Horsehair Wigs
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Podcast Overview
<p>In The Justice Edit*, from <a href="https://www.irishruleoflaw.ie/">Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI)</a>, journalist and IRLI Communications Lead Evelyn McClafferty explores how the rule of law, human rights, and geopolitics intersect in today’s global challenges. From big tech accountability and judicial independence to climate justice and the erosion of democratic freedoms, these timely conversations offer insight for everyone.</p> <p>The podcast is funded by <a href="https://www.ireland.ie/en/irish-aid/">Irish Aid</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>*Formerly named Horsehair Wigs*</p> <p><br /><br /></p>
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Publishing Since
1/16/2023
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Recent Episodes
February 26, 2026
Dame Siobhan Keegan
Across parts of the world, courts are publicly criticised, lawyers attacked, and democratic norms tested. In the latest episode of The Justice Edit, Dame Siobhan Keegan, Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland and co-patron of Irish Rule of Law International reflects on what protects public confidence when institutions come under strain. Reflecting on Northern Ireland’s experience of conflict and peacebuilding, Dame Siobhan discusses how the courts functioned during the Troubles — often at a time when other political institutions were suspended — and why judicial independence became essential to maintaining public confidence. “Judicial independence and fairness have been, as I would describe it, lifelines for communities seeking security and equality.” The conversation explores the values that underpin both legal systems on the island of Ireland, the responsibility borne by judges and lawyers in an increasingly populist climate, and the risks that arise when trust in institutions begins to erode. Dame Siobhan also addresses the often-overlooked connection between legal integrity and economic stability: “So markets judge countries harshly where the rule of law is weak. Because the risk of arbitrary action or corruption is high.” Looking beyond Ireland, she reflects on global democratic backsliding and the danger of slow institutional decay: “What worries me is that by the time the damage is visible, recovery can be difficult, and public trust is dangerously undermined.” This episode is released alongside IRLI’s new Strategy 2026–2030, setting out our commitment to strengthen justice systems, defend the rule of law, and deepen cross-jurisdictional collaboration at a time of global democratic strain. Presented and produced by Evelyn McClafferty. With thanks to our donors: Irish Aid. The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily represent those of IRLI or its donors.
December 19, 2025
Mary McAleese
Former President of Ireland and academic lawyer Dr Mary McAleese delivers a powerful and wide-ranging address on democracy, human dignity, planetary health, and the rule of law in this special end-of-year episode of The Justice Edit (formerly Horsehair Wigs). Recorded in front of a live audience at an IRLI event at the Law Society of Ireland in November, McAleese - in conversation with barrister, Peter Leonard - offers a searing assessment of the global political climate, warning of democratic backsliding, the rise of undemocratic leaders, and the growing normalisation of war and authoritarian power. Reflecting on the postwar international order, she cautions that, “Coming out of the Second World War, we hear now more warmongering talk, all of which can feed the big business that spins out of the war machine.” At the heart of her address is a clear ethical demand: "The sacredness of the human person, the sacredness of the earth — these things have got to be embedded in the employment of capital and big business. Without that, you get a wrecking match — and that’s what we’re seeing.” McAleese warns that democratic progress is never guaranteed, noting that even long-established democracies are now centres of decline: “Rather tragically, famous democracies are now the centre of that backsliding. They use the words democracy and rule of law, but in a sense that none of us would recognise as having any credibility.” She also reflects on the election of autocratic leaders within democratic systems, calling it “an awful sad thing… to see democracies capable of electing autocrats and people with second-century imperial ambitions.” The conversation explores the role of international institutions in resisting impunity and defending accountability. Of the International Criminal Court, McAleese observes that while some states may walk away from responsibility, “the fact that it exists… sends a message to all people under abusers of the rule of law that outside of them, there’s a world that actually dares to care.” She further defends the European Union as a cornerstone of postwar peace and cooperation, urging citizens not to abandon it in moments of frustration: “If you have problems with the European Union, remember why it’s there… You don’t walk away from it. You stay and fight your ground.” McAleese also challenges religious institutions to engage more actively in confronting violence, exploitation, and indifference, noting their global influence, before closing with a stark warning: “We are facing existential crises — and they are upon us in this generation.” This episode was recorded in memory of James Douglas, Irish Rule of Law International’s late Executive Director, and is dedicated to his commitment to human rights and the rule of law. This episode was recorded live in front of an audience, and some variation in audio quality is to be expected. Presented and produced by Evelyn McClafferty. With thanks to our donors: Irish Aid. Note: The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily represent those of IRLI or its donors.
September 12, 2025
Juanita Goebertus Estrada
The Americas director of Human Rights Watch, Juanita Goebertus Estrada sits down with us this month to talk about El Salvador’s policy of mass incarceration. For a country the size of Massachusetts in the US, El Salvador has the highest incarceration rate in the world. Unlawful detention and an abuse of power have become hallmarks of the reign of the Salvadorian President, Nayib Bukele, who once described himself as “the world’s coolest dictator”. The country is a long-running state of emergency – since 2022 - and there are calls to reinstate suspended constitutional rights. “Now, El Salvador has the equivalent of 1.4% of its people incarcerated. In many senses for Salvadorians, this has been presented as a paradox: if they want security, they need to sacrifice their human rights,” says Juanita. According to the World Justice Project, El Salvador ranks 111th across 142 countries in its rule of law index for 2024, with steady declines since 2020. It all started as a crackdown on gangs in 2022 after a series of homicides committed by criminal gangs, but quickly turned into a policy of mass incarceration. Various human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, have documented arbitrary arrests, torture and huge violations of due process. According to Juanita: “It started by being able to capture without a warrant, being able to prosecute without sufficient evidence and maintaining people in pre-trial detention indefinitely.” And as Bukele ramped up his crackdown on civil liberties, he gained a significant ally in the US President Donald Trump. In exchange for a few million dollars, Trump unlawfully deported over 200 Venezuelans from the US who were held in El Salvador’s high security prison for gang members. The deal was done after Bukele went to Washington to visit Trump. “Seeing Trump and Bukele in the Oval Office, it seemed as if they were sharing lessons on how to be an authoritarian leader,” says Juanita. With over 100,000 people now in prison in the country and with reports of torture and mass violations of due process, what’s its future? And what sort of an impact is Trump’s relationship with Bukele having on wider power dynamics in Latin America? Tune in, to hear Juanita’s compelling insights. Presented and produced by Evelyn McClafferty. With thanks to our donors: Irish Aid. Note: The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily represent those of IRLI or its donors.
29 total episodes available
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- What is Horsehair Wigs?
<p>In The Justice Edit*, from <a href="https://www.irishruleoflaw.ie/">Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI)</a>, journalist and IRLI Communications Lead Evelyn McClafferty explores how the rule of law, human rights, and geopolitics intersect in today’s global challenges. From big tech accountability and judicial independence to climate justice and the erosion of democratic freedoms, these timely conversations offer insight for everyone.</p> <p>The podcast is funded by <a href="https://www.ireland.ie/en/irish-aid/">Irish Aid</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>*Formerly named Horsehair Wigs*</p> <p><br /><br /></p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates bi-weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 10 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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