I Rest My Case

Slander, malice and defamation in high society: the spectacular trial and persecution of Oscar Wilde

"I Rest My Case" dives into the dramatic trials of literary genius Oscar Wilde, triggered by a explosive libel accusation from the Marquess of Queensberry labeling him a "posing sodomite."​ Dean Strang, and Jonathan Goldberg KC, unpack Wilde's three rapid-fire courtroom battles—from his ill-fated criminal libel suit against Queensberry, to two devastating gross indecency prosecutions that ended in a two-year hard labor sentence. They spotlight legendary cross-examinations by Sir Edward Carson, Wilde's risky "feasting with panthers" lifestyle amid Victorian hypocrisy, and contrasts with modern cases like Kevin Spacey.I Rest My Case with Jonathan Goldberg KC and Dean Strang is a Pixiu Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#MeToo and trial by social media: what does the fall of Kevin Spacey reveal about the changing attitudes towards sex crimes in British and American courts?

In this gripping episode of I Rest My Case, hosts Jonathan Goldberg KC and Dean Strang dissect the high-stakes legal battles of Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey, from Anthony Rapp's civil suit in the US to the UK criminal trial at Southwark Crown Court.​The duo explores Spacey's three major cases—two civil and one criminal—sparked by 2017 allegations of sexual misconduct with young men in theater and film, spanning decades-old claims. They highlight acquittals in both completed trials, including nine UK charges, and debate statutes of limitations, historic sex cases, and fair trial concerns amid faded memories and lost evidence.I Rest My Case with Jonathan Goldberg KC and Dean Strang is a Pixiu Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Power, Royalty, Abuse and Corruption: has Ghislaine Maxwell been paying the punishment for Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes?

Dean Strang and Jonathan Goldberg KC dissect the infamous Epstein scandal, from his 2006 Palm Beach investigation to Maxwell's 2021 conviction. They explore Robert Maxwell's shadowy legacy, Epstein's mysterious wealth, and Prince Andrew's ties, questioning non-prosecution deals and justice for victims.I Rest My Case with Jonathan Goldberg KC and Dean Strang is a Pixiu Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The trial of Oscar Pistorius: What Makes for a Murder?

A gripping dissection of the Oscar Pistorius murder trial, this episode of I Rest My Case sees Jonathan Goldberg KC and Dean Strang unpack how a global sporting icon became the focus of one of South Africa’s most sensational court cases. Tracing events from the fatal shooting of Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day 2013 through the original trial, appeals, and ultimate sentence, they explore South Africa’s unique blend of legal traditions, its judge-only system, and the fine gradations of “intentional murder” under South African law. Along the way, they debate the impact of televised proceedings, the role of celebrity, policing failures, restorative justice, and whether the trial judge was too lenient, before turning back to the human cost of the case and the life Reeva Steenkamp never got to live.I Rest My Case with Jonathan Goldberg KC and Dean Strang is a Pixiu Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Privacy, defamation and royal drama: what do Prince Harry’s lawsuits reveal about the laws surrounding press intrusion?

This week, Dean Strang and Jonathan Goldberg KC turn their attention to a single, remarkably litigious royal: Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. Drawing on seven different lawsuits Harry has launched since around 2018, they explore how his invasion of privacy and libel claims against the UK tabloids collide with a fast‑evolving law of privacy built by British judges over the last two decades.​ Dean and Jonathan break down the fundamentals of defamation and libel on both sides of the Atlantic, explain why the burden of proving truth falls on defendants in England, and contrast that with the higher bar public figures face in the United States. They also discuss Harry’s separate challenge to the British government over the withdrawal of his full security while in the UK, using that case to expose the knotty mix of human rights, public expenditure, and post‑royal status. Whether you come for the royal drama or the legal doctrine, this conversation offers a clear, vivid tour through the modern law of privacy and reputation.I Rest My Case with Jonathan Goldberg KC and Dean Strang is a Pixiu Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.