Maura McGowan and MoJ Consultation Paper

In a very busy week for Criminal Lawyers, Kirstin talks to Maura McGowan QC, Chairman of the Bar Council about her role, Christopher Grayling's proposals and her view on direct action.  

Ben tells us about the Meeting of the Northern Circuit and roving reporter Jonathan Holt roves once more to talk to Michael Turner QC, Chairman of the CBA .

Listen by clicking here.

S08E01 - Northpod Law Live from MMU

Our panel of experts discussed whether the Criminal Bar and solicitors' firms as we know them have any place in the aftermath of the sweeping reforms and cost-cutting measures deployed by successive governments of England & Wales.

Students and current practitioners attended and listened live online with Twitter being the platform for discussion.

The Panel was:

Ian West (anti-QASA campaigner and barrister on the North-East Circuit)
Simon Csoka QC (Criminal Bar Association - Northern Circuit)
Franklin Sinclair (Solicitor and senior partner of Tuckers Solicitors)
Margaret MacDonald (Head of advocacy at MMU and civil counsel)


Many thanks go to those in attendance and to MMU for kindly hosting this event free of charge.

Thanks also go to Central Chambers, Manchester for assisting in this event and for assisting with CPD accreditation for those in attendance.

NB: - CPD is pending as at 18th April but those who would qualify for the hours will be notified by email. Chaired by Kirstin Beswick Produced by Ben Knight (who also did a bit of speaking!)


The show is found here.

S07E06 - Cake and Sex

It’s the cake and er... sex apparently...show as the series ends with a fabulous interview with Felicity Gerry.  She talks to Ben about sex trials, anonymity of defendants accused of rape, cross-examination of witnesses in sex trials and other related issues.

This week also saw a meeting on the Northern Circuit about the future of the Bar - and the threats to it.  As a result, all members of Circuit will be balloted over QASA.  Kirstin tells us what the questions will be and we discuss the apparent feeling on other circuits.

Then we have our second review of Blackstone’s Criminal Practice 2013 in electronic format.  Is it still very nearly the Bee’s knees?  Have any or all of the niggles we had last time been resolved?

Keep us up to date with your views during the break via Twitter (@northpodlaw), e-mail (mail@northpod.co.uk) or leave us a voice message (0161 408 5037). 

Find the show right here.

Felicity Gerry
Blackstone’s Criminal Practice

S07E05 - Mags, Bads and Dangerous to Know

This week we are without Ben Knight...so clearly one worth listening to!

Kirstin soldiers on with the inestimable Jonathan Holt in support as we bring you a profusion of case law.

First up is the news that 4 people have gone to gaol in connection with the tragic death of Baljinder Gill who was innocently caught up in a staged road traffic accident - surprisingly the 1st case of it’s kind.

Then we cover 2 cases involving drink-driving.  When is a public place not a public place and do the Magistrates have to say why?  And can the Magistrates change their minds about the verdict they’ve given after trial but apparently before they’ve thought about the evidence or point of law the case rests upon?

The decision in the Edexcel/Ofqual fiasco of different grades for the same marks at GCSE is looked at and Kirstin explains why the High Court came to the conclusion that nothing should be done.

And finally a case which clearly demonstrates the old warning to be careful what you wish for - especially when what you wish for is a good character direction - this one’s good enough to sink any defendant.

We wish Ben a speedy recovery and hope for his return next week - although it’s been ever so much easier and quieter just recently.....

1. Gaol for crash 4 cash death case.
2. Cowan v Director of Public Prosecutions - Was there enough evidence on Public Place?
3. DPP v Gautam Chajed - Cannot change verdict under s.142 MCA 1980
4. Ofqual, Edexcel, AQA not at fault
5. R v Kevin Marlon Dillon - With good character directions like these...

(Ed - cough, cough. They still need me to do the technical stuff and blah...blah..blah... And Kirstin thinks this is "Episode 7 Episode 5" for some reason. Ben)

The show is here.