In this third and final episode of our special series, ‘Equal under the Law?’, we delve into the complex relationship between law and social justice through the voices of inspiring activists from Scotland. We explore the pivotal question: “What does justice look like?"

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In this second episode of our special series, ‘Equal under the Law?’, we explore whether the law serves as a barrier or a tool for marginalised communities striving for equality, with a little help our expert panel of 11 inspiring activist leaders from Scotland.

(Content warning: This episode discusses experiences of discrimination, violence, and trauma. Please take care while listening.)

Our guests, including Talat Yaqoob, Pinar Aksu, and Tim Hopkins, critically examine how the law and the legal system can both empower and hinder progress. While they recognise the law's potential to secure safety and protection, they also highlight its role in perpetuating systemic inequalities. As we hear from Pheona Matovu and Satwat Rehman, the design and implementation of laws often reflect societal biases that exclude marginalised voices.

Throughout the episode, we confront the barriers faced by individuals seeking justice, including access to legal advice and representation and the emotional toll of pursuing legal remedies, as highlighted by Heather Fisken. Amanda Amaeshi and Tressa Burke shed light on the practical challenges within the legal system, while Sandy Brindley underscores the importance of legal reform as both a necessity for safety and an educative tool for societal change.

Join us as we navigate these critical discussions, seeking to better understand the role of law in the ongoing fight for equality and justice. Can the law truly be a force for good, or does it remain an obstacle for those in need?

Find out more at https://lawmanity.com/podcast/

Read transcript

In this first episode of our special series, “Equal under the Law?," we delve into the complex relationship between law and social justice through the voices of inspiring activists from Scotland. We explore the pivotal question: "Does the law treat you and your community equally?" Our guests, including Pheona Matovu, Satwat Rehman, and Pinar Aksu, share their experiences and insights on how the legal system often perpetuates systemic inequalities rather than addressing them.

(Content warning: This episode discusses experiences of discrimination, violence, and trauma. Please take care while listening.)

Pheona Matovu, founder of Radiant and Brighter, discusses the inherent biases in the law that disproportionately affect racialised communities, while Satwat Rehman highlights the exclusionary practices faced by single-parent families. Pinar Aksu reflects on the historical roots of immigration laws and their ongoing impact on asylum seekers, revealing a troubling disconnect between legislation and the lived experiences of those it is meant to serve.

Throughout the episode, we hear from a range of activists, including Tim Hopkins, who reflects on the progress made for LGBT+ rights, and Sandy Brindley, who addresses the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence. The conversations reveal a consensus: while some progress has been made, the law often fails to provide equitable treatment for marginalised groups.

As we navigate these critical discussions, we also consider the emotional toll of engaging with a legal system that can feel alien and intimidating. Activist Davie Donaldson shares poignant stories of families struggling to claim their rights within a bureaucratic legal system designed without their input.

Join us as we question whether the law can ever truly treat everyone equally and whether it can be wielded with the humanity that our society desperately needs.

Find out more at https://lawmanity.com/podcast/

Find out more at https://lawmanity.pinecast.co

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