May 6, 2026
Kate Bex KC and Simon Spence KC are joined by award-winning actor Martin Shaw for the latest Criminal Justice Matters podcast hosted by the Criminal Bar Association.
From The Professionals to Judge John Deed to Inspector George Gently, Martin reflects on a 60-year career that has repeatedly crossed paths with the criminal justice system — largely “by accident, not design”.
In this wide-ranging discussion Kate and Simon discuss Martin’s perspective on:
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current debates around jury trials and cameras in court
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the importance of accuracy on screen and how input from real barristers helps get it right (from courtroom practice to details like the use of a gavel)
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why truthful portrayal on screen matters for public confidence and for encouraging victims to come forward
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his role as Trustee of the Kalisher Trust and the importance of widening access and social mobility at the Bar
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the shared craft of acting and advocacy and the discipline and training behind both professions
Listen to the podcast here
The Criminal Justice Matters Podcast is produced by Adam Batstone for the Criminal Bar Association of England & Wales.
