Preventing torture before it happens: Ten years of the Optional Protocol13 December 2016 “This is the most powerful tool in the international toolbox to try and ensure that torture does not happen,” Sir Malcolm Evans, Professor of Public International Law and the Chair of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture.
Q&A: Dr Elina Steinerte on a career in human rights12 December 2016Born in the Soviet Latvia, Dr Steinerte grew up with family stories about exile in Siberia. In this Q&A Elina discusses how this instilled a deep rooted understanding of how people should and should not be treated. She also gives an example of how a visit to a prison in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia reminded her why the little things count – and her pride at being invited to be involved in the UN’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
#MakeChangeHappen this Human Rights Day (10th December)9 December 2016From improving the conditions of people deprived of their liberty and advising civil society organisations, and governments on the implementation of human rights law, the Human Rights Implementation Centre facilitates change on the ground.
Parliamentary hearings, public inquiries and government advisory panels – all in a day’s work7 December 2016It’s been a busy month for academics at the Law School involved in activities that aim to help shape a new corporate landscape. This round-up highlights how they are playing a role in tackling some of the issues currently facing workers, shaking up the boardrooms - and moving towards a future of ‘mission-led’ businesses.
Dr. Eirik Bjorge's research cited by Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights6 December 2016In a recent case, Magyar Helsinki Bizottság (Hungarian Helsinki Committee) v Hungary, the work of the Law School's Dr. Eirik Bjorge was cited to provide clarity on the interpretation of Article 10 on the right to freedom of expression, which proved critical to the final ruling.
Sir Malcolm Evans appointed as expert advisor for UN’s Global Study of Children Deprived of Liberty5 December 2016Professor of Law, Sir Malcolm Evans has been appointed by the UN to be a member of the high level Advisory Panel for their new Global Study of Children Deprived of Liberty. The study seeks to address the lack of data, research and verified information on the situation of children deprived of liberty.
Successful start to Law Clinic Training Sessions with Osborne Clarke2 December 2016Following the University of Bristol Law Clinic’s new partnership with commercial law firm Osborne Clarke, the firm welcomed the Clinic members to its offices for two bespoke training days earlier this term.
Why we became the Mistresses of the Moot22 November 2016Why we became the Mistresses of the Moot: Georgia Tetlow and Raina Hayles are this year’s UBLC Mistresses of the Moot . In this Q&A they talk about what inspired them to put themselves forward, how mooting has enriched their university experience – and how students should embrace the opportunity to be involved. They also talk about ‘Elle Woods’ moments, how not to respond to a judge’s question and the similarities between mooting and musicals! An upbeat interview with individuals that are clearly passionate about their cause - including the management of the annual UBLC Herbert Smith Freehills mooting competition.
Winning awards and securing training contracts22 November 2016
At the Faculty of Social Science and Law Autumn Prize Giving ceremony the Dean's Prize for Excellence went to law students Emily Jelly, Guy Davis and Jackie Tay. Both Emily and Jackie have already secured training contracts with Jackie lined up to start with a firm in Singapore on graduating. This is a great achievement for a second year student and in this Q&A, Jackie provides some insight as to why he believes he managed to secure his training contract so early. We will be catching up with Emily next month!
Q&A with this year's Law Clinic Student Directors21 November 2016Following another extensive recruitment drive, this year the Law Clinic was able to offer more students than ever before an opportunity to be involved in the Law Clinic. Rhona Egerton and Oliver Foudah have been involved in the Law Clinic since 2013 and are this year sharing the responsibility of Student Director. In this Q&A they talk about how the Law Clinic has grown in recent years, the diversity of cases that they’ve worked on in the past and how the experience at the Law Clinic has shaped their career choices.
Pimp your Grade: Finding, understanding and using feedback
21 November 2016In this article our LLB Director (and feedback enthusiast) Imogen Moore brings together experience, research, and personal insights to show how finding, understanding, and using feedback effectively can assist you in improving your performance and reaching your potential – enabling you to ‘pimp your grade’!
Student News: Understanding assessment21 November 2016In order to succeed in your law degree it is essential that you have a clear understanding of how you are assessed.
Professor of Law talks of significance of Shot at Dawn campaign 18 November 2016Today Professor Lois Bibbings will be at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire speaking about the Shot at Dawn campaign which resulted in the pardoning of soldiers executed for disciplinary offences during the First World War.
Combating Torture: A Q&A with the Law School’s Debra Long11 November 2016Today the Law School's Human Rights Implementation Centre, in partnership with Amnesty International, is launching 'Combating torture and other ill-treatment: a manual for action.’ In this Q&A we find out more about Debra Long, the principle drafter of the manual, and how she has carved out a career helping organisations put an end to torture.
BLOG: Why Government should argue that Article 50 is reversible 9 November 2016In his latest blog, Prof Phil Syrpis, Professor of EU Law at the Law School, highlights one potentially problematic aspect of last week's High Court judgment. The reasoning of the Court is premised on the assumption, accepted by the Government's lawyers, that Article 50 is irreversible.
Q&A Prof John Coggon: Opportunities for Health Law9 November 2016This academic year we have welcomed 13 new members of staff to our teaching team. Our newly appointed Chair, Professor John Coggon brings extensive knowledge of law and policy regarding health and well-being.
UN Lawyer and Bristol Graduate interviewed about Wonder Woman protest8 November 2016Kenyan UN Lawyer, Wambui Mwangi, who graduated from the Law School in 1996, has joined UN colleagues to call into question the decision to make Wonder Woman an honorary UN ambassador for the empowerment of women.
Brexit court hearing: Part of the conversation4 November 2016Yesterday’s high court decision that MPs must have a vote on triggering Article 50 has seen the opinions of Law School academics and alumni in the news.
A ‘Mooting Masterclass’ for Law School students3 November 2016Last month, successful applicants of the Herbert Smith Freehills Mooting Competition were treated to a ‘Mooting Masterclass’ to learn more about what mooting entails.
Tough competition for Law Clinic places3 November 2016Following another extensive recruitment drive, the University of Bristol Law Clinic received in excess of 240 applications for only 40 available places. In this article, Student Directors, Rhona Egerton and Oliver Foudah, discuss a review of the application process and why this year promises to be such an exciting time for new members.
Clients of McKenzie Friends needed for new research21 October 2016In the wake of legal aid cuts there has been a rise in fee-paying MacKenzie Friends, non-lawyers that support individuals otherwise unable to afford formal legal representation. In her latest blog, Dr. Emma Hitchings outlines why there’s a need to find out more about them – and her role in interviewing those that have employed them.
Brexit: Why there has never been a better time to study law13 October 2016If you want an exciting subject to study at university then law should be on your radar. With the UK voting to leave the European Union in June there has never been a more interesting time to get involved.
Law School’s Mooting Launch Nights11 October 2016Bristol Law students enjoy a week full of fantastic mooting and networking opportunities.
It's time for change. Dr. Judy Laing marks World Mental Health Day 201610 October 2016In her latest blog the Law School's Dr. Laing highlights that mental disorder is among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide - and how being involved in decision making on mental health policy could hold the key to change.
Preventing Torture: Update from the Human Rights Implementation Centre6 October 2016'Developing effective means of preventing torture and holding those responsible for torture to account, remains an absolute imperative for the international community’. (Professor, Sir Malcolm Evans). This month members of the Law School’s Human Rights Implementation Centre (HRIC) have been out in force working with a range of institutions to support their efforts to prevent torture and other ill-treatment.
STUDENT NEWS: A welcome from your Senior Tutor30 September 2016In her welcome lecture, Senior Tutor, Elizabeth Mumford, covered many of the things you need to know as a new student - from finding the local launderette, how to keep healthy and getting involved in extra-curricular activities - to the vital role of your personal tutor.
STUDENT NEWS: Meet Imogen, your LLB Director29 September 2016In this Q&A Imogen talks about her previous life as a Barrister, her passion for assessment and feedback and her mission to help you take responsibility for your own learning – whilst taking up all the many opportunities there are for support, development, feedback, guidance, and encouragement.
STUDENT NEWS: What to expect from your Personal Tutor28 September 2016Personal Tutors are here to help you become the very best you can be. This article explains what you should expect from them, and encourages you to embrace their guidance during your time here.