The Law Show

The Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's Restoring Order and Control policy is underway. It's based - in part - on measures carried out in Denmark which cut asylum claims there to a 40 year low.

From now on in the UK, people granted asylum - refugees - will face a review every two and a half years. If their country of origin is regarded as safe, they may be encouraged, or even forced, to go back.

There are lots of other changes. If someone is refused asylum, they'll only be allowed a single appeal. If an asylum seeker breaks the law, works illegally or can financially support themselves, they'll lose their benefits or accommodation.

Alongside the asylum reforms, there are also major changes to settlement in the UK, affecting both refugees and people on work and study visas. From now on, they will have to wait at least 10 years before they can obtain indefinite leave to remain, which means they can settle in the UK without restrictions.

You may be forgiven for thinking -'these are pretty big changes, I don't recall there being a big debate in parliament or any votes?' And you'd be correct. This was all done through secondary legislation, meaning that it's a change to existing rules.

But what are the possible legal battles for the government as it tries to introduce some of the toughest asylum laws in Europe?

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Editor: Tom Bigwood

Producers: Ravi Naik and Charlotte Rowles

Contributors:

Dr Peter Walsh, Senior Researcher and lead on asylum at the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford

Catherine Barnard, Professor of European Law at the University of Cambridge

Baroness Levitt, Family Justice Minister

We look at the biggest changes to asylum since the Second World War.

Conversation about the laws making headlines, and the laws that shape everyday life.

There are huge changes to the rules that cover asylum, and also how long refugees - as well as people on work and study visas - have to wait before they can settle in the UK.

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The Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says she makes “no apology ? for announcing the roll-out of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) to all the police services in England and Wales.

Under a government white paper on policing, the number of Live Facial Recognition vans will increase from 10 to 50.

Police say it's groundbreaking technology in the fight against crime, but civil liberties groups say it's authoritarian and a step towards a 'surveillance state'.

Facial recognition cameras are already used in shops; the difference with LFR is that the software used by police tracks faces against a watchlist - a specific database of faces - from a live video feed.

But the legal framework regulating the use of the technology is a patchwork of common law, human rights legislation and police guidelines, which has been challenged in the High Court.

There is also concern about a lack of oversight over how police watchlists are compiled, and why the number of people on the list now stretches into the thousands.

So is LFR legal?

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Producers: Ravi Naik and Charlotte Rowles

Editor: Tom Bigwood

Contributors:

Sonja Jessup, BBC London's home affairs correspondent

Professor Karen Yeung, Interdisciplinary Professorial Fellow in Law, Ethics and Informatics, Birmingham Law School

Dr Asress Gikay, Senior Lecturer in AI, Disruptive Innovation and Law, Brunel, University of London

Richard Ryan a barrister from Blakiston's, specialising in drone and unmanned aviation law

Is live facial recognition vital to fight crime, or a step towards a surveillance state?

Conversation about the laws making headlines, and the laws that shape everyday life.

Live facial recognition is being rolled out across all the police services in England and Wales. But a patchwork of regulation and common laws cover its use - so is it legal?

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The courts system in England and Wales is in an unprecedented crisis. The backlog has reached 80,000 cases, and some defendants are being told they won't be able to have a criminal trial until 2030.

The government has introduced the Courts and Tribunals Bill, which contains a raft of measures to tackle delays and bring down the backlog; but the Justice Secretary David Lammy has admitted that things are going to get even worse before they get better.

The most controversial change is a plan to restrict the number of jury trials. The right to judgement by your peers has existed for more than 800 years, but for some offences, that's going to end.

Defendants will lose the right to choose between a jury trial or a magistrate's hearing in so-called 'either-way' offences.

Magistrates will get increased sentencing powers - up from 12 months to 18 months.

More serious criminal cases, with likely sentences of up to three years will now be heard by a single judge - and no jury.

And only the most serious 'indictable' offences, like murder, manslaughter and rape and any other offence with a sentence of longer than three years will be heard by a jury.

But will the reforms make a difference?

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Producers: Ravi Naik and Charlotte Rowles

Editor: Tom Bigwood

Contributors:

Sarah Sackman KC, courts and legal services minister

Chris Kinch, KC, who until 2024 was a senior judge at Woolwich Crown Court in south London

David Ford, national chair of the Magistrates Association

Will the Courts and Tribunals Bill bring down the backlog in the criminal courts?

Court delays are worse than ever with a backlog of 80,000 cases in England and Wales - new reforms are on the way, but will they be enough to tackle the problem?

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The former US ambassador Peter Mandelson is on bail after being arrested on suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office.

Police have been investigating claims that when he was Business secretary, he shared market-sensitive government information with the financier Jeffrey Epstein.

His arrest comes a few days after police arrested Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, also on suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office, when he was a trade envoy. He is suspected of sharing confidential government documents with Epstein.

The arrests come after the release of a large number of files by the US Department of Justice. These relate to the activities of Jeffrey Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender. He died in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of the sex-trafficking of underage girls.

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was friends with Epstein. So was Lord Mandelson.

The BBC has approached Andrew Mountbatten Windsor for a response to these claims. He has always rejected any wrongdoing in connection with Jeffrey Epstein and denied any personal gain from his role as trade envoy.

Lord Mandelson has not publicly commented in recent weeks on the Epstein files, but the BBC understands his position is he has not acted in any way criminally and that he was not motivated by financial gain.

But what exactly is Misconduct in Public Office? It's a common law offence, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, but the Law Commission of England and Wales describes it as 'ill-defined '.

So how did it evolve, who does it apply to, how does it work in practice?

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Editor: Tom Bigwood

Senior Producer: Ravi Naik

Producer: Charlotte Rowles

Contributors:

Gareth Roberts, Barrister, Exchange chambers

Kate Bex KC, Red Lion chambers

Jeremy Horder, Professor of Criminal Law, the London School of Economics

Dr Hayleigh Bosher, a Reader in Intellectual Property Law at Brunel, University of London.

What does this offence mean, and who does it apply to?

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and Peter Mandelson are being investigated on suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office - but what does this offence mean?

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Under international law, when can a country declare war on another?

Was it legal for Israel and the United States to have carried out 'pre-emptive' airstrikes across most of Iran's provinces, which started the war? The USA says the attacks were justfied, because of an imminent threat from Iran's nuclear programme, and Israel claims it acted in self-defence.

The Israeli President went further - telling the BBC that focusing on the legality of the war instead of regional security is 'mind-boggling' to him.

And what of Iran's response? Was it reasonable under international law? In the last few weeks, practically all its Gulf-state neighbours have been targeted, as well as its drones or missiles landing in Syria, Cyprus, Turkey and Azerbajan.

So does the Iranian retalliation justify the American and Israeli attacks under international law?

And if any country breaks international laws - are there any real consequences?

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Producers: Ravi Naik and Charlotte Rowles

Editor: Tom Bigwood

Contributors:

Susan Breau, Professor of International law at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London

Christian Henderson, Professor of International Law, University of Sussex

Éamon Chawke, intellectual property, data protection and commercial law solicitor, Briffa Legal

Under international law, when can a country use force against another?

Conversation about the laws making headlines, and the laws that shape everyday life.

Was it legal for the USA and Israel to start a war with Iran? Also, was it legal or not for Iran to retaliate by launching attacks on its Gulf state neighbours?

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This week:

Protest law has been tightened up a lot in the last year, giving the police more leeway to stop disruption. But parts of the new powers have now been deemed unlawful by the High Court. So what is and isn't legal when it comes to protest? And how should the police handle protesters? Joelle explores all this with barrister Dr Sam Fowles and with Andy Walker from the College of Policing.

Is it legal to build on greenbelt land? Campaigners in Greater Manchester are taking legal action after Bury council announced plans to build 1500 homes on greenbelt.

And: why you may need a 'Lasting Power of Attorney', even if you're married. If your spouse were to be incapacitated, being next of kin is not enough to make financial or health decisions about them. Social media's 'legal queen', solicitor Tracey Maloney, talks us through how and when to get an LPA.

Production coordinator: Maria Ogundele

Your guide to the law and the legal decisions that have a bearing on everyone in the UK. This week: protest law, building on greenbelt, and needing a 'lasting power of attorney'.

Weekly conversation that will give you an in-depth understanding of the law stories making news and the legal decisions that could have a bearing on everyone in the UK. Whether it's unpicking a landmark legal ruling, explaining how laws are made or seeking clarity for you on a legal issue, The Law Show will be your guide.

The Law Show is your guide to the law and the legal decisions that have a bearing on everyone in the UK.

This week:

Assisted dying. Jersey, the Isle of Man, and Scotland are all taking steps towards making it legal to help someone die, in very specific and limited circumstances. It's currently a crime punishable by 14 years' imprisonment in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Dr Joelle Grogan is joined by Professor Emily Jackson of the LSE, a specialist in medical law, and by barrister Dr Charlotte Proudman to navigate the law around assisted dying and to explain the differences between assisted suicide and euthanasia.

Is there a point to county court judgements if they can't be enforced? Social media's 'legal queen', solicitor Tracey Maloney, answers a question from a listener, who got a county court judgment against a builder, but still hasn't got her money back.

Art or evidence? Drill music, with its sometimes violent-sounding words, has been used by the prosecution in criminal trials to help paint a picture of the defendants as gang members. But is it fair to claim lyrics like 'try deadin' him' are proof of criminal intent, or are these words just fiction? Senior criminal barrister and co-founder of the 'Art not Evidence' campaign Keir Monteith KC argues that drill is being used unfairly against Black boys and young men. The Crown Prosecution Service insists that they “would not use this evidence if it was not relevant. ?

And a listener asks: is it legal to sunbathe naked in your garden?

Production co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele

Your guide to the law and the legal decisions that have a bearing on everyone in the UK. This week: assisted dying, county court judgments, and drill music as evidence in trials.

This week:

Water: from the cryptosporidium outbreak in tap water in Devon, to E. coli bacteria in the Thames, and sewage in rivers, lakes and seas across the country - what does the law say about clean water? What obligations do water companies have, who enforces this, and who keeps an eye on the enforcers? Do we have a right to clean water to drink or swim in? Joelle explores all this and more with Angus Evers, Partner and Head of Environment Law at Shoosmiths, and with Dr Charlotte Proudman, a barrister and academic.

Divorce: in England and Wales, the only divorce available now is no-fault divorce, as a result of a law change that came into force last year. As family law solicitor Tracey Moloney points out though, you also need to get a financial order. If not, your ties haven't been fully severed, and your ex-spouse could make a financial claim in future. In Scotland, you need to prove irretrievable breakdown of the marriage to get a divorce, or that one of you is applying for a gender recognition certificate. In Northern Ireland, you need to cite reasons like adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion.

And: the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 was the last bill that became law just before parliament was dissolved for the general election. Under the Act, which covers England and Wales, leaseholders will gain more rights. For example, it will become easier and cheaper for them to buy their freehold, or extend leases to 990 years. There is also a ban on the sale of all new leasehold houses. But, the Act didn't cap, let alone abolish, ground rent, and hasn't come into force yet...

Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele

Your guide to the law and the legal decisions that have a bearing on everyone in the UK. This week: sewage-polluted waters - what's legal? New divorce laws, and Leasehold reform.

This week:

Traumatised jurors: new research has found that as much as half of people who serve on the juries of gruesome criminal trials, such as child murders or rape, can suffer symptoms of vicarious psychological trauma as a result. A pilot scheme to offer free counselling to affected jurors has now been shelved in England and Wales due to the election. But in Scotland and Northern Ireland support is available. Joelle discusses all this and what else happens on jury service with criminal defence barrister and part-time judge Charlie Sherrard KC, and with author, commentator and barrister Dr Sam Fowles.

Prenuptial contracts: what is a 'prenup,' as they're often called? Should you get one even if you're not wealthy? Are they legally binding in the case of divorce, or not worth the paper they're written on? What do you need to do for the courts to uphold them in the various parts of the UK? Family law solicitor and social media's 'legal queen' Tracey Moloney has the answers.

And: Japanese knotweed, a fast-growing invasive species so tough it can only be successfully removed by professionals. A Scottish couple has been granted permission by an Edinburgh sheriff to sue the previous owners of their home, who had not declared that there is Japanese knotweed on the property. This case centres around whether or not it counts as an 'infestation'. Other home seller packs ask about knotweed explicitly. Dr Sam Fowles explains the law, and who you can sue if you find yourself with unwanted knotweed after all.

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Production co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele

Your guide to the law and the legal decisions that have a bearing on everyone in the UK. This week: juries in traumatic trials, prenups and the law concerning Japanese knotweed.

Weekly conversation led by Dr Joelle Grogan that will give you an in-depth understanding of the law stories making news and the legal decisions that could have a bearing on everyone in the UK. Whether it's unpicking a landmark legal ruling, explaining how laws are made or seeking clarity for you on a legal issue, The Law Show will be your guide.

The Law Show is your guide to the law and the legal decisions that have a bearing on everyone in the UK.

AKA The Renters' Rights Bill

In this new series of the Law Show, Dr Joelle Grogan and guests look at the legislation that affects your life.

One of the flagship pieces of legislation for the Labour Government is the Renters' Rights Bill - scrapping no-fault evictions, and imposing new obligations and penalties on rogue landlords. How will it benefit tenants and affect landlords?

Also on the programme: a raft of new laws are coming into effect this autumn, but who decides when a law becomes active or is enforceable?

And family law solicitor Tracey Moloney joins us to look at an aspect of divorce that fills many people with dread: the division of assets. Can your ex claim against property you brought into the marriage? Can they claim your pension? And how can the answers to those questions differ, dependent upon where you live in the UK?

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

Contributors

Dr Sam Fowles, author and barrister at Cornerstone Barristers

Tracey Moloney, from Moloney Family Law, also known as the Legal Queen on social media

Dr Christy Burzio, barrister at Tanfield Chambers

Sarah Taylor, partner at Excello Law in Bristol

Renters are set to get new rights - but will it make life harder for landlords?

This week: the new Renters' Rights bill, new laws to protect workers' rights, and can your ex claim your house? Dr Joelle Grogan and guests discuss the laws affecting your life.

Conversation about the laws making headlines, and the laws that shape everyday life. Dr Joelle Grogan speaks with barristers, solicitors and others about how the law could affect you.

She kicks of the discussion by finding out about some laws that have just taken effect, like the Workers Protection Act, or others that are on the horizon. What will they mean for those affected?

The Renters' Reform Bill is a major piece of legislation introduced by the new government, that aims to give new rights to tenants in the private sector, and impose new obligations on landlords. For example, it sets out to abolish Section 21 'no-fault' evictions. Joelle speaks to specialist lawyers to hear how it will impact both.

And when you divorce, could your ex get your house, even if it was yours to begin with, or they didn't contribute to the mortgage? And what about your pension? Family solicitor Tracey Moloney has the answers - which may surprise you. They differ quite significantly depending on which nation of the UK you live in too.

Producer: Ravi Naik

Conversation about the laws in the news, or that shape your life. Today: renters' rights.

Conversation about the laws making headlines, and the laws that shape everyday life, with Dr Joelle Grogan. Today: the new Renters' Rights bill, and can your ex claim your house?

[LISTEN NOW]

AKA Inside The Family Courts

Last year, more than a quarter of a million cases started in Family Court in England and Wales.

Yet, to most people, the way they work is a mystery.

Traditionally, they were always held in private, because they discuss sensitive information about peoples' personal lives, and to protect children from harm.

Since 2009 reporters have been allowed to attend hearings. But they weren't allowed to tell anyone what was said without the permission of the court, and judges could exclude them.

Now, a pilot has been operating in 19 areas across England and Wales to allow journalists and legal bloggers to report Family Court cases, subject to strict rules of anonymity. Last week, it was extended to cover both private and public family cases at magistrates courts in the pilot areas.

But will it improve confidence and help people understand how the family courts work?

This week, Dr Joelle Grogan is joined by BBC correspondent Sanchia Berg and Lucy Reed KC, chair of the charity, the Transparency Project, to explain how the family courts work, what people attending them can expect, and why the reporting pilot is vital.

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

Contributors:

Lucy Reed KC, family law barrister at St John's chambers, legal blogger, and chair of the Transparency Project.

Samantha Woodham, family law barrister at 4PB chambers and co-founder of the Divorce Surgery

In this special edition of the Law Show, Dr Joelle Grogan looks at the family court system

To many, family courts are a mystery. In this special episode, Dr Joelle Grogan and guests explain how they work, and the pilot scheme to make them more transparent.

Last year, more than a quarter of a million cases started in Family Court in England and Wales, and yet to most people the way they work is a mystery. Traditionally, they were always held in private, to protect sensitive information about the personal lives of those involved, particularly children.

Now, a new pilot has been operating in 19 areas across England and Wales to allow journalists and legal bloggers to report Family Court cases, subject to strict rules of anonymity. Last week, it was extended to cover both private and public family cases at magistrates courts in the pilot areas.

In this special edition of the Law Show, Dr Joelle Grogan looks the Family Court system.

To many, Family Courts are a mystery. In this special episode, Dr Joelle Grogan and guests will explain how they work, and the pilot scheme to make their work more transparent.

[LISTEN NOW]

The job of the Criminal Cases Review Commission - or CCRC - is to investigate cases where people may have been wrongfully convicted of a crime in the criminal courts of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The CCRC has faced criticism over it's actions - or lack of action - in a high-profile miscarriage of justice.

In April this year, the CCRC offered an unreserved apology to Andrew Malkinson. He spent 17 years in prison following conviction for a rape in Salford that he didn't commit. DNA testing which led to his conviction being quashed was not commissioned by the CCRC, and in July, an independent review found that he could have been freed five years after receiving a life sentence in 2003.

After the report was published, the Justice Secretary called for the resignation of the chair of the CCRC, Helen Pitcher. However, she said she was still the “best person ? for the job and that she had no intention of standing down.

So how does the Criminal Cases Review Commission work? How does it make decisions about which cases should go back to the Court of Appeal, and which should be rejected?

Also this week:

- Are the laws around accessing social care for disabled children too complicated?

- And if you're selling your home - are you legally bound to mention problem neighbours?

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Producers: Ravi Naik and Nathan Gower

Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

Contributors

Dr Hannah Quirk, a Reader in Criminal Law at King's College London, who also used to work at the CCRC.

Professor Alison Young, Commissioner for Public and Welsh Law, the Law Commission.

Catriona Moore, policy manager at IPSEA, a charity which helps parents with SEND legislation - Special Educational needs and disabilities.

Tracey Moloney, from Moloney Family Law, also known as the Legal Queen on social media

The CCRC was criticised over serious miscarriages of justice, but how does it work?

How does the CCRC decide which cases should go to the Court of Appeal, and which cases should be rejected?

[LISTEN NOW]

A parliamentary inquiry has just started work into the law around Joint enterprise, and the Law Commission is also looking at ways to reform the law. It will report back next year.

Joint enterprise is contentious because if a person is seen to be involved in a crime - from knowing about it, egging someone on, being present, or being able to predict that someone is likely to use a weapon like a gun - then they could be considered as guilty as the person who pulled the trigger.

It has a long history, but in recent times, it has been used as a way of prosecuting murder, especially in cases involving groups of people, when it's not known who carried out a killing.

But is it being applied fairly?

The CPS says “We choose the right charges for the right people based on the evidence in front of us. We look objectively at the evidence before making our own decisions.

and they add that “The CPS carefully monitors joint enterprise prosecutions, with senior legal oversight over every case to ensure that our approach is fair and proportionate. ?

But campaigners say joint enterprise disproportionately results in working-class and black youths being prosecuted and convicted.

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Producers: Ravi Naik, Arlene Gregorius and Bob Howard

Editor Tara McDermott

Contributors:

Alexander Hughes, Head Judicial Assistant at The Supreme Court

Cleeshay' who was convicted of murder under joint enterprise

Jan Cunliffe, co-founder of Joint Enterprise Not Guilty by Association (JENGbA)

Tracey Moloney, solicitor, Moloney family Law

Dr Sam Fowles, a barrister and author

David Duncan, solicitor and Director of the legal firm Duncan & McConnell in Dundee

Joint enterprise is a powerful prosecution tool - but why is it controversial?

Joint enterprise means someone can be charged with a crime committed by someone else if they were present when or they helped or encouraged it. But is it fair?

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Lucy Letby is serving 15 whole-life sentences after being convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others at the Countess of Chester hospital - with two attempts on one of her victims - between June 2015 and June 2016.

But a campaign to clear her is being led by 14 medical experts who say there is no medical evidence for murders or attacks on those babies in her ward at the hospital.

The expert witness at her trial, Dr Dewi Evans, has consistently defended the evidence he provided to the court.

So what is an expert witness? When is their evidence required in court, what do they do, and who pays their fees?

Also on this week's programme:

Prince Harry wanted his day in court to face News Group Newspapers, but it never happened. Why did his case end so abruptly?

And marry in haste repent at leisure - or not. The 'legal queen' Tracey Moloney on annulment, divorce and why you can't choose between them.

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Producers: Ravi Naik and Louise Clarke

Contributors:

Retired Crown Court Judge Nigel Lithman KC

Amel Alghrani Professor of Law at the University of Liverpool

Aejaz Mussa, Barrister, One Law Chambers

Who are expert witnesses, and what are the rules governing their use in criminal trials?

The Lucy Letby case has highlighted how medical experts can interpret evidence in different ways - but what is an expert witness, and how are they used in criminal trials?

[LISTEN NOW]

Since the October 7th attacks by Hamas on Israel, and the IDF military invasion of the Gaza strip, terms like 'war crimes', 'crimes against humanity' and 'genocide' have been used when discussing the conflict.

Warrants have been issued by the International Criminal Court in the Hague for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defence minister Yoav Gallant, and a Hamas commander Mohammed Deif - who has since died in an air strike - citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

In this special episode of the Law Show, we'll ask what are the legal definitions of these terms, how victims in a conflict situation can seek justice, and we'll explain the difficulties of gathering evidence in war and proving claims in an international court.

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Producer: Louise Clarke

What are the legal definitions of war crimes and genocide?

What is genocide, and how do you define what is - and what isn't - a war crime? Who decides, how difficult is it to gather evidence, and can victims obtain justice?

[LISTEN NOW]

Justice delayed is justice denied - the court backlog in England and Wales has reached a record high and suspects being charged with new offences are regularly told they may not get a trial until 2027. Some courts are already booking court dates for 2028. The government has commissioned an independent review of criminal courts to work out how to cut waiting times. A victim of crime and a criminal defence solicitor tell Dr Joelle Grogan about the human cost of court delays.

Also on the programme, the MP introducing a law to end the abuse of Lasting Powers of Attorney and what can someone do when their ex refuses to pay child maintenance?

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Producers: Ravi Naik and Louise Clarke

Contributors:

Tracey Moloney, solicitor, Moloney Family Solicitors

Stephen Davies, criminal defence solicitor at Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors

Tom Franklin, CEO of the Magistrates Association

Professor Carolyn Stephens, whose father was a victim of LPA abuse

Fabian Hamilton, Labour MP for Leeds North East.

What can be done about the massive court delays in England and Wales?

The court backlog in England and Wales has reached a record high, with some victims, defendants and witnesses having to wait years for trial. Is there a way to fix the problem?

[LISTEN NOW]

It's not something most of us think about - and it's not something most of us want to think about, but sooner or later it's something we'll all encounter.

When someone passes away - legally, what do you have to do?

It's not immediately obvious, nobody really talks about it, and there a whole host of legal obligations that have to be considered, from declaring the death, to the circumstances when a coroner becomes involved.

And then there's a dead person's estate and the grant of probate. In this episode, Dr Joelle Grogan and a team of experts will guide you through the process.

Also on the programme:

A teenage boy recently lost a High Court case against his parents. He was unhappy that they had placed him in a Ghanaian boarding school because they feared that he was becoming involved in criminal activity in London.

The case rested on parental responsibility, and the judge ruled that their actions were within the scope of decisions that parents can make - and that the state shouldn't intervene.

But what is 'parental responsibility' and is there a situation where a child can divorce their parents?

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Producer: Ravi Naik

Contributors:

Rachel Roche, from Roche Legal in York

Dr Imogen Jones, Associate Professor in Law at the University of Leeds

Melinda Giles, Law Society Council member and part of their Wills & Equity Committee

Tracey Moloney, from Moloney Family Solicitors

What you need to know when someone dies.

The Law Show's guide to death and the law, from registering that someone has passed away, to organising the funeral, and dealing with the estate of the deceased person.

A teenage boy recently lost a High Court case against his parents. He was unhappy that they had placed him in a Ghanaian boarding school under false pretences, because they feared that he was becoming involved in criminal activity in London.

What are you legally required to do when someone dies?

[LISTEN NOW]

M&S, The Co-op and Harrods are picking up the pieces after their vital operational systems were hacked.

The cyber criminals also claim to have the private information of 20 million people who signed up to Co-op's membership scheme, but the firm have not confirmed that number. The Co-op says the breach did not include members' passwords, bank or credit card details. However, experts say seemingly innocent information can be used to commit fraud or identity theft.

So can you sue if your private data is stolen? What legal responsibilities does a company have to keep your data secure, and if you're the employee who clicked on a hacker's dodgy link in an email, how liable are you for any losses that occur?

Also on the programme:

Victims of abuse want to be told if their attackers make plea deals with Scottish prosecutors.

and if you're a couple with a pet - why splitting up could cost you, and how a 'pet-nup' might help.

Presenter: Joelle Grogan

Producers: Ravi Naik and Charlotte Rowles

UK retailers have faced cyberattacks - but what if your data is part of the breach?

It's claimed the private data of millions of people is now held by hackers, following cyberattacks on UK retailers. But what are your rights if your data is part of the breach?

AKA What Are My Rights If My Data Is Stolen In A Cyberattack?

So can you sue if your private data is stolen in this way? What legal responsibilities does a company have to keep your data secure, and if you're the employee who clicked on a hacker's dodgy link in an email, how liable are you for any losses that occur?

UK retailers have faced cyberattacks - but what if your data is part of a breach?

It's claimed the private data of millions of people is now held by hackers, following cyberattacks on UK retailers. But what are your rights if your data is part of a breach?

M&S, and the Co-op are picking up the pieces after their systems were hacked.

The cyber criminals claim to have the private information of 20 million people who signed up to Co-op's membership scheme, but the firm have not confirmed that number. The Co-op says the breach did not include members' passwords, bank or credit card details. However, experts say seemingly innocent information can be used to commit fraud or identity theft.

Companies aren't the only target; on Monday this week, the Ministry of Justice revealed that the Legal Aid Agency was also hacked in April.

So can you sue if your private data is stolen in this way? And if you're the employee who clicked on a hacker's dodgy link in an email, how liable are you for any losses that occur?

How survivors of domestic violence in Scotland want to be told if their attackers make plea deals.

Contributors

Joe Tidy, BBC Cyber Correspondent

Tim Capel, Legal Counsel for the Information Commissioner's Office

Ian Jeffrey, Chief Executive of the Law Society

Brian McConnachie KC, a former crown prosecutor and now a senior advocate:

It's claimed the private data of millions of people is now held by hackers, following cyberattacks on UK retailers. But what are your legal rights if your data is part of a breach?

[LISTEN NOW]

Wrongful convictions in the Post Office scandal and for train fare evasion have been described by the Government as ‘catastrophic failures', and it's held a consultation in England and Wales to reform private prosecutions.

It covers private prosecutions brought by organisations, and also, the SJP - the single justice procedure - where a minor criminal offence is decided by a magistrate behind closed doors. Tens of thousands of rail fines have been quashed, after train companies were found to have misused the SJP system.

So how should private prosecutions be reformed?

Also on the programme:

how 'No Further Action' and police cautions can leave a lasting mark on safeguarding and criminal records checks.

(Note that in Scotland, the nearest equivalent to a police caution is a Procurator Fiscal warning which is usually issued for low level offences such as street drinking or breach of the peace).

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Producers: Ravi Naik and Charlotte Rowles

Editors: Tara McDermott and Nick Holland

Contributors:

Dr Jonathan Rogers, part of the campaign group Criminal Justice Reform Now and Co-Deputy Director of the Cambridge Centre for Criminal Justice

Tristan Kirk court correspondent at the London Evening Standard

Nathalie Potter head of DBS at Olliers solicitors in Manchester

How should private prosecutions change following the Post Office scandal?

A consultation has been held in England and Wales into private prosecutions following wrongful convictions for train fare evasion and the Post Office scandal.

[LISTEN NOW]

The Victims and Courts Bill is progressing through Parliament, and will force convicted criminals to attend their sentencing hearings.

If criminals convicted of the most serious offences in England or Wales refuse to attend, or are disruptive in court, they will face an extra two years in prison. There are other sanctions too, including missing out on family visits.

‘Reasonable force' can also be used to get criminals to attend.

The families of three women killed in London - Sabina Nessa, Jan Mustafa and Zara Aleena - have been campaigning for a new law. In each case, the men who murdered their loved ones refused to come to their sentencing hearings.

Their families are not alone; the mother of 9 year old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, who was fatally shot in August 2022, has also been calling for a change in the law. The man who murdered her daughter also refused to come to court to be sentenced.

But will the changes improve the court system for the families of victims?

Also on the programme:

The first purely-AI legal service has been given the go ahead in England and Wales - what does it mean for the UK legal sector?

And who gets the dog? Why all couples might want to consider a 'pet-nup' in case they split up.

Presenter: Joelle Grogan

Producers: Ravi Naik and Charlotte Rowles

Editor Tara McDermott

Contributors

Charlie Sherrard KC, criminal justice barrister and judge

Claire Waxman, Victim's Commissioner for London

Dr Giulia Gentile, Department of Law, University of Essex and expert on AI and digital regulation

Samantha Woodham, barrister and co-founder of The Divorce Surgery.

Victims' families want convicted killers forced into the dock for sentencing.

Sabina Nessa's murderer refused to come to his sentencing hearing. Now her family want convicted killers to face the consequences of their actions.

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The phrase “State related deaths ? might mean little to the average person, but it's an umbrella term referring to a death in custody or a mental health setting. It also applies to situations when people have taken their own lives while in the armed forces or even to disasters like Grenfell or Hillsborough.

What all these have in common is that they are followed by inquests or public inquiries, where investigators or coroners try to work out what caused the deaths.

Public inquiries are set up to draw conclusions and release their findings, and coroners are required to write a 'Prevention of Future Deaths' report when there are lessons to be learned.

Hundreds of these PFD reports are released in England and Wales each year - yet there is no system in place to ensure preventative changes are made.

In Scotland, the equivalent is a Fatal Accident Inquiry. It's held by a procurator fiscal - and not a coroner - in front of a sheriff, and has a wider remit than an inquest. It too, can flag up systemic failures that led to a death, and precautions that should be made in future.

So should the UK have a body that ensures these warnings are heeded?

Also on the programme:

The government has welcomed Law Commission reforms to Wills - which includes new protections against so-called 'predatory marriages'.

And the Supreme Court case which could change the rules for all divorces in England and Wales.

Presenter: Joelle Grogan

Producers: Ravi Naik and Charlotte Rowles

Contributors:

Deborah Coles, Director of the charity Inquest

Kate Stone, barrister at Garden Street North chambers

Alexander Learmonth KC, barrister at New Square chambers

Tracey Moloney, Moloney Family solicitors

Should a government body be created to make sure 'state-related deaths' are prevented?

Hundreds of recommendations are made following inquests and public inquiries like the one into the Grenfell fire. Yet no system is in place to ensure future deaths are prevented.

Kate Stone, barrister at Garden Court North chambers

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Immigration has dominated headlines for months, but what UK laws cover this most emotive of issues?

When someone arrives here, what are the legal routes they have to take if they want to stay in the UK? What's the legal difference between an asylum seeker and a refugee? What does 'indefinite leave to remain' mean? And what's the difference between being deported, being removed and being extradited?

How do immigration hearings work? Are our immigration laws fit for purpose, and do they enable us to remove people when required?

Also on the programme:

How will the government's digital ID plans help curb illegal immigration?

and wigs in court; as the bar council updates dress advice for its members, we ask two barristers if wigs have had their day.

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Editor: Tom Bigwood

Producers: Ravi Naik and Charlotte Rowles

Contributors

Madeleine Sumption, Director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford

Paul Gulbenkian, solicitor at OTS solicitors and former immigration Judge

Morgan Wild, Chief Policy Adviser, Labour Together

Jennifer Devans-Tamakloe, barrister at 23 Essex Street chambers

Benet Brandreth KC, barrister at 11 South Square chambers

How do UK immigration laws work, and are they fit for purpose?

What are the legal processes immigrants must undergo to be allowed to stay in the UK? And for those who are rejected, what are the legal avenues to remove them?

[LISTEN NOW]

When the Labour government came to power in 2024, it faced a crisis in the criminal courts, with ever-longer delays and a growing backlog of cases.

The Ministry of Justice's budget is now one third higher in real terms than in 2019, but according to the latest figures, cases that are yet to be heard reached a record high of 78,329.

In October, the Justice Secretary David Lammy promised more funding to increase the number of days that English and Welsh courts will sit next year.

But is throwing money at the problem enough? How can the courts service be improved, and are there any realistic alternatives to criminal cases being heard in court?

Also in the programme:

Protests in support of the banned group Palestine Action could result in 400 trials - so will this make court delays worse?

and are UK laws fair to football fans?

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Editor: Tom Bigwood

Producers: Ravi Naik and Charlotte Rowles

Contributors

Can extra funding for courts in England and Wales clear the backlog?

The Justice Secretary has announced extra funding for more court days in England and Wales. But is it a sticking plaster, or will it reduce the record backlog?

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Politically motivated attacks on the legal profession in the UK have led to barristers, solicitors, advocates and judges being subjected to violence, death threats and rape threats. Some have faced threats to their family members.

This is according to the The Bar Council of England and Wales, the Law Society of England and Wales, the Law Society of Scotland, the Faculty of Advocates, the Bar of Northern Ireland and the Law Society of Northern Ireland. These organisations represent a quarter of a million lawyers across the UK, and they have come together to warn about an increasing climate of hostility against legal professionals.

They say that law firms have been targeted by protesters, and they point out that lawyers are not their clients. So how bad has the situation become, and is it threatening justice or even democracy?

Also on the programme:

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan

Producers: Ravi Naik and Charlotte Rowles

Editor: Tom Bigwood

Contributors:

Do political attacks on the law put legal professionals in danger?

Has widespread criticism of the legal profession gone too far, putting solicitors, barristers, advocates and even judges under threat?

[LISTEN NOW]