Lawyers Who Lunch

Can demonic possession really be used as a defence for murder?In this episode, Sophie and Lydia explore five chilling cases where paranormal claims became entangled with real investigations and criminal history. From The Conjuring's infamous "Devil Made Me Do It" case and the Amityville murders to the exorcism of Anneliese Michel, the Enfield Poltergeist and Edinburgh's Greyfriars hauntings, they examine where supernatural beliefs meet the law.Brought to you by Leyshon Studios.

Does Halloween really lead to more crime, or are some of our biggest fears based more on scary stories than reality?

In this episode, Sophie and Lydia look at the research behind crime on Halloween, from theft, vandalism and assault to the risks facing trick-or-treaters - and uncover where the biggest dangers may actually lie.

Brought to you by Leyshon Studios.

Witchcraft might now be associated with Halloween costumes and horror films - but for centuries, it was a matter of law.

In this episode, Sophie and Lydia explore the history of witchcraft laws, from the Pendle witches and brutal witch trials to how the law eventually changed - and why accusations of witchcraft can still have serious legal consequences today.

Brought to you by Leyshon Studios.

This week, Sophie and Lydia take a darker turn as they explore some of Britain’s most notorious criminal cases. From Jack the Ripper and Fred & Rose West to the Moors Murders and Lucy Letby, they look at the investigations, evidence and legal processes behind these cases, and what they can teach us about the criminal justice system.

Brought to you by Leyshon Studios.

Going to court without a solicitor or barrister can be daunting - but does that mean you have to face it completely alone?

In this episode, Sophie and Lydia are joined by Michaela Wade to explore the role of a McKenzie Friend and the support they can provide to people representing themselves in court. They discuss how McKenzie Friends differ from solicitors and barristers, what they can and cannot do, the costs involved and some of the misconceptions surrounding the role.

They also look at professional and informal McKenzie Friends, when a court might refuse one and why understanding the boundaries of the role is so important.

Brought to you by Leyshon Studios.

Britain’s prisons are under enormous pressure - but what happens when there simply isn’t enough room?

In this episode, Sophie and Lydia look at some of the biggest legal stories currently making the news, with a particular focus on the prison crisis, overcrowding and the controversial early release of prisoners. They discuss punishment, rehabilitation, victims and public safety, as well as other developments including police corruption and assisted dying, asking a much bigger question along the way: what does justice actually mean?

Brought to you by Leyshon Studios.

Thinking about a career in law but not sure where to start?In this episode, Sophie and Lydia explore the many different routes into the legal profession, from university and work experience to careers beyond becoming a solicitor or barrister. They share their advice on researching your options, making the most of opportunities and why you don't need to have your entire future mapped out just yet.Brought to you by Leyshon Studios.

Co-parenting after separation isn’t always easy - so can technology help make it less complicated?

In this episode, Sophie and Lydia are joined by Beth from OurFamilyWizard to discuss the challenges separated parents can face when communicating and organising family life. They explore how OurFamilyWizard works, the role it can play in reducing conflict, and how tools designed specifically for co-parenting can help keep the focus where it belongs - on the children.

Brought to you by Leyshon Studios.

Capital punishment has been absent from the UK for decades – but should it stay that way?

In this episode, Sophie and Lydia discuss the death penalty as it exists around the world today and debate whether capital punishment should ever be brought back to the UK. If it were reintroduced, which crimes could justify it? How would it work? And could a modern justice system ever use it fairly?

Brought to you by Leyshon Studios.

Domestic abuse is not always physical. In this episode of Lawyers Who Lunch, Sophie and Lydia discuss what domestic abuse can look like, the laws that protect victims, the legal options available, and some of the common misconceptions surrounding abusive relationships. Whether you're looking to understand the law or support someone else, this episode offers practical legal insight into a difficult but important topic.

Brought to you by Leyshon Studios.