Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

The Law Show

Documentaries

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.

BBC Radio 4 FM

Law in Action

The Law Show: Investigatory Powers Tribunal

powers.jpg

05/11/2013

Investigatory Powers Tribunal

BBC Radio 4 - The Law Show, Investigatory Powers Tribunal

Interview with the president of the court which considers complaints brought against MI5.

Joshua Rozenberg talks to Mr Justice Burton, president of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal which considers complaints brought against the British intelligence services.

Law in Action speaks exclusively to Mr Justice Burton, president of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal - a judicial body, independent of the government, which considers complaints brought against the intelligence services, the police, military and local authorities. It specifically investigates whether surveillance has been conducted in a lawful manner.

During the interview, which marks the first time any member of the tribunal has spoken to the media, Mr Justice Burton reveals how the court works, and how its members go about investigating the potentially sensitive work of the British intelligence services.

Also: There has been much public debate regarding the wearing of veils in court rooms, with critics claiming how vital it is for judges and jurors to see the face of those giving evidence, to help determine whether they are telling the truth or not.

Law in Action asks can we really tell if someone is lying by their facial expression? And would it be fairer if the face of every witness and defendant was obscured, so jurors only pay attention to what is being said in court?

Plus, a new ruling has come into force which enables musicians to reap royalties from their performances for an additional 20 years - but is it time to tear up copyright law and re-invent it?

Contributors:

Mr Justice Burton, President of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal

Prof Glenn Wilson, Gresham College

Mukul Chawla QC, 9-12 Bell Yard

Les Reed, musical arranger and composer

John Smith, General Secretary of the Musicians' Union

Sir Robin Jacob, The Laddie Chair in Intellectual Property Law, University College London

Producers: Hannah Barnes and Charlotte Pritchard
Series Producer: Richard Fenton-Smith
Editor: Richard Knight.

BBC Radio 4

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

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Law Show

Investigatory Powers Tribunal

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4