Lawpod

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 conversa

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.

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) 

What is the reality of working as a solicitor within Private Practice in Northern Ireland? We feature 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.

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.

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 o

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.

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

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/ 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

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/ 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

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

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 l

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 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 res

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 Proc

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. Yasmin Brunger, the episode offers a deep dive into critical contemporary issues in legal and human rights domains.

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.

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.   Further reading Naomi Maxwell and Amanda Kramer (forthcoming) ‘Forgotten, Outdated and Absent: PSNI Officer’s Training, Experiences, and Confidence with Autism,’ Policing and Society https://www.autismni.org/ Crane et al. 2016 'Experiences of auti

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 ex

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, Th