· Bridging the gap between law and politics, Double Jeopardy offers insightful analysis from leading legal experts, breaking down complex legal principles into understandable discussions that highlight their impact on current political issues.
· From the courtroom to the newsroom, listeners discover how laws and legal decisions influence and shape the major political stories of our times, with episodes featuring candid discussions on everything from government policy to public rights.
· Engaging the experts with interviews with high-profile guests like Nick Ephgrave, the Director of the Serious Fraud Office, the podcast provides listeners with exclusive insights into the legal mechanics behind headline-making news.
In an age where every headline has a backstory, Double Jeopardy – The Law & Politics Podcast delves into the laws and legal battles that are silently shaping political landscapes. Hosted by Lord Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC, this podcast brings complex legal narratives into the public eye, making them accessible and relevant to everyday news consumers.
Each episode of Double Jeopardy serves as a bridge between the often opaque world of law and the more familiar realm of politics. Through engaging discussions and expert breakdowns, the hosts translate legal jargon into the language of the layperson, illuminating how these laws impact current political events and policies. The podcast not only educates but also enriches the listener’s understanding of the news, providing a fuller picture of the issues at hand.
Moving from the courtroom discussions to the dynamics of the newsroom, the podcast offers a unique vantage point on how legal decisions and legislative changes shape major political narratives. Whether it’s dissecting government policies, public rights, or high-profile legal cases, Double Jeopardy ensures that listeners grasp the significance of these developments beyond their immediate news value.
High-profile interviews are a cornerstone of the podcast, with guests like Nick Ephgrave, the Director of the Serious Fraud Office, providing firsthand insights into the intersection of law enforcement and legal policy. Other guests include Lady Brenda Hale, former President of the Supreme Court, Alex Chalk, the Secretary of State for Justice, former Attorney General Dominic Grieve, tax expert Dan Neidle, leading lawyers like Lord David Pannick KC, Baroness Helena Kennedy KC, Ed Fitzgerald KC, Sir Jonathan Jones KC, Clare Montgomery KC, Gavin Miller KC, academics Professor Kathleen Stock, Professor Jo Phoenix, Professor Richard Ekins, and leading commentators like Melanie Phillips and Joshua Rozenberg.
These episodes not only spotlight the roles of key figures in shaping legal and political discourse but also offer an insider’s view on the mechanics behind pivotal legal decisions and their broader societal implications.
Speaking on their decision to start a podcast, co-host Lord Ken Macdonald KC says: “There are so many ways law and politics interact. Sometimes well, sometimes very badly. And this stuff really matters to people, it affects the way we live, our values, our way of life. Should assisted dying be legal? Should we send migrants to Rwanda? Is Gaza a war crime, and why shouldn’t Israel do anything and everything to defend itself? What’s wrong with demonstrations in London and does the climate crisis justify law-breaking? How do we keep the peace without threatening peoples’ rights? What happens when governments don’t tell the truth? People are interested in this stuff, and so are we. Tim and I wanted to do this podcast because we love discussing legal and political dilemmas, and we like to know what other people think. We have stellar guests and less well-known specialists with something important to say, friends and, sometimes, adversaries. It’s never predictable, and it’s never boring.”
And co-host Tim Owen KC adds: “Ken and I have been close friends for 40 years and we have always been interested in the politics of law as well as the individual cases we have taken on in our professional lives. Ken’s experience away from the Bar as the DPP and a legislator in the House of Lords gives him a unique insight into making and applying the law whereas I have focused on litigating points of law before the higher Courts in the UK and in Hong Kong. We decided to start the podcast to keep us and the listeners alert to the political consequences of law making that are affecting us and we are seeing everyday in the media. We want to show the relationship between politics and law and just how closely entwined they are, even when we might not realise it.”
Produced by The Podcast Guys, known for their meticulous craftsmanship in audio production, Double Jeopardy stands out for its analytical depth, engaging content, and the calibre of its discussions. The podcast’s blend of legal expertise and political analysis has quickly made it a favourite among those keen to understand the underpinnings of political debates and news stories.
As Double Jeopardy continues to explore these critical themes, it invites listeners to rethink their perspectives on law and politics, emphasising the interconnectedness of these two fields and their collective impact on society. Each episode challenges preconceptions and encourages a more informed dialogue among its audience.
Listeners can tune into Double Jeopardy – The Law & Politics Podcast on all major podcast platforms. New episodes are released bi-weekly with occasional special reaction episodes, each offering fresh insights into the laws that shape our news and our world.