The ‘Law’s Two Bodies’ lecture given by Daniel Greenberg, a barrister specialising in legislation, titled “The Future of the Rule of Law: A Parliamentary Perspective”, is now available to watch here.

The Lecture is of particular topical interest, and was delivered on the final day of the Supreme Court’s hearing of the case concerning the prorogation of Parliament.

On Wednesday 4 September the Institute held a reception attended by fifty alumni and friends at the House of Lords, to promote its work and to offer networking opportunities.

We were kindly hosted by St Andrews alumnus Lord Duncan of Springbank, who spoke eloquently about the importance of the Institute’s work in advancing the understanding of the history of constitutional law, and of its deep relevance in the contemporary context.  He was followed by Professor John Hudson who outlined the Institute’s recent work and future ambitions. Professor Hudson called on guests to engage with the Institute however they felt most able – whether by attending events, becoming Corresponding Members or providing philanthropic support.

It was a genuine pleasure to see St Andrews alumni and connections from across the decades enjoying the networking opportunity, making and renewing acquaintances and relishing the chance to discuss constitutional matters within the seat of Government, while the political and constitutional debate raged around us in both chambers.  We were flattered that Stephen Gethins, MP for North East Fife, found the time to drop in briefly as he walked his Bill from the Commons to the Lords!

We are also indebted to Stuart Pemble, St Andrews alumnus and partner at Mills & Reeve, who provided generous personal support to the event as well as initiating the wonderful choice of venue.  We intend to host more networking events in London in 2020 and thereafter, so please do keep in touch to be alerted to future receptions and talks.

Planned fundraising projects include support to continue the sponsorship of at least one ‘MLitt Legal and Constitutional Studies Scholarship’ (covering the cost of home/EU fees, currently £9,000 per annum).

For more information about how you can support the Institute and keep up to date with its events, please contact John Hudson (jghh@st-andrews.ac.uk) cc-ing Alex Hayes (Alex.Hayes@st-andrews.ac.uk).

In the context of the UK Supreme Court hearing this week, John Hudson has written for BBC HistoryExtra on the relationship of English and Scots Law. https://www.historyextra.com/period/stuart/historical-differences-scottish-english-law-what-it-means-brexit-supreme-court-session/

On the US Supreme Court, Colin Kidd wrote on ‘Justice in the Balance’ for the New Statesman, 23-29 August 2019.

And on the proroguing of Parliament, Guy Rowlands had a letter published in The Times, 30 August 2019.

Professor Bruce Frier’s lecture is now available to watch here: https://vimeo.com/360284247

2 October:

Dr Maria Varaki (King’s College London): “Ethical leadership and migration: a test of imaginary humanity”

23 October:

Prof Jeremie Gilbert (University of Roehampton): “Litigating peoples’ land and natural resources rights: lessons from the indigenous peoples movement”

6 November:

Dr Golnar Nabizadeh (University of Dundee): “The Lives of Others: Figuring Grievability and Justice in Comics and Graphic novels” & Dr Mitchell Travis (University of Leeds): “Legal Personhood and Jurisdiction: Moving the Debate from Inherent Characteristics to Institutional Context”

4 December:

Prof Andrew Lang (University of Edinburgh): “Global metaregulation”

All talks will be held from 14.30 – 16.00 in Scrymgeour Building 4.08, unless otherwise indicated. Tea, coffee and pastries will be served at all talks.