Drink, pray, law
Two professors-turned-podcasters are taking law out of the courtroom and into your ears.
Article by:
Elaine Obran
Contributing writer
What does Jesus Christ have in common with a decomposing snail? Aside from being unconventional conversation starters, this unlikely duo both feature in the second season of ANU College of Law podcast, Secondary Rules.
The show is hosted by two associate professors, Ryan Goss and Joshua Neoh, who transform well-known court cases into digestible episodes.
While the cases are complex, the show’s premise is simple: to help listeners understand the moving parts of legal theory and public law and their ripple effects on society.
Through the duo’s natural banter, poignant insights and catchy intro (don’t be surprised if you find yourself tapping your foot), the Secondary Rules podcast does just that.
In the latest season, each episode explores a landmark court decision from around the world. Although they don’t claim to be experts on every topic, Goss and Neoh try to select cases that will intrigue listeners — episode three being a perfect example.
It’s a case that will bring back memories for every law student — yes, it’s Donoghue v Stevenson. In 1932, May Donoghue was shellshocked when she discovered a decomposing snail in a bottle of ginger beer.
Donoghue sued the manufacturer, David Stevenson. She won her case and, as Goss and Neoh explain, her victory laid the foundations for the modern law of negligence and shaped the principle of the duty of care.
From marinated escargot in Scotland, Goss and Neoh transport listeners to Ancient Rome where they unpack (and re-enact) the world’s most famous criminal trial — the prosecution of Jesus Christ.
The Secondary Rules world tour ends back home with the Mabo case, a monumental moment in Australia’s history in which the High Court finally recognised the traditional rights of the Meriam people to their islands in the Torres Strait.
The episode shows what Goss and Neoh do so well: weeding through layered legal jargon to tell a profoundly human story.
Listen to Secondary Rules wherever you find your favourite podcasts.
Top illustration: Anya Wotton/ANU
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