Double Jeopardy - The Law and Politics Podcast

About Double Jeopardy - The Law and Politics Podcast

Award-winning UK podcast 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 present and 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. 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, human rights and the British Constitution. 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 review of government decisions to the erosion of civil liberties. -The toxic confrontation between gender critical feminists and trans activists over what defines a woman in law. -The extent to which special measures intended to support vulnerable witnesses are making it harder to prosecute rape and other serious sexual offences. -Inside the most controversial legal cases – including human rights battles over immigration law, terrorism and national security, the Assisted Dying Bill and the gross miscarriage of justice in the Andrew Malkinson case. -Britain’s never ending criminal justice crisis – from overfilled prisons to policing policies that test the rule of law, threats to jury trial and the massive backlog of Crown Court cases. -Lucy Letby’s convictions, the media’s role, the Court of Appeal’s detailed rejection of her appeal and the fresh evidence which may demonstrate fundamental problems with the safety of the convictions. Episodes feature discussions with the most influential voices in law, politics, and justice, including: -Professor Kathleen Stock – leading gender critical feminist and Professor of Philosophy hounded out of her job at Sussex University discusses science, gender and the importance of free speech. -Joshua Rozenberg - Legal commentator and broadcaster reviewed major legal and political developments, including judicial independence, rule of law, and shifts in UK legal norms. -Baroness Brenda Hale – Former President of the Supreme Court discuss human rights, politicians and populist attacks on the judiciary. -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. -Melanie Phillips – Times columnist and public commentator discussed the developing constitutional crisis in Israel arising from the Netenyahu government’s plans to trim the powers and role of Israel’s Supreme Court. 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.

Publisher

Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC

Category

news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Jul 2022

Latest episode

23 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

120 of 220 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   23 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Lucy Letby and the Thirlwall Inquiry: Was it Premature?

   Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC discuss the Thirlwall Report's findings on hospital governance and the implications for Lucy Letby's case, offering insights into legal and political reforms.

2. 

   16 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT

   James Orr: The Politics of Weirdness. Plus the Demise of Assisted Dying, Never Ending Public Inquiries, and Hermer’s Legacy Undone

   Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC interview Dr. James Orr, Associate Professor of Philosophy of Religion, exploring the politics of his controversial role and Reform UK's funding, while also dissecting assisted dying debates and public inquiry costs.

3. 

   9 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Inside the Reform UK Undercover Investigation: First Interview with Verbatim’s Legal Advisor

   Host Tim Owen KC interviews legal advisor Gavin Millar KC about the ethical and legal implications of the Verbatim undercover investigation into Reform UK.

Inside a recent episode

Lucy Letby and the Thirlwall Inquiry: Was it Premature?

Published 23 Sept 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] And so she finds this extremely concerning aspect of the attitude of the hospital. She refers to tribalism. a toxic culture of tribalism and unthinking professional loyalty led by senior nursing management to blindly side with Lucy Lepby, treating her as a victim of bullying. And then finally, finding that parents were kept in the dark, that there was a lack of candor with the families. And as a result, parents were completely unaware that harm was suspected. So those are the four findings, main areas. I mean, it's excoriating stuff. I'd urge our listeners to read the summary, actually, which is very readable. […]

Who has been a guest on Double Jeopardy - The Law and Politics Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Gavin Millar KC
• Cassia Rowland
• David Gauke
• Penney Lewis
• Dame Anne Rafferty

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.0 / 5

7 ratings

Spotify

4.9 / 5

264 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 66 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

96

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

90

Pitching Double Jeopardy - The Law and Politics Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting pitches.

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Questions about Double Jeopardy - The Law and Politics Podcast