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BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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The Law Show

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Factual: Crime & Justice

Factual: Politics

Conversation about the laws making headlines, and the laws that shape everyday life.

The Law Show is your guide to the law and the legal decisions that have a bearing on everyone in the UK.

Weekly conversation that will give you an in-depth understanding of the law stories making news and the legal decisions that could have a bearing on everyone in the UK. Whether it's unpicking a landmark legal ruling, explaining how laws are made or seeking clarity for you on a legal issue, The Law Show will be your guide.

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Law in Action

The Law Show: Clashes Between Politicians and Judges

Clashes Between Politicians and Judges

12/06/2012

BBC Radio 4 - The Law Show, Clashes Between Politicians and Judges

Joshua Rozenberg asks why in Britain and the US judges and politicians are at loggerheads.

In the US and the UK judges and politicians are confronting each other over contentious issues. Joshua Rozenberg discovers why the rows have erupted and how they will be resolved.

Major confrontations between the courts and the government in Britain and the United States are looming. Just this week, the Home Secretary has warned British judges to take account of the views of MPs on foreign offenders who claim the right to family life. But the courts are also poised to rule on the contentious issue of assisted dying, where those who wish to end their own life are seeking new rights.

Across the Atlantic meanwhile, an issue of direct concern to tens of millions of voters is exercising the judges of the US Supreme Court. Later this month, they will rule on the lawfulness of President Obama's flagship health care reforms - with the possibility that they could strike down the legislation. The courts in Britain do not have that power but they can question ministers' decisions and, in doing so, bring about changes in government policy.

Joshua Rozenberg talks to leading lawyers, legal experts and commentators and discovers why all these disagreements are becoming more heated now and how they are being tackled in the two countries.

Producer Simon Coates.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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