosion of civil liberties.
-The toxic confrontation between gender critical feminists and trans activists over what defines a woman in law.
-The extent to which special measures intended to support vulnerable witnesses are making it harder to prosecute rape and other serious sexual offences.
-Inside the most controversial legal cases – including human rights battles over immigration law, terrorism and national security, the Assisted Dying Bill and the gross miscarriage of justice in the Andrew Malkinson case.
-Britain’s never ending criminal justice crisis – from overfilled prisons to policing policies that test the rule of law, threats to jury trial and the massive backlog of Crown Court cases.
-Lucy Letby’s convictions, the media’s role, the Court of Appeal’s detailed rejection of her appeal and the fresh evidence which may demonstrate fundamental problems with the safety of the convictions.
Episodes feature discussions with the most influential voices in law, politics, and justice, including:
-Professor Kathleen Stock – leading gender critical feminist and Professor of Philosophy hounded out of her job at Sussex University discusses science, gender and the importance of free speech.
-Joshua Rozenberg - Legal commentator and broadcaster reviewed major legal and political developments, including judicial independence, rule of law, and shifts in UK legal norms.
-Baroness Brenda Hale – Former President of the Supreme Court discuss human rights, politicians and populist attacks on the judiciary.
-Danny Shaw - Former BBC Home Affairs Correspondent explored the government’s Crime and Policing Bill, political motives behind law-and-order messaging, and public trust in the justice system.
-Melanie Phillips – Times columnist and public commentator discussed the developing constitutional crisis in Israel arising from the Netenyahu government’s plans to trim the powers and role of Israel’s Supreme Court.
If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you’ll enjoy Double Jeopardy.
If you would like to sponsor the podcast, contact us at info@thepodcastguys.co.uk.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 16, 2024 • 46min
Lucy Letby: The Shadow of a Doubt?
The case of Lucy Letby generated shock, revulsion and bewilderment, casting a long shadow over the trust that we place in those who care for the most vulnerable. In the latest episode of Double Jeopardy, Ken and Tim discuss one of the most controversial cases in British legal history—the conviction of Lucy Letby, the neonatal nurse sentenced to 15 whole-life sentences for the murder of seven infants and the attempted murder of eight others.Ken and Tim explore the widespread media coverage and the intense public reaction to Letby’s case, including the growing number of conspiracy theories that have emerged on the internet as well as more serious articles in reputable media outlets. They critically examine the arguments put forth by those questioning her conviction and discuss the Court of Appeal's comprehensive rejection of her application for leave to appeal and the refusal to admit fresh expert evidence.They emphasise that any discussion about a miscarriage of justice must start with an understanding of the basis for the Court of Appeal’s rejection of Lucy Letby’s appeal. The episode also touches on the upcoming public inquiry to be Chaired by Lady Justice Thirlwall (which will investigate events at the Countess of Chester hospital and whether the management structure at the hospital contributed to the failure to protect babies from Letby’s actions) and whether the public inquiry has the potential to generate new evidence that may form the basis for a second appeal following a referral by the Criminal Cases Review Commission.Tim and Ken aim to shed light on the complexity of the case and are critical of those who have questioned Letby’s guilt without understanding the details of the case and the dynamics of a criminal trial. They stress the importance of basing any claims of a miscarriage of justice on a thorough understanding of the evidence, the legal processes involved and especially the details of the 58 page Judgment of the Court of Appeal handed down on 2nd July 2024. Follow us on X/Twitter: https://x.com/doubjeopardypodFollow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/double-jeopardy-podcast/
Aug 8, 2024 • 26min
Riots: The Full Force of the Law?
“UK riots shops boarded up as England braces for rioting. Thousands of officers on standby as police plan for up to 100 disturbances and 30 counter protests’In this episode of Double Jeopardy Ken Macdonald and Tim Owen sit down to discuss the planned riots in response to the tragic Southport incident looking at how Keir Starmer is responding, the role of the courts and the suggestion we need to use anti-terrorism laws to deal with the rioters.Ken and Tim also touch on the 2011 riots which spread from a protest about the shooting of Mark Duggan by police in Tottenham where 2,158 people were convicted of involvement in the 2011 riots, leading to prison sentences totalling more than 1,800 years.Follow us on X: https://x.com/doubjeopardypodFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/double-jeopardy-podcast/
Aug 1, 2024 • 30min
Sarah Lunnon: Just Stop Protesting?
After spending the best part of 15 years in party politics, Sarah Lunnon now believes that responding to the climate emergency needs a new democracy, a revolution rather than reform.In this episode of Double Jeopardy, Ken Macdonald and Tim Owen are joined by Sarah Lunnon, former Green Party Councillor and Co-founder of Just Stop Oil, to discuss the lengthy sentences recently handed down on 5 Just Stop Oil activists for their actions in attempting to create gridlock in London and the South of England in November 2022 and the impact these sentences may have on future protests. They also debate the failure of the government to take effective action on climate change and the role of civil disobedience in driving change. The discussion raises questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of harsh punishment and whether the UK is out of step with other European countries in terms of sentencing climate protesters.Follow us on X: https://x.com/doubjeopardypodFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/double-jeopardy-podcast/
Jul 24, 2024 • 37min
Fiona Rutherford: Justice into the Future
The justice system in the UK has faced many challenges over the past 14 years, most notably funding cuts and a lack of resources.In this episode of Double Jeopardy, Ken Macdonald and Tim Owen are joined by Fiona Rutherford the Chief Executive of JUSTICE to discuss the state of the justice system in the UK. They reflect on the past 14 years, discussing what has gone right, what has gone wrong and what to expect in the future. They cover topics such as the motivations for becoming a lawyer, the challenges of policy-making, the impact of austerity on the justice system and the recent bills announced in the King's speech. Fiona emphasises the need for outcome-focused policies that address the root causes of crime, such as housing, health, and education, the conversation concludes with Fiona's top 5 legislative priorities including: improving the criminal justice system, setting outcome-focused goals across departments and ensuring better data collection.
Jul 15, 2024 • 30min
Starmer’s First Move - Ending Our Addiction to Prison?
Mark Fairhurst, the National Chairman of the Prison Officers Association, returns to Double Jeopardy to further discuss the prison crisis, now a focal point in the first week of the new Labour government.Guided by hosts Ken Macdonald and Tim Owen, the conversation addresses the emergency measures announced by the new Lord Chancellor, Shabana Mahmood, aimed at addressing critical prison overcrowding. Amongst discussing historical context and years of inaction, the podcast also talks about the broader systemic changes needed, including probation service, mental health support and the role of the judiciary in sentencing reform. Ken and Tim also highlight the appointment of James Timpson as the new Prisons Minister and discuss his views on prison reform as well as the potential changes for the future of penal policy.
Jun 26, 2024 • 54min
David Gauke: Conservative Reckoning, Labour Change?
Ken Macdonald and Tim Owen are joined by David Gauke, Former Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. In 2019 he resigned, saying he could no longer serve under Boris Johnson and risk a no-deal Brexit. After expulsion from the Conservative party, he said ‘at last I have something in common with Domonic Cummings.’ It was a poignant remark. There are plenty more of these in this episode as Ken and Tim look back on the role of the ‘Gaukeward Squad’, the group of Tory rebels who voted against the government on the issue of Brexit, in shaping British politics today. Ken and Tim discuss David’s experiences as a Conservative MP during truly turbulent times. The explusion of Gauke and rebel Tories had wide-reaching implications, the effects of which we are still experiencing. How does he view the current state of British politics now? What reform is needed in the prison system, and is Labour’s manifesto in this area enough to separate them from the Conservatives?
Jun 14, 2024 • 30min
Justice Under Labour?
In this episode, of Double Jeopardy hosts Ken Macdonald and Tim Owen discuss the various aspects of Labour Party's manifesto which was launched on the 13th June 2024 ahead of the Election which is taking place on the 4th July 2024.This episode looks at the intricacies and implications of the proposed law and order policies. The manifesto, which is turning heads and sparking discussions nationwide, shows an ambitious plan to “take back our streets”, with substantial pledges for enhancing neighbourhood policing and clamping down hard on crime and antisocial behaviour as well as the promise to “tackle violence against women and girls”.Tune in for Tim & Ken’s views on this manifesto and the potential challenges of these plans.
Jun 5, 2024 • 50min
Mark Fairhurst: Britain’s Prison Shame
In this episode of Double Jeopardy Ken Macdonald and Tim Owen talk to Mark Fairhurst, National Chairman of the Prison Officers Association, about the long standing and apparently never ending crisis afflicting the UK prison system.This episode presents an in-depth discussion on the overcrowding epidemic and its root causes including the tabloid driven addiction to ever longer sentences and the failure of all Governments to develop and promote community based alternatives to custody. The result is that the UK has the highest per capita rate of imprisonment in Western Europe and a disastrous record of re-offending.From overcrowding to under-resourced prisons, private versus public prisons, the genuine threat of violent riots over the summer, the role of the Chief Inspectorate of Prisons, restoring the right to strike to prison officers and sentencing policy, the trio discuss them all with a central theme being the need to reimagine the prison service to prioritise rehabilitation and the reintegration of offenders into society.They also cover issues related to funding and resource allocation within the UK's criminal justice system and the constant struggle for resources which has led to staff shortages, reduced training opportunities, and minimal investment in infrastructure.Finally Ken, Tim & Mark look at the potential path to reform, and strategies that can be vital to the much-needed change such as reshaping sentencing policies, enhancing rehabilitation programs, and investing in community-based alternatives to imprisonment.
May 22, 2024 • 36min
Angus McCullough KC: The Undermining of Secret Justice
Ken Macdonald and Tim Owen welcome back Angus McCullough KC, who has extensive experience in public and private law and who was the most experienced Special Advocate until his decision to step down in October 2023 in protest at the Government's failure to implement urgent changes to the system of secret justice (as recommended in December 2022 by the former High Court Judge Sir Duncan Ouseley).This episode is dedicated to discussing the controversy surrounding the Closed Material Procedure (CMP) introduced by the Justice and Security Act 2013. The debate this law sparked around the management of sensitive information during civil proceedings and the balance between national security and fairness/openness is once again highly topical. Angus's decision to refuse to take on any new closed material cases has now been followed 8 months later by some 25 other Special Advocates (including 16 KCs), a decision which leaves the entire system for litigating national security cases in crisis. Unless and until this specialist cohort of barristers are willing to accept new cases, the system will grind to a halt.Ken, Tim and Angus discuss the future of CMP’s, Sir Duncan Ouseley’s independent review, the underfunded justice system, and Labour's depressing response to the prisons crisis as reflected in Keir Starmer's stance in PMQs and Shabana Mahmood's public commitment to building more prisons rather than ending the UK's addiction to imprisonment.
May 14, 2024 • 43min
Jessica Simor KC: Judicial Activism in the Age of Global Warming
Ken Macdonald and Tim Owen speak to Jessica Simor KC, an acclaimed specialist in public and regulatory law, EU law, competition law and human rights law. The episode discusses the issue of whether litigation, whether before the European Court of Human Rights or domestic courts can be effective in addressing the challenge presented by climate change. They highlight two landmark cases in which Jessica Simor acted - one against the Swiss government and one against the UK government. The Swiss case saw a group of elderly Swiss women, bringing the case that they suffered personal health issues caused by heatwaves, and used litigation to hold their government accountable for climate change. Tim and Ken further explore the UK case in the High Court in London recently which was brought by Friends of the Earth, Client Earth and the Good Law Project. Mr Justice Sheldon found the government was found to be falling short in meeting its obligations under the Climate Change Act 2008. The judicial review judgement held that the government had breached its duty under the Climate Change Act 2008 to adopt policies and proposals to enable legally binding carbon reduction targets to be met. Both cases marked a significant victory for climate activists. A great episode around the urgency of combating climate change, the pressure on national governments for climate action and the influence of the Paris agreement on court decisions.
