The word “genocide” feels like it has always been part of our vocabulary. But do we really understand what we mean when we use it? In everyday conversation, the term is often used to describe mass killings, widespread suffering, and horrific atrocities, especially in the context of armed conflict. Yet in law, genocide has a highly specific and demanding definition, shaped by a distinct legal and historical origin.

In this 11th episode of our series, Marko Milanović, Professor of Public International Law at the University of Reading helps us unpack this complex concept. Together, we explore what genocide means in international law, how courts interpret it, what it takes to prove it, and why it matters—both in courtrooms and beyond.

This special episode was recorded as part of the Ideas Alive strand of the Off the Shelf Festival of Words, one of the largest literary festivals in the North of England, celebrating books, words, and ideas. Ideas Alive is a series of podcasts by academics from the University of Sheffield talking about their fascinating research.

In this episode, we explore how stories of crime and justice are told — in fiction, film, news, and political discourse — and what they reveal about our collective understanding of law, crime, and punishment. From the enduring mythology of Jack the Ripper to contemporary media portrayals of riots and unrest, we discuss how words and storytelling shape public ideas of morality and justice, and, ultimately, how they influence law and policymaking.

To help us unpack these intricate issues, we are joined by two brilliant guests specialising in representations and narratives of crime:

• Dr Ciara Molloy, Assistant Professor in Criminology at University College Dublin. Ciara’s research explores cultural and historical narratives of crime, from Jack the Ripper mythology to portrayals of joyriding in 1980s Ireland.
• Dr Chloe Peacock, Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Sheffield. Chloe's research, including her forthcoming monograph, examines how media, politics, and the courts talk about criminality in light of events such as the 2011 and 2024 riots in the UK.

In this episode we unpack the UK Supreme Court’s recent judgment in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers—a landmark case that raises urgent questions about the legal definitions of ‘sex’ and ‘woman’ under the Equality Act 2010.