Lifers

Lifers

This episode examines the haphazard way Ireland deals with its most dangerous criminals. We hear how some of our most infamous prisoners are assessed for release by people with no training or experience and how the final decisions are made by politicians with the next election in mind. With the help of Dr Diarmuid Griffin's ground-breaking research in the area, we take a look at how we got this system and how it can be reformed.

Two men prosecuted for homosexual liaison in 1975

Nell McCafferty, author of the column and book "In the eyes of the law", reads from one from the archives about two men prosecuted in Dublin District Court in 1975 for a homosexual liaison.

Nell McCafferty: In the Eyes of The Law

A lot has changed down at the District Court since Nell McCafferty was writing her column about it for The Irish Times. She recounts the dilapidated Bridewell Court, its vain judges, desperate defendants and unspeakable toilets.