Thank you for highlighting this. I have just listened. What a clear and incisive mind.
castbox.fm/episode/158.-Baroness-Hale%3A-The-Supreme-Court%2C-Boris-Johnson%2C-and-the-ECHR-id5518424-id858282073?country=gb
Boy, would I like to see her in a room with Badenoch, Jenrick, Farage and his gang. She would rip them to shreds over the ECHR and Trump policy.
Digest:
This podcast features an in-depth interview with Baroness Brenda Hale, former President of the UK Supreme Court. It explores her early life, education, and her path into law, highlighting the challenges of a male-dominated academic and legal environment. Baroness Hale explains the intricacies of the British justice system beyond criminal law, focusing on civil, family, and tribunal law, and discusses the evolution of family law and property rights. The conversation delves into the relationship between politics and law, emphasizing the judiciary's role in interpreting laws passed by Parliament. Baroness Hale also discusses her books, particularly "With the Law on Our Side," which aims to demystify the legal system for the public. The podcast touches upon concerning trends in US immigration enforcement and international law, stressing the importance of legal frameworks and the rule of law. It further examines the UK's relationship with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the significance of judicial independence, and the implications of potential withdrawal from the ECHR. The landmark prorogation case involving Boris Johnson is recounted, with Baroness Hale detailing the judicial process and the ramifications for constitutional integrity. The discussion contrasts the UK and US legal systems, particularly concerning the power of their respective Supreme Courts and the influence of politics. Baroness Hale expresses both hopes for the future, rooted in public and civil society resilience, and concerns about current political trends. She reflects on progress and ongoing challenges in gender equality. The podcast concludes with reflections on Baroness Hale's intellect and demeanor, the uniqueness of the British judiciary, and the critical need for constitutional guardians in times of political strain.
I've just bought the audio book of With the Law on Our Side.
Zoe Williams review:
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/sep/18/lady-brenda-hale-supreme-court
