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Ireland
Irish Law
European Court Of Human Rights
Employment Law
Human Rights Law
Brexit
Environmental Law
Climate Change
Human Rights
County Councillors
Enduring Powers Of Attorney
Una Lynskey
Judicial Review
Legal Aid
Mediation
Family Law
Local Government
Local Elections
Ulysses
Irish Police Investigations

Ireland's legal podcast, presented by the Law Society Award Winning team of Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes158Founded4 years ago
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Artwork for The Fifth Court

Latest Episodes

Your Reputation on Trial — And Why the Rules Are Changing

This is not just another legal interview. This is a story about growing up under armed protection, about a father who became the last Law Lord in the UK, and about a legal system that is abou... more

The "referee" of Irish politics: Verona Murphy on power, pressure and running the Dáil

What actually happens when you’re handed the whistle in Irish politics?

On Episode 145 of The Fifth Court, hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL travel to... more

Episode 144 – Mr Justice Brian Cregan, Judge of the High Court | Parnell, leadership, and the law

In this very special episode of The Fifth Court, hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL are joined by Mr Justice Brian Cregan, Judge of the High ... more

Máirín De Búrca is in front of the courts again | The Fifth Court

There are some names that belong in the footnotes of Irish history. Máirín De Búrca belongs in the headlines.

In this very special episode of The Fifth Court, Peter Leonard and Mark ... more

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Recent Guests

John Kerr
Barrister based in Dublin, defamation specialist
Barrister, Dublin
Episode: E146 The Fifth Court - Your Reputation on Trial — And Why the Rules Are Changing - John Kerr
Verona Murphy
Ceann Comhairle (politician)
Ceann Comhairle, TD for Wexford
Episode: E145 The Fifth Court - Verona Murphy - From leaving home at 14 to Ceann Comhairle, Dáil Éireann
Brian Cregan
Judge of the High Court since 2014
Irish High Court
Episode: E144 The Fifth Court - Mr Justice Brian Cregan, Judge of the High Court | Parnell, leadership, and the law
Máirín De Búrca
Irish political activist and lawyer involved in the Dublin Housing Action Committee; key figure in the jury case
Irish activist, Sinn Féin/Woodstock-era movements
Episode: E143 The Fifth Court - Máirín de Búrca, once more in front of the courts
Gary O'Gorman
National handicapper for flat racing
Irish Turf Club (IHRB)
Episode: E142 The Fifth Court - Garry O'Gorman, The Barrister Who Quit Law To Handicap Racehorses
Eavanna FitzGerald
Former barrister and founder of The Expert Witness Site
The Expert Witness Site
Episode: E140 The Fifth Court - Eavanna FitzGerald - Founder of The Expert Witness Site
Tom Flynn
Senior Counsel and expert in planning law, Chair of the Planning Environment and Local Government Bar Association
Episode: E139 The Fifth Court - Tom Flynn SC, Planning judicial reviews, costs caps and access to justice
Mary McAleese
Former President of Ireland
Episode: E138 The Fifth Court - Mary McAleese, former Uachtarán na hÉireann
Darragh Mackin
A renowned solicitor known for his work in human rights law.
Phoenix Law
Episode: Episode 137 – Darragh Mackin, Human Rights, Legacy and the Rule of Law

Hosts

Peter Leonard
Barrister and Mediator; Host and Presenter on the series; noted for hosting chats with leading legal figures.
Mark Tottenham
Barrister and Trust and Estate Practitioner; Host and Presenter; frequently discusses legal reform and justice topics with expert guests.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 139 ratings
  • General comment

    I love the podcast. I play it regularly and repeat hearings because I am a lay litigant serving a pupil age in my own case/s arising out of contentious probate. I appreciated podcast no 34. I find the podcast informative and easy to follow. If I had an opportunity to recommend a book aside from the Supreme Court as mentioned by Justice Hogan ( loved that read) I would mention Lawful Occasions by late Patrick McKenize. Enjoyable little book.

    M Rippington

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bslmuff
    Ireland3 years ago
  • Excellent

    Excellent podcast - great guests and interviews

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mr rahm
    Ireland3 years ago
  • Review

    As a tutor in social studies and a former HSE social worker ( family support) I thoroughly enjoyed your podcast- many of the observations regarding access along with legal aid development was enlightening- best of luck

    Thomas Morris-Gormally

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Thomas francis Fredrick
    Ireland3 years ago
  • Insightful

    Very well put across. Fascinating content for anyone outside of law circles to get a professional’s viewpoint of the courts in Ireland. Really interesting guests especially the first episode discussing the history of the Irish constitution.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Brefeaux
    Ireland3 years ago
  • Great podcast

    great

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    90876hu
    Ireland3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Thoughtful, accessible legal discussions for non-lawyers without dumbing down the topics.
Excellent guests and in-depth interviews that shed light on Irish law and rights.
Listeners appreciate the balance of history, policy, and practical insights on justice.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#69
Ireland/Business

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

E145 The Fifth Court - Verona Murphy - From leaving home at 14 to Ceann Comhairle, Dáil Éireann
Q: How does your prior experience help you in chairing the Dáil?
My law degree and understanding of legislation helped me steer debates, enforce standing orders, and ensure government business moves efficiently while giving the opposition fair opportunity to contribute.
E145 The Fifth Court - Verona Murphy - From leaving home at 14 to Ceann Comhairle, Dáil Éireann
Q: What was the biggest surprise about becoming Ceann Comhairle?
The scale of the office, the budget, and the breadth of responsibilities; it's a huge, 24-7 role that requires understanding standing orders and managing time and debates efficiently.
E145 The Fifth Court - Verona Murphy - From leaving home at 14 to Ceann Comhairle, Dáil Éireann
Q: How did you transition from leading the Irish Road Haulage Association to entering electoral politics?
I was asked to consider running after Leo Varadkar invited me to speak; I took some time to think and discussed it with mentors. When I decided to run, the move was about continuing to serve people and applying the legislative perspective I'd gained through my law degree.
E146 The Fifth Court - Your Reputation on Trial — And Why the Rules Are Changing - John Kerr
Q: Do you think juries should be kept in defamation cases, or should judges handle liability and damages alike?
Kerr expresses skepticism about a split between liability and quantum, arguing that detailed jury guidance and judicial direction can coexist with jury involvement, and cites precedent where juries previously influenced outcomes, while acknowledging the revenue of reforms to reduce exorbitant awards.
E125 The Fifth Court - John Brennan, former CIA head at The Centre for Justice and Law Reform Summer School 2025
Q: How did the post-9/11 era shape your view of national security?
The response to 9/11 led to major counterterrorism efforts, including the creation of the National Counterterrorism Center and ongoing efforts to disrupt plots and protect the homeland.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Fifth Court

What is The Fifth Court about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A legal-focused show featuring high-profile jurists, politicians, lawyers, and commentators who discuss Irish and European law, human rights, and access to justice. Guests range from former presidents and leading judges to planning and family-law experts, authors, and journalists. Episodes frequently tackle controversial topics such as judicial reform, expert evidence, Habeas Corpus, mediation, and climate-related litigation, often weaving in historical context and contemporary policy implications. The format appears to emphasize thoughtful, in-depth conversations with practitioners and public figures, offering practical insights for legal professionals, policymakers, and informed listeners interested in the mechanics of law and justice.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Fifth Court?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Fifth Court:

1. Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan
2. Path to Power
3. Callan's Kicks
4. In The News
5. Behind the Story

How many episodes of The Fifth Court are there?

The Fifth Court launched 4 years ago and published 158 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Fifth Court?

Recent guests on The Fifth Court include:

1. John Kerr
2. Verona Murphy
3. Brian Cregan
4. Máirín De Búrca
5. Gary O'Gorman
6. Eavanna FitzGerald
7. Tom Flynn
8. Mary McAleese

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