Staff and students at Queen’s University Belfast School of Law have launched a new weekly legal podcast called LawPod.

In the first episode, available on iTunes and www.lawpod.org, undergraduate student Sherlly Alceus interviews Professor Phil Scraton about incarceration, mandatory life sentences and prison abolition.

The new podcast has been set up and co-ordinated by lecturer Dr Rachel Killean and Richard Summerville, with funding from the School of Law and the Queen’s Annual Fund.

The first twelve episodes will cover topics such as sexual and gender based violence, human rights, refugee rights, criminal law and procedure, international law and victims’ rights

Speaking to Irish Legal News, Dr Killean said: “I first pitched the idea of a Law School podcast because I love podcasts, and I think they are a brilliant way of making complex topics accessible to a wide audience.

“It occurred to me that it was a medium that could be used by the School to make the research being done by staff more accessible, as well as providing a space for informed conversations about current events. The idea evolved into one that also comprises a strong employability and skills-based element.

“By involving students in the planning, production, running and marketing of the podcast, we provide them with an opportunity to develop a range of skills, enhancing the benefits students get out of their degree here. It also contributes to the research environment within the School, by encouraging staff and students to meet and have conversations about a range of issues.

“In this way, students can learn about areas of law which perhaps are outside the scope of their modules, and staff can get to know their students outside the classroom.”

Dr Killean added: “The goals for the future are to keep producing high quality episodes, to keep providing a space for interesting and topical conversations, and to expand the topics covered to encompass a broad range of legal issues and a diverse range of voices.

“We hope that more students will join our team, and that we can keep our focus on collaboration and skill-development. In terms of listenership, I hope that law students, law researchers, legal professionals and anyone else with a general interest in current affairs will find something to interest them!”