Law, Justice & the Spaces Between

Who Should Attend?

Bath Publishing are running an important series of free webinars investigating openness and press reporting of our courts and tribunals, aimed at anyone with an interest in open justice.

Book here

Does being watched change how justice is done? The role and function of observers in trials, inquests, family courts and tribunals:

• A panel of leading journalists, lawyers and campaigners discuss the role of the independent observer in court and whether their presence can affect the way proceedings are managed or the eventual outcome.
• When – 18.30 – 19.30, Thursday 21st January 2021
• Where – Online via Zoom

• Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC: human rights and media specialist barrister, Doughty St Chambers
• Dr George Julian: knowledge transfer consultant and live tweeter of inquests
• Prof Celia Kitzinger and Gill Loomes-Quinn: Open Justice Court of Protection Project
• Lucy Reed: children barrister, St John’s Chambers, chair of The Transparency Project
• Louise Tickle: journalist, director of Scrutiny
• Nick Wallis: investigative journalist, the Post Office trial
• Dr Sara Ryan: mother of Connor Sparrowhawk, campaigner Justice for Laughing Boy

Silence in court: what is lost – and who gains – when the state bans family members from speaking out?:

• A panel of leading journalists, lawyers and campaigners discuss the public interest damage that arises when the state restricts free speech in favour of privacy, and consider the arguments in favour.
• When – 18.30 – 19.30, Thursday 4th February 2021
• Where – Online via Zoom

• Sir James Munby: immediate past President of the Family Division of the High Court
• Emma Norton: solicitor and founder, The Centre for Military Justice
• Paul Bernal: associate professor in information technology, intellectual property and media law, the University of East Anglia
• Brian Farmer: reporter, PA Media
• Mark Neary: father of Steven Neary
• Lucy Reed: children barrister, St John’s Chambers, chair of The Transparency Project

In pursuit of social justice – is a hearing held in public enough to hold the state to account?

• A panel of leading journalists, lawyers and campaigners discuss whether whether justice done in public is enough on its own to keep the state in check.
• When – 18.30 – 19.30, Thursday 18th February 2021
• Where – Online via Zoom

• Tor Butler Cole QC: – barrister specialising in inquests and Court of Protection cases, 39 Essex St Chambers
• Julie Doughty: trustee, The Transparency Project and senior lecturer, Cardiff Law School
• Tristan Kirk: courts correspondent, Evening Standard
• Mark Hanna: emeritus fellow, Department of Journalism Studies, Sheffield University
• Marienna Pope-Weidemann: bereaved relative campaigning for #JusticeforGaia

The observer’s dilemma: does negotiating access with power and parties compromise independence?

• A panel of leading lawyers, journalists and campaigners discuss whether an observer can maintain their independence throughout the proceedings when they must negotiate access with both parties and judiciary.
• When – 18.30 – 19.30, Thursday 4th March 2021
• Where – Online via Zoom

• Dr George Julian: knowledge transfer consultant and live tweeter of inquests
• Mr Justice Hayden: vice-president of the Court of Protection
• Professor Celia Kitzinger and Gill Loomes-Quinn: Open Justice Court of Protection Project
• Lucy Reed: children barrister, St John’s Chambers and chair of The Transparency Project
• Louise Tickle: journalist, director of Scrutiny
• Angela Forster: mother of Sasha Forster and trustee of Sacha’s Project

To register for these free online webinars, follow the apply to book link. Complete the checkout process and click through the payment screen (you will not be charged). Your ticket will be sent by email.