Double Jeopardy - UK Law and Politics

Hannah Quirk - The Problem with Criminal Justice

Ken Macdonald and Tim Owen discuss the need for a Royal Commission into Criminal Justice with Editor of the Criminal Law Review, Dr Hannah Quirk

Covering the critical intersections of law and politics in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain’s legal and political future.   

What happens when law and politics collide? 

How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? 

What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? 

And who really holds power in Britain’s legal and political system? 

 
Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays at 6am GMT. 
 
Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights. 
  
Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, and a leading voice on civil liberties. 
 
Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades. Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. 
  
Episode topics have included:    

How UK politics is shaping the legal system and British politics explained – from judicial reviews of government decisions to the erosion of civil liberties. 

Inside the most controversial legal cases and legal system insights – including high-stakes extraditions, human rights battles, and criminal justice failures. 

Britain’s crisis in crime and punishment – from overfilled prisons to policing policies that test the rule of law. 

Lucy Letby’s convictions, the media’s role, and the Court of Appeal’s detailed rejection of her appeal.  

  
Episodes feature discussions with the most influential voices in law, politics, and justice, including: 

Baroness Helena Kennedy KC - Human rights barrister and director of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute spoke on human rights law, threats to civil liberties, and the UK's evolving relationship with the European Convention on Human Rights. 

Joshua Rozenberg - Legal commentator and broadcaster reviewed major legal and political developments, including judicial independence, rule of law, and shifts in UK legal norms. 

Danny Shaw - Former BBC Home Affairs Correspondent explored the government’s Crime and Policing Bill, political motives behind law-and-order messaging, and public trust in the justice system. 

 
If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you’ll enjoy Double Jeopardy. 
 
If you would like to sponsor the podcast, contact us at info@thepodcastguys.co.uk.