Best HMCTS Podcasts (2025)

1
Justice Without Barriers: The Northampton Crown Court Story 5:47

Play Pause

25d ago5:47

5:47

Go behind the scenes at Northampton Crown Court in this episode of Inside HMCTS, where a high-profile murder trial faced extraordinary logistical and human challenges. Discover how a team of justice colleagues, including HMCTS teams, police, and healthcare professionals overcame a previously inaccessible building, complex medical needs, and intense…

1
Children & Young People In The Criminal Justice System 53:33

3h ago53:33

53:33

This episode takes a deep dive into the youth justice system - exploring how children and young people are treated differently to adults by the criminal law, and why practitioners often find the youth court one of the most challenging, yet rewarding environments in which to work. Hosts Clive Smith and Colin Beaumont share their experiences from dec…

1
BAIL - A Dozen Issues to Digest 43:30

1M ago43:30

43:30

This month’s episode tackles one of the most technical yet practical areas of criminal law - bail. From time limits to informal hearings and changes in circumstances, Clive Smith and Colin Beaumont explore why bail occupies “an entirely separate train carriage” in criminal practice, and why understanding its quirks is essential for every advocate. …

1
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING: Adverse Inferences at Trial 59:18

2M ago59:18

59:18

“You do not have to say anything…” – the familiar police caution opens this episode, but Colin Beaumont and Clive Smith unpack what those words really mean in practice, and how adverse inferences can transform the course of a trial. From the erosion of the absolute right to silence since the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, through to pr…

1
Inside the Courtroom: Inspiring young minds through mock trials 15:18

3M ago15:18

15:18

What if your first encounter with the justice system was inside a real courtroom, not as a spectator, but as a lawyer, magistrate or legal adviser? This episode explores the Magistrates' Mock Trial Scheme, a partnership between HMCTS and Young Citizens that brings authentic courtroom experiences to thousands of 12 – 14-year-olds across the UK. We s…

1
GOING DOWN - Credit For Guilty Pleas 52:38

3M ago52:38

52:38

With significant changes proposed to the way judges and magistrates calculate credit for guilty pleas, this episode examines current practice, Court of Appeal guidance and potential reforms, with the practical realities faced by those advising clients at the coal face. Retired solicitor (now barrister - non practising) Colin Beaumont and barrister …

1
Justice Connected: Inside Common Platform 12:31

3M ago12:31

12:31

We take you behind the scenes of Common Platform — a single digital case management system developed to bring together the police, Crown Prosecution Service, prisons, legal professionals, and the judiciary on one shared platform. We delve into how this ambitious digital transformation is improving access to information, enhancing collaboration, and…

1
INDEPENDENT REVIEW of the Criminal Courts 56:10

4M ago56:10

56:10

With a staggering backlog of over 75,000 cases, this episode explores findings of the recently published Leveson Report - an Independent Review of the Criminal Courts. From the necessity of increased funding to the implications of reclassifying offences, this episode is a comprehensive analysis that will leave you more informed about the current pl…

1
Digital Strip Search 57:04

5M ago57:04

57:04

Could the notion of a "digital strip search" in sexual offence cases be more myth than reality? In this episode, we tackle the intricacies of digital disclosure, focusing on how unused material can tip the scales of justice. With technology, social media, and AI revolutionising the legal landscape, we dissect the nuances of the Criminal Procedure a…

1
A Regal Review – Cases from the Kings Bench Division 50:48

5M ago50:48

50:48

In the latest episode of the podcast we highlight criminal cases over the last 12 months from the King’s Bench Division, and their implications for legal practitioners. Our first case is a 2024 legal decision involving identification evidence in a case with a young man at a petrol station. We scrutinise the police officer's evidence, the timing of …

1
The Unholy Trinity – Drink, Drugs and the Driver 42:39

6M ago42:39

42:39

What if the laws meant to keep our roads safe are actually criminalising responsible drivers? Join us as we navigate the intricate world of alcohol and drug-related driving laws, dissecting the history and implications of the Road Traffic Act of 1988 and the pivotal introduction of Section 5A in 2015. This episode questions whether the rigid legal …

1
Inside Out – How Long Will He Actually Serve? 47:05

6M ago47:05

47:05

Can you imagine a world where a 30-month prison sentence results in only six months served? In the inaugural episode of The Legal Eagle Training podcast we explore the England & Wales sentencing structure. We'll dissect how the upcoming changes to early release policies and the home detention curfew scheme will reshape the way sentences are served,…

1
Introducing The Legal Eagle Training Podcast 1:46

6M ago1:46

1:46

Welcome to The Legal Eagle Training Podcast, we are your hosts, Colin Beaumont & Clive Smith. We are both barristers, with over 60 years of experience in criminal law behind them. Colin qualified as a barrister in 1982 and worked as a legal advisor for HMCTS for 12 years before re-qualifying as a solicitor and working for a major criminal firm as a…

1
Applying for Probate: Top Tips, Tools and What to Expect 25:54

6M ago25:54

25:54

Applying for probate is something many people will face at some point, but it often comes during a deeply difficult time. In this episode of Inside HMCTS, we chat with Arjan and Nigel about the process of applying for probate. Whether you're applying online or using a paper form, this episode offers clear, supportive guidance to help navigate what …

1
The Final Countdown: Reflecting on the modernisation journey for courts and tribunals 26:42

8M ago26:42

26:42

Launched in 2016, the HMCTS Reform Programme reaches its formal conclusion at the end of March 2025. It underpins a quiet revolution which has moved our courts and tribunals from paper to digital, stabilised and secured systems and set us up for the 21st century. In this episode, host Aaron Wilson is joined by CEO Nick Goodwin and Operations Direct…

1
Evicting the Stereotypes: The Real Bailiffs at Work (Part 2) 20:07

8M ago20:07

20:07

In the second part of our bailiff podcast, we continue to shine a light on the daily challenges our bailiffs face and the skills required to be a success. Join us as we uncover the intricacies of their day-to-day roles and gain valuable insights into what makes a great bailiff, from effective communication to resilience under pressure. Plus, don't …

1
Evicting the Stereotypes: The Real Bailiffs at Work (Part 1) 22:23

9M ago22:23

22:23

This episode takes a look at the day-to-day reality for our bailiffs. We're joined by a range of experienced bailiffs who share insights into their daily roles, challenges they face, and the reality behind the TV stereotypes. We'll also join one of our teams on the road, as county court bailiffs Wendy and Karen provide a first-hand look at their wo…

1
From Summons to Service: Your Complete Guide to Jury Duty 19:59

10M ago19:59

19:59

Have you ever wondered how you get selected to sit on a jury and what happens once you are chosen? Listen to the latest episode of Inside HMCTS, where we take an in-depth look at jury service and the selection process. In this episode, we will be joined by Craig Robb, Deputy Director of Crime (Live Services) at HMCTS. After serving as a juror last …

1
12 Months of Justice: The HMCTS 2024 Review 15:25

11M ago15:25

15:25

Join us for a special end-of-year review episode of Inside HMCTS, where we reflect on the justice highlights of 2024 across all jurisdictions. From new systems and campaigns to the opening of additional courtrooms and significant events, we cover the progress and transformation within HMCTS. Tune in to hear from our colleagues and special guests as…

1
Global Effort: Ensuring justice for all 19:02

12M ago19:02

19:02

In this episode of Inside HMCTS, we delve into the recent OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Global Roundtable on Access to Justice held in Ottawa, Canada. Join us as we explore the innovative approaches and practical strategies that are improving access to justice worldwide. Our special guest, Luc Altmann, Head of Insigh…

1
Knives Down: Inside the community fight against knife crime - Part 2 25:22

1y ago25:22

25:22

In the second part of our anti-knife crime podcast, we hear from some of the speakers who participated in the event, including Detective Superintendent Saj Hussain, from the Metropolitan Police, who shares insight into the role of the police in tackling knife crime. We have inspiring contributions from Steel Warriors, a charity group who transform …

1
Knives Down: Inside the community fight against knife crime - Part 1 12:26

1y ago12:26

12:26

Our latest episode of Inside HMCTS delves into an impactful anti-knife crime event held at Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier this month. In the first of this two-part episode, we speak with Ian Rawlins, a Legal Adviser from London, about the inspiration behind the event and the importance of educating young people on the dangers of knife crime…

1
Classroom to the courtroom 23:23

1y ago23:23

23:23

The latest Inside HMCTS podcast offers an insightful look into the collaboration between HMCTS and the University of Reading, providing law students with valuable real-world experiences in the criminal justice system. Join us as we meet District Judge Sam Goozee, Senior Legal Manager Rachel Newman, and Associate Professor Liz Conaghan as they delve…

1
Finding Resolution: Inside the Small Claims Mediation Service 11:38

1+ y ago11:38

11:38

Discover how our Small Claims Mediation Service is helping to resolve disputes without the potential stress of having to go to court. In this episode, we’ll explore the benefits of mediation and hear the real-life story of David Kerry, one of our satisfied users who successfully used the service to find a resolution to his dispute with a large comp…

1
Accessible Justice: courts and digital services for all 22:17

1+ y ago22:17

22:17

In our fourth episode of Inside HMCTS podcast, we focus on how we’re making our courts and tribunals more accessible for everyone and how we are supporting people to use our online services. When people need to come to one of our courts or tribunals, or use our online services, they may require need extra help. We’re committed to removing common ba…

1
Unveiling justice: Showcasing our courts at public open days 15:30

2y ago15:30

15:30

In the third episode of the Inside HMCTS podcast, we discuss the benefits to those members of the public able to join us at an open day in their local court or tribunal. Open days offer great opportunities to give local communities the chance to take a look behind the scenes of justice being delivered in their local area. They demonstrate openness …

1
Neurodiversity and remote hearings 18:34

2y ago18:34

18:34

In our latest episode, we're focusing on an important and timely topic – making courts and tribunals more accessible for neurodivergent people. Neurodiversity, expresses the diverse ways people think, interpret, and process information, and it is at the forefront of our efforts to ensure justice is accessible to everyone. Our host, Liz Bryant, talk…

1
Reducing the heat: what to expect from our online divorce service 25:02

2y ago25:02

25:02

In this episode, we discuss the benefits of a modernised divorce process. Since 2016, HMCTS has been transforming court services after the government invested £1.3 billion into the reform of our justice system. Hear from those working behind the scenes who help deliver a modernised online divorce process, and from those who have used the service on…

HMCTS Podcasts

1
Inside HMCTS

HM Courts & Tribunals Service

1
The Legal Eagle Training Podcast

Colin Beaumont & Clive Smith

1
Justice Without Barriers: The Northampton Crown Court Story 5:47

1
Children & Young People In The Criminal Justice System 53:33

1
BAIL - A Dozen Issues to Digest 43:30

1
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING: Adverse Inferences at Trial 59:18

1
Inside the Courtroom: Inspiring young minds through mock trials 15:18

1
GOING DOWN - Credit For Guilty Pleas 52:38

1
Justice Connected: Inside Common Platform 12:31

1
INDEPENDENT REVIEW of the Criminal Courts 56:10

1
Digital Strip Search 57:04

1
A Regal Review – Cases from the Kings Bench Division 50:48

1
The Unholy Trinity – Drink, Drugs and the Driver 42:39

1
Inside Out – How Long Will He Actually Serve? 47:05

1
Introducing The Legal Eagle Training Podcast 1:46

1
Applying for Probate: Top Tips, Tools and What to Expect 25:54

1
The Final Countdown: Reflecting on the modernisation journey for courts and tribunals 26:42

1
Evicting the Stereotypes: The Real Bailiffs at Work (Part 2) 20:07

1
Evicting the Stereotypes: The Real Bailiffs at Work (Part 1) 22:23

1
From Summons to Service: Your Complete Guide to Jury Duty 19:59

1
12 Months of Justice: The HMCTS 2024 Review 15:25

1
Global Effort: Ensuring justice for all 19:02

1
Knives Down: Inside the community fight against knife crime - Part 2 25:22

1
Knives Down: Inside the community fight against knife crime - Part 1 12:26

1
Classroom to the courtroom 23:23

1
Finding Resolution: Inside the Small Claims Mediation Service 11:38

1
Accessible Justice: courts and digital services for all 22:17

1
Unveiling justice: Showcasing our courts at public open days 15:30

1
Neurodiversity and remote hearings 18:34

1
Reducing the heat: what to expect from our online divorce service 25:02