Law in Context

Episode 11 | Proving Genocide

The word “genocide” feels like it has always been part of our vocabulary. But do we really understand what we mean when we use it? In everyday conversation, the term is often used to describe mass killings, widespread suffering, and horrific atrocities, especially in the context of armed conflict. Yet in law, genocide has a highly specific and demanding definition, shaped by a distinct legal and historical origin. In this 11th episode of our series, Marko Milanović [https://www.reading.ac.uk/law/our-staff/marko-milanovic], Professor of Public International Law at the University of Reading helps us unpack this complex concept. Together, we explore what genocide means in international law, how courts interpret it, what it takes to prove it, and why it matters—both in courtrooms and beyond.

Off the Shelf Festival: Telling Tales – Narratives of Crime and Justice

This special episode was recorded as part of the Ideas Alive strand of the Off the Shelf Festival of Words [https://offtheshelf.org.uk/events/ideas-alive-crime-fiction-and-the-law/], one of the largest literary festivals in the North of England, celebrating books, words, and ideas. Ideas Alive [https://player.sheffield.ac.uk/series/ideas-alive] is a series of podcasts by academics from the University of Sheffield talking about their fascinating research. In this episode, we explore how stories of crime and justice are told — in fiction, film, news, and political discourse — and what they reveal about our collective understanding of law, crime, and punishment. From the enduring mythology of Jack the Ripper to contemporary media portrayals of riots and unrest, we discuss how words and storytelling shape public ideas of morality and justice, and, ultimately, how they influence law and policymaking. To help us unpack these intricate issues, we are joined by two brilliant guests specialising in representations and narratives of crime: * Dr Ciara Molloy, Assistant Professor in Criminology at University College Dublin. Ciara’s research explores cultural and historical narratives of crime, from Jack the Ripper mythology to portrayals of joyriding in 1980s Ireland [https://app.dimensions.ai/details/publication/pub.1190743915]. * Dr Chloe Peacock [https://sheffield.ac.uk/law/people/academic-staff/chloe-peacock], Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Sheffield. Chloe's research, including her forthcoming monograph [https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526173126/], examines how media, politics, and the courts talk about criminality in light of events such as the 2011 and 2024 riots in the UK.

Episode 9 | For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers

In this episode we unpack the UK Supreme Court’s recent judgment in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers—a landmark case that raises urgent questions about the legal definitions of ‘sex’ and ‘woman’ under the Equality Act 2010. Joined by Dr Sandra Duffy [https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Sandra-Duffy-327d20c8-b5e7-492d-a9e2-9f256a7ae145/] (University of Bristol), Dr Surabhi Shukla [https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/law/people/law-academic-staff/surabhi-shukla] (University of Sheffield), and Dr SJ Cooper-Knock [https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/spir/people/academic/sj-cooper-knock](University of Sheffield), we explore the legal reasoning behind the judgment, its implications for trans and non-binary people, and how it intersects with both UK and international human rights law. We also examine the role of the so-called ‘gender-critical’ movement, challenge prevailing myths around single-sex spaces, and reflect on what this ruling means for the future of gender equality and trans rights in the UK. Whether you’re a legal professional, activist, or curious listener, this episode offers a rights-based perspective on where we go from here.

Episode 8 | Trump Tariffs 2.0

The Trump Administration is back. And so are their signature trade policies. 'Tariffs' must be the buzzword of the year so far. But let’s be honest – even those of us that work on these subjects need to google things to fully understand what’s going on. To help us understand, we are joined in this episode by Greg Messenger [https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Greg-Messenger-3a6e98b4-a1f1-4a1f-a653-e4ed94f02f6a/], Professor of Trade Law & Policy at the Law School of the University of Bristol and Dr Maha Rafi Atal [https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/staff/maharafiatal/], Adam Smith Senior Lecturer in Political Economy at the University of Glasgow. In this episode we cover the legal framework behind tariffs, the broader political and economic motivations driving these policies, and the potential fallout for global trade. Are Trump’s tariffs just tough bargaining tactics, or are they pushing the boundaries of international law? How are targeted countries responding? And what does all this mean for businesses, consumers, and economies worldwide? Tune in for international trade law in the context of Trump 2.0.

Episode 7 | Climate Change: 2024 Stocktake

What do recent court rulings mean for the future of climate action? How are international legal bodies shaping the fight against climate change? In our first episode for 2025 , we join forces with the ⁠Sheffield Centre for International and European Law (SCIEL)⁠ [https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/law/research/centres-and-institutes/sciel] to explore the most pressing legal developments in climate law. Together with Malgosia Fitzmaurice [https://www.qmul.ac.uk/law/people/academic-staff/items/fitzmaurice.html] (QMUL), Ivano Alogna [https://www.biicl.org/people/ivano-alogna] (BIICL), and Agnes Rydberg [https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/law/people/law-academic-staff/agnes-rydberg] (Sheffield) we break down the key climate rulings of 2024, the role of ITLOS and the ICJ in shaping global climate governance, and the increasing legal pressure on corporations. We also unpack the outcomes of COP29 and what’s next for climate law in 2025. If you're curious about how the law is responding to the climate crisis, this episode is for you.