The Fifth Court
Education & Explainer
About
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.
Episodes
- E147 The Fifth Court - John O’Donnell SC on Law, Literature and Life
John O’Donnell SC joins Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL to discuss his writing career, including winning the Francis McManus Short Story Award and his novel "Second Skin." He also talks about how law inspires his fiction and the dis…
- E146 The Fifth Court - Your Reputation on Trial — And Why the Rules Are Changing - John Kerr
Barrister John Kerr joins The Fifth Court to discuss defamation law, the changing legal system, and his experiences growing up during the Troubles. He also speaks about his father, Lord Kerr, and the role of juries in defamation cases.
- E145 The Fifth Court - Verona Murphy - From leaving home at 14 to Ceann Comhairle, Dáil Éireann
Verona Murphy, Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, shares her unique career path and insights into the role of the "referee" of Irish politics. She discusses the responsibilities, challenges, and realities of managing conflict and legislation…
- E144 The Fifth Court - Mr Justice Brian Cregan, Judge of the High Court | Parnell, leadership, and the law
In this episode of The Fifth Court, Mr Justice Brian Cregan joins hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL to discuss his book "Parnell: A Novel". The conversation covers Charles Stewart Parnell's political leadership, his use of parli…
- E143 The Fifth Court - Máirín de Búrca, once more in front of the courts
Máirín de Búrca is interviewed on The Fifth Court about her activism and landmark constitutional case. The episode also includes a Decisis case round-up discussing recent legal decisions.
- E142 The Fifth Court - Garry O'Gorman, The Barrister Who Quit Law To Handicap Racehorses
On The Fifth Court, Garry O'Gorman, a former barrister, discusses his transition from the legal profession to handicapping racehorses. He shares insights into the world of Irish racing, including the role of a handicapper and the dynamics…
- E141 The Fifth Court - Mr Justice David Nolan - Advocacy, Independence and the Modern Bar
Mr. Justice David Nolan joins The Fifth Court to discuss advocacy, judicial independence, and the modern Bar, including insights on Irish courts, structured submissions, and international advocacy training. The episode also reviews cases s…
- E140 The Fifth Court - Eavanna FitzGerald - Founder of The Expert Witness Site
On this episode of The Fifth Court, Eavanna FitzGerald discusses the changing landscape of expert evidence in Irish courts, emphasizing increased judicial scrutiny and the challenges of the traditional word-of-mouth system for sourcing exp…
- E139 The Fifth Court - Tom Flynn SC, Planning judicial reviews, costs caps and access to justice
Tom Flynn SC discusses planning judicial reviews, costs caps, and access to justice in this episode of The Fifth Court. The conversation examines the State's proposals for capping recoverable legal costs and their potential impact on vario…
- E138 The Fifth Court - Mary McAleese, former Uachtarán na hÉireann
Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese joins The Fifth Court to discuss the rule of law, human rights, judicial independence, and democratic backsliding. The conversation covers her experiences, the Good Friday Agreement, and current th…
- Episode 137 – Darragh Mackin, Human Rights, Legacy and the Rule of Law
Darragh Mackin, a human rights lawyer, discusses his work on human rights litigation, legacy inquests, and the rule of law in this episode of The Fifth Court. Topics include the Human Rights Act, the Good Friday Agreement, and the Northern…
- E136 The Fifth Court - PART II- Síofra O’Leary, former President of the European Court of Human Rights & Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, judge at the European Court of Human Rights
This episode is the second part of an interview with Síofra O’Leary, former President of the European Court of Human Rights, and Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, current judge at the European Court of Human Rights. They discuss judicial dissent, polit…
- E135 The Fifth Court - Síofra O’Leary, former President of the European Court of Human Rights & Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, judge at the European Court of Human Rights
This episode of The Fifth Court features an interview with Síofra O’Leary, former President of the European Court of Human Rights, and Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, Ireland’s current judge at the Court. They discuss judicial life in Strasbourg and…
- E134 The Fifth Court - Austria’s Supreme Court President Georg Kodek - Why the Law Can’t Save the Planet
In this episode, The Fifth Court hosts speak with Austrian Supreme Court President Georg Kodek about why courts cannot be expected to fix climate change. He discusses the limits of law in global challenges and the need for judges to commun…
- E133 The Fifth Court - Josepha Madigan — solicitor, former cabinet minister, family-law mediator — why mediation is gaining ground,
In this episode, Josepha Madigan discusses the rise of mediation in family law, while co-hosts Mark Tottenham and Peter Leonard review three recent legal cases concerning ineffective representation, fair-trial grounds, and procedural fairn…
- E132 The Fifth Court - Dame Siobhán Keegan, Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, evaluating expert evidence in an age of AI
Dame Siobhán Keegan, Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, discusses evaluating expert evidence in an age of AI and complex fact-finding with The Fifth Court hosts. The conversation also covers leadership on the bench and the realities o…
- E131 The Fifth Court - Kirk Offel, Mission-critical infrastructure expert; US Navy vet turned AI-ready datacentre CEO
In this episode, Peter Leonard and Mark Tottenham discuss recent legal cases from Decisis.ie, including proceedings on crime, wind energy, and planning law. Kirk Offel, CEO of Overwatch Mission Critical, also joins to discuss his backgroun…
- E130 The Fifth Court - Ukrainian Anna Mysyshyn, a leading expert in AI ethics, regulation, cybersecurity
In this episode of The Fifth Court, Peter Leonard speaks with Dr. Anna Mysyshyn about AI ethics, regulation, and cybersecurity. The episode also reviews recent Irish court cases, including a fraud claim, an illegal adoption case, and a cla…
- E129 The Fifth Court - Elizabeth Winkler - was Shakespeare sole author of all 'his' works? Plenty of legals around this one.
Journalist Elizabeth Winkler discusses the Shakespeare authorship debate with host Mark Tottenham on The Fifth Court. The episode also covers recent legal decisions regarding wills, probate, and medical negligence.
- E128 The Fifth Court - The Boundary Commission - 100 years ago. Dr. Cormac Moore, author 'The Root of All Evil: The Irish Boundary Commission'
Historian Dr. Cormac Moore joins hosts Peter Leonard and Mark Tottenham to discuss the Irish Boundary Commission of 1924–25. The episode also reviews recent legal cases concerning veterinary regulations, defamation, and medical professiona…
- E127 The Fifth Court - Matthew Holmes, author 'Habeas Corpus: Practice and Procedure
Hosts Peter Leonard and Mark Tottenham are joined by Matthew Holmes to discuss his book, Habeas Corpus: Practice and Procedure. The episode also covers recent Irish court decisions featured on Decisis.ie regarding forensics, land disputes,…
- E126 The Fifth Court - Catastrophe: Nakba II with author Fintan Drury (Legal & Human Rights Special)
Author Fintan Drury joins hosts Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL to discuss his book, Catastrophe: Nakba II, focusing on legal and human rights perspectives. The episode also reviews recent legal cases involving family law, the Natio…
- E125 The Fifth Court - John Brennan, former CIA head at The Centre for Justice and Law Reform Summer School 2025
Former CIA Director John Brennan joins The Fifth Court to discuss the balance between intelligence and democracy, and the Centre for Justice and Law Reform Summer School 2025. Additionally, the program covers recent legal cases regarding G…
- E124 The Fifth Court - Alice Doyle, Circuit Court Judge (ret.) - Justice V Vengeance, reflections on the difficulty in sentencing
Retired Circuit Judge Alice Doyle joins The Fifth Court to discuss her career, the challenges of sentencing, and reflections on life on the bench. The episode also features an analysis of recent legal cases involving professional misconduc…
- E123 The Fifth Court - Mark O'Connell, author 'A Thread of Violence', on the Malcolm McArthur case - from the Kilkenny Law Festival
Author Mark O'Connell joins hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL to discuss his book 'A Thread of Violence' and the Malcolm MacArthur case. Recorded at the Kilkenny Law Festival, this episode also covers legal case updates regardin…
- E122 The Fifth Court - Frank McNally, Irish Times - a Bloomsday (Legal) Special
Frank McNally discusses the legal themes found in James Joyce's Ulysses, alongside his cultural recommendations. Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL analyze recent legal cases concerning personal injuries, equitable relief, and judgment…
- E121 The Fifth Court - Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger, life and times of a High Court judge
In this episode recorded at the Kilkenny Law Festival 2025, Peter Leonard interviews High Court judge Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger. The segment also covers recent significant legal cases analyzed by Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL.
- E120 The Fifth Court - Dr. Ciara Smyth, Human Rights, Migration and Asylum Law expert, recorded at University College Galway
Dr. Ciara Smyth joins The Fifth Court to discuss human rights, asylum law, and her career, including work in Cambodia and with the UNHCR. The episode also features an analysis of recent legal cases from the Decisis casebook.
- E119 The Fifth Court - Diarmuid J. Connolly BL (now quite the 'Father of the Mayo Bar' ) - recorded at the University of Galway
Hosts Peter Leonard and Mark Tottenham welcome barrister Diarmuid J. Connolly to discuss his career, his advocacy for criminal legal aid reform, and legal cases from the Decisis casebook. The episode was recorded at the University of Galwa…
- E118 The Fifth Court - Judge Mary Fahy (retd.) - Live from Galway thanks to GSBA
Retired Judge Mary Fahy discusses her 31-year legal career in this episode, covering high-profile cases like the 'C' case and the 'Golfgate' trial, as well as her community-based work on the Aran Islands. The episode also features legal ca…
- E117 The Fifth Court - Paul Keane, Reddy Charlton LLP, former Honorary Consul General of Sweden (and Beekeeper!)
Solicitor Paul Keane joins The Fifth Court to discuss his career, his work in company law, the challenge of legal deserts in Ireland, and his interest in beekeeping. The episode also features a review of recent cases from the Decisis Law R…
- E116 The Fifth Court - Edmond Honohan, 'former' Master of the High Court
Edmond Honohan, former Master of the High Court, joins hosts Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL to discuss his tenure and EU interpretation. The episode also covers the Kilkenny Law Festival and recent cases from the Decisis Law Report…
- E115 The Fifth Court - from the University of Limerick, former Chief Justice, Frank Clarke, SC. Part II.
In the second part of this conversation, former Chief Justice Frank Clarke discusses his life after leaving the bench, legal practice, and his time at the University of Limerick. Hosts Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL join him for th…
- E114 The Fifth Court - Former Chief Justice Frank Clarke SC - Part I.
Former Chief Justice Frank Clarke SC joins hosts Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL for an interview on The Fifth Court. He discusses his experience on the Supreme Court and his current work at the Bar.
- The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #12
In this bonus episode of The Fifth Court, hosts Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL, discuss recent legal cases featured in the Decisis.ie Law Reports.
- E113 The Fifth Court - Dr Susan Leahy, University of Limerick, on consent.
In this episode of The Fifth Court, hosts Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL speak with Dr. Susan Leahy from the University of Limerick about consent in Irish sexual offences law. The discussion covers her research, publications, and p…
- The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #11
This bonus episode of The Fifth Court features Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL, discussing recent legal cases from the Decisis.ie Law Reports.
- E112 The Fifth Court - from the University of Limerick, Prof. Jennifer Schweppe, Co-Director, European Centre for the Study of Hate
In this live episode from the University of Limerick, hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL speak with Prof. Jennifer Schweppe about hate crime. The episode also covers book recommendations and the history of Plassey House.
- The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #10
In this bonus episode of The Fifth Court, Mark Tottenham and Peter Leonard discuss recent legal cases featured in the Decisis.ie Law Reports casebook.
- E111 The Fifth Court - Patrick Costello
In this episode of The Fifth Court, barrister and former Green Party TD Patrick Costello discusses his Supreme Court challenge against the CETA trade agreement and private courts. He also shares his thoughts on the film My Cousin Vinny and…
- The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #9
In this bonus episode of The Fifth Court, Mark Tottenham and Peter Leonard discuss recent legal cases from the Decisis.ie Law Reports, including a case involving a pilot and Ryanair.
- E110 The Fifth Court - Brendan Slattery, Head of Environment and Planning, McCann FitzGerald solrs.
Brendan Slattery, Head of Environment and Planning at McCann FitzGerald, discusses the new Planning Act with hosts Peter Leonard and Mark Tottenham. He also shares his background as a former goat farmer and provides book and movie recommen…
- The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #8
In this bonus episode of The Fifth Court, Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL, discuss recent legal cases from the Decisis.ie Law Reports.
- E109 The Fifth Court - retired High Court judge, Bernard Barton
In this episode of The Fifth Court, hosts Peter Leonard and Mark Tottenham interview retired High Court judge Bernard Barton. They discuss his legal career, his views on judicial reforms, and his personal recommendations for books and film…
- E108 The Fifth Court - Ass. Prof. Dr. Thomas Mohr (UCD) on Hugh Kennedy, former AG and law reformer
Dr. Thomas Mohr of UCD discusses the life and work of Hugh Kennedy, the first Attorney General of the Irish Free State and a notable law reformer. The conversation explores Kennedy's career, including his unconventional proposals regarding…
- E107 The Fifth Court - The Law Reform Commission, Siobhán Ní Chúlacháin, Director of Research & Caoilin Young, Legal Researcher
In this episode, Siobhán Ní Chúlacháin and Caoilin Young from the Law Reform Commission discuss the organization's role in modernizing Irish law. They cover the Commission's process for legislative reform and its upcoming public consultati…
- The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #7
Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL, present a selection of recent legal cases from the Decisis.ie Law Reports in this seventh bonus episode of The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED.
- E106 The Fifth Court - LIVE from the Law Society, Part 2 - Legal Big Bang?, Rachel Stanton, Simmons & Simmons and James Duggan, Flynn O'Driscoll
In this live episode, presenters Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL host Rachel Stanton and James Duggan to discuss potential shifts in the Irish legal landscape at larger firms. This is the second part of a recording from the Law Soci…
- The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #6
In this bonus episode of The Fifth Court, hosts Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL, discuss recent legal cases featured in the Decisis.ie Law Reports casebook.
- E105 The Fifth Court - LIVE from the Law Society, Part I - Legal Big Bang?, Rachel Stanton, Simmons & Simmons and James Duggan, Flynn O'Driscoll
In this live episode of The Fifth Court, presenters Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL speak with Rachel Stanton of Simmons & Simmons and James Duggan of Flynn O'Driscoll. The discussion focuses on the potential for a legal 'Big Bang'…