On Episode 127 of The Fifth Court, hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL are joined by Matthew Holmes BL, author of Habeas Corpus: Practice and Procedure. (This is his sixth book!). They delve into the historical roots, practical applications, and enduring importance of habeas corpus in modern Irish law. Everything you need to know in 30 minutes (but you'll still want to buy the book!)

Before that, they examine notable recent court decisions featured on Decisis.ie including:

• Ward V DPP re the validity of a certificate by Forensics Science Ireland
• A case involving a question around a land dispute, and a deposit and whether they got the deposit back?
• A case involving Starbuck franchise directors and their failure to pay rent.

offering expert insight into the evolving Irish legal landscape.

Whether you're in practice or just passionate about the law, this episode is a must-listen for its clarity, depth, and practical relevance.

Sponsored by Charltons Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners – family law with a collaborative approach.

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

Episode 126, The Fifth Court featuring – Catastrophe: Nakba II with author Fintan Drury (Legal & Human Rights Special)

Fintan Drury’s Catastrophe: Nakba II is a punch in the gut—not a balanced history lesson. On The Fifth Court, we dig into the polemical argument beneath the exhaustive research, and why it reads more like a rallying cry than a neutral narrative. As a lawyer, judge, or rights campaigner, you’ll find it both infuriating and illuminating.

Expect:

• Legal flashpoints and human rights redlines
• The rule of law and the right to self-defence
• A call to action underneath the history

If you care about international law, ending impunity, or simply understanding how history becomes a platform for justice, this episode is for you.

Listen, discuss, and REPOST this episode to your network—because silence isn't an option.

The episode also includes recent important cases drawn from the Decisis casebook, discussed by hosts Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL.

These are brought to you thanks to Charltons Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners, Georges St. Dun Laoghaire, Dublin.

This episodes cases include;

• A family law case, whether a court can interfere in the sequence of calling a witness
• The National Transport Authority v Anderson, whether the NTA was allowed to carry out a 'covert' investigation
• Veterinary Council of Ireland case to do whether a vet could be struck off on a summary basis

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts or at thefifthcourt.ie and give us a Five Star ***** Review!

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

Episode 125 The Fifth Court

John Brennan ran America’s most secretive operations as CIA director. Now he’s sharing what he learned about balancing intelligence, justice, and democracy. From briefing presidents to confronting terror, Brennan gives The Fifth Court a rare insider’s view—and explains why Ireland’s Centre for Justice and Law Reform Summer School 2025 could shape vital global conversations. The Fifth Court co-presenter Peter Leonard seized his chance to get a rare interview with this world player. Fascinating.

The episode also includes recent important cases drawn from the Decisis casebook and discussed by Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL.

These cases are brought to you thanks to Charltons Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners, Georges St. Dun Laoghaire, Dublin.

This episodes cases include;

• Were the Garda Siochana justified in refusing station bail following an arrest for an alleged breach of a barring order
• 'Passing off', Yoplait V Nutrica (maker of Danone)
• Mount Salus Residents V An Bord Pleanala involving a County Development Plan

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts or at thefifthcourt.ie and give us a Five Star ***** Review!

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