Legal Help for Lawmakers – Scrutinising Legislation, with Karl Turner MP

Rights in Law and Practice: Artificial Intelligence, with Ellen Lefley

In episode six of the Law for Lawmakers podcast, JUSTICE Senior Lawyer Ellen Lefley explores the relationship between artificial intelligence and the Rule of Law, and what it means for Parliament as AI becomes increasingly embedded in public services and the justice system. Drawing on JUSTICE’s research on AI in justice and policing, Lefley discusses the opportunities and risks presented by emerging technologies, arguing that innovation must be guided by established Rule of Law and human rights principles. She also examines the growing use of AI in policing and public decision-making, highlighting the need for stronger oversight and effective parliamentary scrutiny to ensure new technologies strengthen - rather than undermine - the Rule of Law.

The Rule of Law and the City, with Andrew Denny

In episode five of the Law for Lawmakers podcast, Andrew Denny of A&O Shearman explores the relationship between business and the Rule of Law, and reflects on why legal certainty is one of the UK’s greatest economic strengths.  Denny argues that the UK’s historic reputation for upholding the Rule of Law has long played a central role in attracting foreign investment. Maintaining that reputation, he suggests, will be essential if the government is to deliver long-term economic growth.  Reflecting on the wider state of the Rule of Law, Denny warns that growing disagreement over what the term means can distract us from our common ground on the issue.   “The rule of law is vital to our personal freedom, and our freedom as a society,” he tells Fiona Rutherford, adding that he worries “it is slipping from our grasp.”  Drawing on his experience in the legal and business worlds, Denny explores the complex relationship between economic confidence, democratic stability, and the Rule of Law, arguing that its decline would have consequences far beyond the legal sector.

Legal Help for Lawmakers – Scrutinising Legislation, with Karl Turner MP

In this episode of the Law for Lawmakers podcast, Fiona is joined by Karl Turner MP for a conversation on jury trials, parliamentary scrutiny, and the future of the justice system. Turner examines the government’s proposed restrictions on jury trials and the wider implications of the Courts and Tribunals Bill. He reflects on the role of Parliament in scrutinising legislation, stressing that detailed examination by MPs and Peers is essential to identify flaws before laws (whose consequences are often long-lasting) are enacted. Turner argues that the House of Lords plays a vital safeguarding role in this process, describing it as a chamber that can prioritise expertise over politics and act as a check on poorly conceived policy. He also challenges the rationale behind jury reform, criticising the lack of evidence linking jury trials to court backlogs and warning that such measures risk undermining a fundamental protection within the justice system.

The Rule of Law: Guardrails of Democracy, with Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC

In today's episode, of the Law for Lawmakers podcast, Fiona chats to The Rt. Hon Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC about the Rule of Law. Throughout their thorough conversation, Buckland explores the relationship between parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law, warning of the risks when political rhetoric undermines judicial independence. He also contests calls to leave the European Convention on Human Rights, arguing that the real issues lie in domestic law and that withdrawal could have serious constitutional and practical consequences.

Shami Chakrabarti on Holding Power to Account

In this episode of the Law for Lawmakers podcast, we are joined by Baroness Shami Chakrabarti for a conversation on accountability and the rule of law. Along with JUSTICE’s Fiona Rutherford, Chakrabarti explores the essential role of judicial review in holding government to account, challenging claims that it is “anti-democratic” and warning against growing political attacks on courts and judges. She also discusses the increasing risks to rights and freedoms (from restrictions on protest to the use of emerging technologies like AI) arguing that stronger safeguards and oversight are needed to prevent abuses of power.