Latest series of Law in Action

I've previously mentioned Radio 4's Law in Action programme:
http://birkbecklibrarylaw.blogspot.co.uk/2008/06/bbc-radio-4-law-in-action.html 
but wanted to flag up the most recent series, which broadcast last month.

Topics covered included Criminal Legal Aid cuts, the introduction of criminal court charges and a discussion around alternatives to imprisoning mothers (often jailed for non-violent crimes).

All are currently available to listen to / download from:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006tgy1/episodes/downloads 

Judge Rinder - guilty pleasure?

Billed as the UK's answer to Judge Judy is Judge Rinder.  
Judge Rinder arbitrates on disputes of the type which would typically be seen in a small claims court. The first series was broadcast in August & September, and a second series has been commissioned.

I didn't catch any of the episodes, but Robert Rinder (a barrister at 2 Hare Court) was interviewed on the most recent episode of Law in Action, where he suggested that the programme has become the guilty pleasure for a number of those in the legal profession.

A useful insight into the workings of the law, or daytime TV fodder? 
If you're a member of Birkbeck, you can decide for yourself by watching past episodes online via Box of Broadcasts National (BoB National), a resource to which the library has recently subscribed. 

BBC Radio 4 - Law in Action

This weekly 30-minute look at legal issues in the news is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 (Tuesday, 4pm). It is possible to subscribe to a podcast of the show (although there are currently no episodes available) and to listen to the previous week's show via the listen again feature.

In addition to the show itself, the Law in Action web site offers a round-up of recent legal developments - particularly useful for students endeavouring to keep up-to-date with issues which may impact upon the areas they're studying.

Thanks to Jonathan Thorpe (Birkbeck LLB) for bringing this site to my attention.