Legal and Just - a balancing act worthy of close inspection
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Laws exist to protect society from wrong – a simple statement of what should be a simple truth. How laws are made is a little more complex.
The Society of Legal Scholars (SLS) celebrates its centenary this year. The Society was founded as a learned society for those who teach law in universities or who are otherwise engaged in legal scholarship. The academic study of law, as distinct from its daily application, is a dynamic occupation –however dusty it’s image. Until relatively recently, reports and papers produced by the country’'s legal academics were likely to be frowned upon in court –their inclusion in proceedings uncertain. The tension between the practising legal professional and the legal academic is tangible – who should hold sway? Most would presume it best to have contributions from both parties in order to balance the need to arrive at a judgement and to take into account changes in the world outside the courtroom. How this balance is achieved is of broad concern.
On 1st October, Professor Fiona Cownie took up the Presidency of the SLS. As centenary President, she is one of five women appointed to the post - all in the last ten years. An unconventional choice for the Society, Fiona's research ranges from legal anthropology to studies of legal academics, covering topics from Quakers and dispute resolution to the clothes legal academics choose to wear to come to work. Fiona is an expert in legal education, particularly in teaching legal skills; generations of law students from the newest undergraduates to PhD students have benefited from her cheerful, breezy introductions to the study of law, and as a former primary school teacher, Professor Cownie has a practical approach which is very engaging. During her year in office for the SLS, Fiona would like to engage with the media to debate the importance of legal scholarship. If you feel this is a topic you would like to cover, please do not hesitate to contact Clare de la Torre.
17th October 2008.
Media Enquiries
For further information please contact Clare de la Torre on 01432 820500 or delatorre@lineone.net.