Law: Lawmaking – Crimes, Caves & Cannibals – A Critical Perspective On The Problems Of Law-Making With Dr Lucy Barnes From University of East Anglia

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In this online Law event for schools and colleges, Dr Lucy Barnes, Associate Professor in Law, School of Law at University of East Anglia, will deliver an interactive talk within an overall session theme of Lawmaking, presenting ‘Crimes, Caves & Cannibals – A Critical Perspective On The Problems Of Law-Making’.

This interactive event will consider the perils of law-making: can we make a law prohibiting murder without that law having unintended applications? If a law is made but carries such an unintended application, does justice demand that we obey the law regardless of this application, or should we be able to disapply unjust laws? What are the consequences of either argument?

The session will begin by looking at how statutes are made, statutory interpretation techniques, and the role of a judge in applying the law. We will look at an example of a law through a famous case study (‘the Speluncean Explorers’) to identify and analyse different positions on how the law ought to be read and locate the view that seems right to you. The case study describes a situation in which trapped persons eat a member of their group to find the sustenance necessary for survival. You will form a view on whether this action is criminal and thus meeting a statutory definition of murder, or whether you feel there are alternative and more compelling arguments. By the end of the session, you will be equipped with a greater understanding of your commitments to the relationship between law and justice, and just how difficult it is to make uncontentious law.

No prior knowledge of the law is necessary to participate in this session.  Some arguments from philosophy are included but, again, no prior knowledge of these ideas will be necessary or expected.

At the end of the 45 minute session, Lucy will stay on to answer any questions participants have about the further study and careers in Law.

Lecturer Profile (Please Click): Dr Lucy Barnes

Our events are designed so that a group of students can take part from a classroom or students and teachers can take part as individuals, either from school or from home. This means that sessions will continue irrespective of possible school closures.

As a live, participative event, this session will not be recorded but slides and other resources will be shared after the event, where available.

Suitable for: Year 12 & 13 students (and equivalent) studying, or with a possible interest in studying, Law and related disciplines. Student groups, and individual students and teachers are very welcome to join us.

Preparation/Pre-Reading: Students may wish to consider the topic and discuss some of the key elements in advance. Students can also think about questions they have about studying Law at university level.

The IT Setup: The event will be run on Bluejeans (similar to Zoom) and participants will be able to join using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. If you are joining as a school group, we recommend connecting with one device and projecting on to a whiteboard. You will be able to interact with the university via a microphone and/or typed comments and questions. Full details will be sent to those who have registered (see below) prior to the event.

Booking a Place: This is free for schools and colleges. If you would like to take part in this event, please register your interest using the link to the registration form below:

Register here