LawPod

What happens when the law meets a general-purpose cultural machine? In this episode, hosts Matteo Iuorio and Sofia Debernardi sit down with intellectual property expert Professor Giancarlo Frosio to unpack the massive legal battleground surrounding generative AI. We start with the immediate legal technicalities—separating the liability of tech companies training models from the liability of users prompting them—before sliding into the gripping, high-stakes philosophical landscape of what happens to human labor, law, and purpose as we race toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and superintelligence. Key Takeaways The Two Legal Battlegrounds:Copyright issues with AI are split into two distinct phases: theTraining Stage(ingesting data to extract patterns) and theOutput Stage(whether an AI-generated result is "substantially similar" to a protected work).Strict Liability & The Neutral Tool Dilemma:Copyright is a strict liability offense. Professor Frosio shares his perspective that AI labs are placing "neutral, general-purpose tools" on the market. Therefore, legal liability for an infringing output should ideally sit with the user prompting it—provided the developer implemented standard safeguards.The Geopolitical AI Arms Race:Stricter text and data-mining copyright regulations in regions like Europe can function as a bottleneck for local tech development, inadvertently pushing the dominance of the AI "arms race" exclusively toward the US and China.The Looming Threat to Purpose:As the operational capabilities of AI shift from narrow tasks to holistic human replication (AGI) and beyond (superintelligence), society faces a massive conundrum: if artificial entities can outperform human intellectual labor completely, what is left for humanity's sense of purpose? Terminology Glossary LLM (Large Language Model): Note: Mentioned contextually as "LMS" during the interview recording. These are AI programs trained on vast amounts of text data to understand, summarize, generate, and predict new content. Substantial Similarity: A fundamental legal doctrine used by courts to determine if an unauthorized reproduction has taken too much protectable expression from an original copyrighted work. AGI vs. Superintelligence: Narrow AI handles specific single tasks. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) can holistically apply knowledge to any task like a human. Superintelligence refers to a theoretical future entity whose collective intellect far surpasses the capacity of the human brain. References & Links to Explore Learn more about Professor Frosio's work and research at theGlobal Intellectual Property and Technology Centre (GIP Tech).Check out the landmark pending litigation referenced in the episode:Getty Images v. Stability AIin the UK.Learn about the European Union's framework discussed by reading the official documentation on theEU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act).To explore the philosophical warnings mentioned by the "Godfather of AI" Geoffrey Hinton on AGI and systemic alignment risks, check out hisNobel Prize lecturesand recent AI safety advocacy.Read up on the historic sci-fi themes referenced at the end of the episode via Isaac Asimov's classicFoundation Series.

In this episode of LawPod, Dr Alessandro Corda is joined by Professor Joshua Page (University of Minnesota) for an in‑depth conversation tracing his intellectual journey through the sociology of punishment and the politics of criminal justice in the United States.The discussion is structured around Page's three major books: The Toughest Beat, which examines the political power of prison officer unions in California; Breaking the Pendulum, which challenges simple narratives of cyclical change in criminal justice policy; and his most recent work, Legal Plunder, co‑authored with Joe Soss, which explores the predatory extraction of resources through the modern criminal justice system.Across the episode, they explore how penal policy develops over time, the role of organised interests and policy feedback, the limits of reform, and the ongoing struggles that shape punishment at federal, state, and local levels. The conversation also turns to contemporary debates over bail reform, fiscal pressures on local government, and the broader political economy of criminal justice.In the final part of the episode, Professor Page reflects on living in Minneapolis since the murder of George Floyd, discussing how community mobilisation, public trust, and resistance to state power continue to shape the city's political and social landscape.

What does the law expect us to do when another person is in immediate danger? And what happens when someone steps in to help — but is injured in the process? In this episode of LawPod, Dr Rosie Cowan and student host Eva Richards speak with Eoin Campbell, a Queen's graduate and lecturer in legal English in Lyon, France. Eoin shares a powerful and deeply personal account of intervening during a violent attack in a residential car park in France, where he and another passer-by helped save a young woman's life. The episode uses Eoin's experience to explore the legal and moral questions surrounding the duty to assist: a concept recognised in French criminal law, but approached very differently in UK and common law systems. Content note This episode includes discussion of a violent assault, strangulation, serious injury, trauma, post-traumatic stress, and the aftermath of criminal proceedings. Listener discretion is advised. About the episode In UK law, there is generally no broad criminal duty to rescue or intervene simply because another person is in danger. Duties to act usually arise only in particular situations — for example, where there is a special relationship, professional responsibility, assumption of care, or where a person has created a danger. French law takes a different approach (Article 223-6 of the French Penal Code). It recognises a more general obligation to assist a person in danger, provided that assistance can be given without serious risk to the rescuer or others. This principle is often discussed in terms of non-assistance à personne en danger — broadly, failure to assist a person in danger. Eoin's story brings this legal idea into sharp focus. His intervention was not abstract or theoretical. It happened in seconds, under pressure, and with serious consequences. The episode asks not only whether people should help, but also what support should exist for those who do. Key themes 1. The duty to assist in French law The conversation introduces the French idea that a person may have a legal duty to help someone in serious danger. That does not necessarily mean physically intervening in every case. Assistance might include calling emergency services, alerting others, or using available safety equipment. Eoin gives the example of seeing someone in difficulty in the sea. A bystander may not be required to swim out and risk their own life, but they may be expected to call for help or throw a life ring if one is available. This distinction matters: the law may encourage assistance, but it does not generally require a person to take unreasonable risks. 2. The limits of legal duties in moments of crisis One of the most striking parts of the episode is the gap between legal theory and real-life decision-making. As Eoin explains, when he saw the attack unfold, he was not weighing legal obligations or statutory wording. He saw someone in immediate danger and acted. That raises a difficult question: if the law says a person should help “if they can”, how realistic is it to expect someone to assess risk calmly in the middle of a violent emergency? The episode explores this tension between: legal duty;moral instinct;personal safety;public expectations; andthe reality of split-second decisions. 3. The UK and common law contrast Rosie places the discussion in its wider legal context by contrasting the French approach with the UK position. In common law systems, criminal liability is usually more cautious about punishing omissions — that is, failures to act. This does not mean that UK law is indifferent to people in danger. Rather, it tends to impose duties to act only in defined circumstances, such as where someone has responsibility for a child, patient, employee, or person in their care. The episode therefore raises a broader philosophical question: should law require solidarity between strangers, or should intervention remain primarily a matter of personal conscience? 4. Public messaging and state responsibility A central issue in the episode is whether public authorities can encourage people to intervene without also providing clear protection or support for those who are injured as a result. Eoin reflects on public campaigns urging people to challenge harassment, violence, and threatening behaviour. He does not reject the moral value behind those campaigns. Instead, he asks what should happen afterwards if someone does step in and suffers physical, psychological, or financial harm. This is one of the episode's most important questions: If the state encourages people to protect others, what duty does the state owe to the people who do the protecting? 5. Compensation, recognition, and procedural uncertainty Eoin also discusses the aftermath of the incident, including his hand injury, later diagnosis of PTSD, loss of earnings, and attempts to obtain recognition or compensation. His experience highlights the complexity of being neither the original target of the attack nor a conventional complainant, but someone injured while helping another person. The episode does not present this as a simple legal answer. Instead, it uses Eoin's experience to expose a possible gap between public expectations of bystander intervention and the systems available to support interveners afterwards. The discussion also touches on the importance of clear information for people involved in traumatic incidents: what to report, whether to seek medical evidence, how to preserve legal options, and where to find advice. Why this episode matters This episode is about more than one act of bravery. It asks how law understands responsibility between strangers. Most people would hope that if they were attacked, someone nearby would help. But the law has to answer harder questions. How much help can be expected? What if helping is dangerous? Does the answer change depending on a person's age, strength, training, or professional background? And if someone is injured while assisting, should they be treated as a victim too? Eoin's account makes these questions immediate and human. It shows that legal duties are not just rules in books. They operate — or fail to operate — in moments of fear, confusion, violence, and uncertainty. Questions explored in the episode Is there a legal duty to help a stranger in danger?How does French law differ from UK and common law approaches?What does “assistance” actually require?Does the law expect physical intervention, or can calling for help be enough?How should the law account for personal risk?Should someone injured while helping another person be entitled to compensation?What responsibilities do public authorities have when they encourage bystander intervention?Can law reflect moral solidarity without placing unrealistic burdens on individuals? Legal note This episode discusses legal concepts in general terms and through the personal experience of the guest. It is not legal advice. The legal position may depend on jurisdiction, factual context, procedural rules, and the specific wording of relevant legislation. Listeners facing similar issues should seek advice from a qualified legal professional in the relevant jurisdiction. Privacy and sensitivity note The episode discusses a real incident involving serious violence. Names and identifying details of private individuals involved in the attack are not used. The focus of the discussion is on the legal, ethical, and policy questions arising from the event.

Learning, Trauma, and Truth: A Student Perspective on Digital Investigations What does it mean to learn law by documenting real harm in real time? In Part 2 of this two‑episode LawPod series, host Eva Richards is joined by Kenzie Brodie and Briana Mallon, postgraduate students at Queen's University Belfast, to explore the Digital Investigations Lab from the inside. This episode centres the student experience: how it feels to learn open source investigation techniques while working with traumatic material, contested narratives, and the very real lives behind the data. Rather than theory or institutional design, this conversation focuses on practice, the tools students actually use, the cases that stayed with them, the skills they didn't expect to develop, and how doing this work has reshaped the way they think about law, evidence, and responsibility. It is a frank, reflective discussion about learning by doing, and about the emotional and ethical dimensions of researching war crimes from a distance.

Open Source Investigations, AI, and Accountability in Conflict What happens when war crimes are filmed in real time — but truth itself becomes contested? In this episode of LawPod, host Eva Richards is joined by Professor Luke Moffett and PhD researcher Lydia Millar, manager of QUB Law's Digital Investigation Lab, for a deep dive into the fast‑evolving world of open source investigations and their growing importance for law, justice, and accountability. Together, they unpack how publicly available information; from social media videos and satellite imagery to online records, is transforming how lawyers, academics, journalists, and civil society document conflict‑related harms. But they also confront the darker side of this digital revolution: disinformation, AI‑generated fakes, evidentiary scepticism in courtrooms, and widening global inequalities in who gets to investigate who's suffering. This conversation moves from theory to practice, revealing how Queen's Digital Investigation Lab has supported real‑world litigation and accountability efforts related to Gaza, Syria, Ukraine, and Sudan, and asks what comes next for this powerful and precarious field.

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

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

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.

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/

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 PeaceThe 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.

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. 

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

In this episode, Dr Ulrike Lühe speaks with Raji Abdusalam, 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 Abdusalam 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 ProjectThe 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.

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. 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

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. 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

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.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: UNITADhttps://lawpod.org/can-the-record-be-trusted/Mentioned in this episode:Series Introduction

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.

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-irelandhttps://www.faughan.orghttps://www.ursulaburns.co.uk/post/13-riot-police-and-a-harphttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c365yn4d907ohttps://youtu.be/RMj8w7Zbls4Thanks to Lawpod Students Katie O'Doherty Presenter and NarratorEva Richards – CelloAlexandra Elizabeth Morar – Violin

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.

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.

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 decolonizing 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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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/

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.