E146 The Fifth Court - Your Reputation on Trial — And Why the Rules Are Changing - John Kerr
The Fifth CourtShow Notes
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 about to change in a very big way.
John Kerr — barrister, defamation specialist, and colleague — joins us to talk about: What it was like living through the Troubles with security at the front gate Why his father became the “Great Dissenter” in the UK Supreme Court The truth about defamation cases — and why juries may be scrapped And what happens when your reputation becomes your livelihood
Plus: Three fascinating Decisis cases including dead-person defamation, missing expert witnesses, and multi-million euro stud fees. Decisis is brought to you thanks to Charltons Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners.
defamation law Ireland, jury trials Ireland, Brian Kerr judge, UK Supreme Court law lords, Irish barristers, Paul Tweed defamation, legal podcast Ireland, Fifth Court podcast, Irish courts cases, Decisis cases Ireland, John Kerr barrister, freedom of expression law
TIMELINE 00:00 Intro + Decisis sponsor mention 02:00 Defamation after death — can you sue? 05:15 Lost expert witness — trial goes ahead anyway 08:30 Coolmore stud fees — big money, no excuses 12:00 John Kerr — defamation specialist 14:00 Growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles 17:00 Armed guards, relocation, and real risk 20:00 The career of Lord Kerr — last Law Lord 25:00 The “Great Dissenter” — why minority judgments matter 30:00 From solicitor to barrister — taking the leap 34:00 Defamation reform — are juries finished? 40:00 Big awards, big problems — reality vs headlines 47:00 International defamation and celebrity cases 50:00 Book & film recommendations
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