Newsroom University of ��Թϱ��

The passing of Professor Margot Brazier

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Margot first came to ��Թϱ�� to study Law as an undergraduate, graduating in 1971. Her initial career plan was to go to the Bar, but given her relative youth at the time, she decided she would wait a couple of years. In this interim period, she joined the (then) Faculty of Law as a Lecturer.

This career decision would also have a key impact upon Margot’s personal life, as she would subsequently marry one of her colleagues, Rodney Brazier, in 1974. Together the Braziers have remained at the heart of Law at ��Թϱ�� for over 50 years.

Margot began as a tort scholar and this expertise led her to become co-editor of two key textbooks in the field. Research in this area then led her into reading North American case law on medical malpractice, which began her interest in the link between the law and healthcare. She published widely in this field to international acclaim. In recent years, Margot explored the history of medicine and its links with law, the topic of her most recent book.

In the early 1980s Margot met John Harris, a philosopher, also working at ��Թϱ��. They discovered shared interests and, together with other colleagues, decided to set up a Masters degree in . Margot also taught undergraduate students, inspiring many to continue their studies to postgraduate level. She supervised many PhD students who have benefited from her knowledge, wisdom and guidance.

In 1986 Margot and John also set up the (CSEP) which has become a leading research centre.

The current Co-Directors of CSEP (Sarah Devaney and Alex Mullock) reflect:

Margot also used her expertise in public service. Not only an outstanding scholar who made a pioneering contribution to her field, she has also made an equally outstanding contribution as a public intellectual and leader in policy debate and law reform. Margot Chaired the Animal Procedures Committee (1993-98), led a review into surrogacy for UK Health Ministers (1996- 1998), Chaired the Retained Organs Commission (2001-2004) and Chaired a Working Party ‘The Ethics of Prolonging Life in Foetuses and the Newborn’ for the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (2004-2006).

Margot was an incredible mentor to so many students and academics and has been acknowledged as a ‘paradigmatic female role model’. Her enormous contribution has been recognised in many awards including an OBE (1997), Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (1993), Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2007), Queen’s Council (honoris causa) (2008), Halsbury Legal Award for Academic Contribution (2013), University of ��Թϱ�� Medal of Honour (2012) and Fellow of the British Academy (2014).

Alison Wilson, former Head of School Operations, and Sarah Tiffany-Dodman, Engagement and External Relations Manager, on behalf of all the Professional Services staff who knew and worked with Margot reflect:

Law students gain insight from wrongfully convicted sub-postmasters

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:23:19 +0000

On Tuesday, 19 February, law students at ��Թϱ�� had a unique opportunity to hear first-hand from three sub-postmasters - Janet Skinner, Seema Misra, and Tom Hedges - who were wrongfully convicted due to flaws in the Post Office’s Horizon accounting system.

This event, part of the 'Miscarriages of Justice' module, provided students with a stark insight into the consequences of corporate negligence and prosecutorial misconduct.

Rochelle Rossi, a student who attended the lecture, found it profoundly impactful:

First-hand accounts of injustice

During the event, the speakers shared their deeply personal and distressing experiences.

Janet Skinner, who was sentenced to nine months in prison for false accounting in 2006, spoke about the devastating impact on her life, “Once inside, I was placed on suicide watch for a week because of my state of mind.” After her release, stress triggered an autoimmune attack that left her paralysed from the neck down. Although she fought back and relearned how to walk, she remains permanently disabled.

Seema Misra was sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2010 after being wrongly convicted of theft and false accounting. She was ordered to pay £40,000 in compensation to the Post Office.

Tom Hedges faced a £23,000 shortfall in 2010 and was advised to plead guilty to false accounting to avoid a custodial sentence. He was sentenced to seven months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and had to pay the Post Office £1,000 in legal fees.

Common barriers to justice

Despite the differences in each story, common barriers emerged throughout. The concealment of crucial documents, the immense financial and reputational power of the Post Office, and the systemic failures that allowed such injustices to persist all played a role.

Both Tom and Seema used their own money to cover the deficits created by the faulty Horizon system, and when faced with prosecution, they had to rely on Legal Aid to secure defence lawyers.

The Post Office had a dedicated in-house legal team that remained focused on the cases. The high cost of legal support made it difficult for sub-postmasters to afford effective counsel, and the deliberate withholding of evidence proving their innocence further undermined their ability to mount a proper defence.

Each sub-postmaster was made to believe theirs was the only case, further hiding the widespread nature of the Horizon IT issues. By isolating each defendant, the Post Office was able to hide the IT issues for longer and falsely prosecute more than 900 innocent people in total.

Addressing systemic failures

A Q&A session following the testimonies allowed staff and students to pose questions to Janet, Seema, and Tom, who gave their candid thoughts.

When asked whether they still had faith in the system, the speakers expressed confidence in their current legal teams but scepticism toward institutional accountability. The latest news of the Home Office granting Fujitsu over £25 million in new contracts was mentioned, highlighting concerns over government contracts. "They are awarding bad behaviour—what incentive is there for change?" Seema Misra questioned.

Despite being invited to numerous meetings with government officials, including Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer, trust in government to change things has not been restored with Janet Skinner remarking:

Since starting the fight for compensation, the sub-postmasters have renewed trust in the legal profession, even understanding why they had been advised to enter guilty pleas initially. They implored the law students to make decisions in the future with ethics and people in mind, thinking of the bigger picture and the person behind a case.

Lessons for our law students

Professor Claire McGourlay, Director of the ��Թϱ�� Innocence Project, emphasised the significance of hearing directly from those affected:

The event at ��Թϱ�� provided law students with a profound learning experience, emphasising the importance of ethical decision-making and the need for systemic reform. The first-hand accounts of Janet Skinner, Seema Misra, and Tom Hedges highlighted the human cost of wrongful convictions and the urgent need for change in the legal and corporate systems.

As future legal professionals, the students were reminded of their role in preventing such injustices and advocating for a fairer, more just society.

with further details on the sub-postmasters experiences.

Artificial human DNA study raises urgent ethical questions for society

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:57:52 +0000

Researchers from ��Թϱ�� - in collaboration with the Universities of Granada, Lund, and Oslo - have conducted the first-ever ethical analysis of artificial human DNA.

The study, published in the Journal of Medical Ethics, explores how this emerging technology could impact identity, privacy and even reproduction, raising urgent questions for society.

Artificial human DNA, or synthetic DNA (synDNA), is created by assembling the chemical components of genes in a controlled process. While this technique could revolutionise medicine and biology, it also presents ethical challenges that must be addressed before the technology becomes widespread.

Scientists have already synthesised bacterial genomes and portions of human chromosomes, and future advancements could make it possible to generate entire human genomes in a lab.

The study highlights key concerns about privacy, identity and genetic relationships. If human DNA can be artificially replicated, who owns or controls it? Could it be used without consent? The research also explores how this technology might redefine biological parenthood and reproduction, challenging traditional understandings of genetics and inheritance.

Beyond medicine and science, this research has real-world implications for everyday people. If synDNA is widely adopted, it could lead to groundbreaking medical treatments and innovations, such as designing genes to combat hereditary diseases.

However, it also raises concerns about genetic privacy, ownership, and potential misuse. Could individuals’ genetic information be recreated without their permission? How might this affect legal rights or personal identity?

The researchers emphasise the need for governments, policymakers and scientists to collaborate on ethical guidelines to ensure responsible development and use of synDNA. By addressing these issues now, society can prepare for the transformative impact this technology may have on healthcare, reproduction and human identity itself.

The study was funded by the Víctor Grífols i Lucas Foundation.

Guardian journalist to talk about Hillsborough legal failures as families push for law change

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 11:43:52 +0000

��Թϱ�� and Garden Court North Chambers are set to host a lecture by award-winning Guardian journalist on the Hillsborough disaster, and the subsequent legal failings that led to a decades-long fight for justice.

The disaster, which occurred on Saturday 15 April 1989 at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, caused the deaths of 97 people and injuries to hundreds more, in a crush on the overcrowded terraces of Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough Stadium.

Despite the overwhelming evidence of negligence and safety failings, the South Yorkshire police blamed the victims, alleging that Liverpool supporters had misbehaved, a narrative amplified by parts of the media. Families fought for 21 years against the first inquest verdict of accidental death before it was finally quashed in 2012.

At the new inquest in 2016, the jury determined that the 97 people were unlawfully killed due to gross negligence by the police match commander, that there was a series of other failings by the police, emergency services and Sheffield Wednesday, and that no behaviour of supporters contributed to the disaster. Criminal prosecutions followed but resulted in only one conviction of the former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary, for a health and safety offence.

Guardian Investigations Correspondent David Conn, who won the Press Awards News Reporter of the Year in 2024, has covered the tragedy and the families’ fight for justice for nearly 30 years. His work helped to establish the Hillsborough Independent Panel, whose 2012 report led to the quashing of the first inquest verdict. Conn has also highlighted legal injustices like racial bias in ‘Joint Enterprise’ laws and systemic failures in accountability.

In his lecture on Thursday 13 February, Conn will discuss the legal failures that followed the disaster, and discuss the , the principal reform families are calling for which would impose a statutory duty of candour for police and public authorities, and ensure that victims of disasters or state related deaths have the funding for lawyers to represent them at inquests and inquiries. Human rights barrister Pete Weatherby KC, who has long advocated for Hillsborough Law, will explain its purpose and provide a response to the lecture, with Anna Morris KC chairing the discussion.

This inaugural Mark George Memorial Lecture honours the late Head of Garden Court North Chambers, who represented 22 Hillsborough families during the 2014-16 inquiry. George played a pivotal role as legal counsel for 22 families during the Hillsborough Inquiry (2014-16), helping uncover the truth after nearly three decades of struggle. The series honours his dedication to justice, education and advocacy.

The event also marks the launch of Conn’s Simon Industrial and Professional Fellowship, which brings him together with experts from the university to advance research into fairness in legal processes and amplify voices impacted by injustice.

“The Hillsborough families suffered grievous injustice in the legal system after the loss of their loved ones, and had to fight for decades to have the truth recognised and for justice,” David said. “Mark George was a great advocate for the families, as one of the leading lawyers who worked so hard to achieve the landmark inquest verdict in 2016.”

“This lecture series honours him and marks a deepening relationship between our University and leading human rights barristers’ chambers Garden Court North,” said Professor Eithne Quinn. “David delivering the first lecture highlights his decades of investigations and reporting on the Hillsborough families' justice campaign. This event will expose the urgent need for the landmark ‘Hillsborough Law’ and raise vital questions about legal reform.”

“Mark was many things – a radical barrister, formidable advocate, opponent of the death penalty, lifelong socialist, student of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic Studies at Cambridge, and Chelsea FC supporter – but above all, a man of integrity, kindness, and wisdom," said Pete Weatherby KC from Garden Court Chambers. ”He combined humanity with fierce intellectual commitment. Whether defending protesters or representing Hillsborough families, Mark gave everything to his clients."

“Mark is a much-missed friend and colleague, and I am glad that a lecture being held in his memory will highlight the importance of the Hillsborough Law - if was in place in 1989, the truth could not have been concealed. Those hiding it would have known they’d be found out and prosecuted. This sophisticated bill has a clear purpose and should be urgently introduced.”

The event will take place at ��Թϱ��’s Alliance ��Թϱ�� Business School, followed by a drinks reception and buffet open to all attendees. To register for a free ticket, .

New report uncovers ‘institutional racism’ in the justice system

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 18:00:00 +0100

A new report by experts from ��Թϱ�� and barrister Keir Monteith KC has raised urgent questions about racial attitudes and practices in the justice system in England and Wales.

Although the judiciary wields enormous power over individuals, its operations are alarmingly underscrutinised, and one area that has remained largely beyond examination is judicial racial bias. draws on a survey of 373 legal professionals.

95% of respondents said that racial bias plays some role in the processes or outcomes of the justice system, and 29% said it played a ‘fundamental role’. A majority of respondents had witnessed one or more judges acting in a racially biased way towards a defendant and in their decision-making.

Racial discrimination by judges is most frequently directed towards Asian and Black people according to the survey, with people from Black communities - lawyers, witnesses, defendants, etc. - by far the most common targets of judicial discrimination. Young Black male defendants were the subgroup most frequently mentioned as targets of judicial bias.

The survey did find that some judges are already acting in ‘antiracist’ ways by being conscious of and knowledgeable about racism, and seeking to mitigate it - however, only a minority of respondents had ever seen a judge act in this way.

Race training is neither compulsory nor provided on a regular basis – only 49% of the respondents who have worked as judicial office holders had received race training in the preceding three years.

The report emerges as serious questions are already being asked about the treatment of ethnic minority people in the justice system. Black barristers are and report experiencing . On top of this, and the found that sentencing outcomes are often harsher for ethnic minority defendants.

Overall, the report suggests that the combination of quantitative and qualitative data presented, substantiated by the kind of reports listed above, amounts to evidence of ‘institutional racism’ in the justice system presided over by judges.

The report is a response to the five-year strategy launched by Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett of Maldon to enhance equality and diversity in the judiciary, and finds that it does not consider the issue of racism or even mention ‘racial bias’. Researchers found a profound disparity between the conclusions of the strategy - that the justice system is basically fair and that progress has been made - when compared to the widespread views and experiences of the legal professionals surveyed.

In addition, the report is critical of the Equal Treatment Bench Book, the textbook given to all judges on appointment, in terms of its framing of bias and racism, especially its lack of acknowledgement of anti-Black racism in the justice system.

The evidence in the report rings alarm bells about access to fair trials, hearings and tribunals as well as to equal professional development.

“Racism in the justice system has to be acknowledged and fought by those at the highest level, but at the moment there is complete and utter silence - and as a consequence, there is no action to combat racial bias,” said Keir Monteith KC. “It is impossible to have diversity and inclusion if the system itself unfairly discriminates. There has to be a hard reboot to protect and revitalize the rule of law and civil rights for all citizens - a good start would be to follow the recommendations in our report.”

“Judges need to sit up and listen, because it is a myth that Lady Justice is blind to colour,” said Professor Leslie Thomas KC, who wrote the report’s Foreword. “Our judiciary as an institution is just as racist as our police forces, our education system and our health service - this is something that cannot be ignored for any longer.”

“This important report demonstrates that the very low number of Black and minority ethnic judges poses an acute challenge to the credibility and legitimacy of the judiciary,” said Stephanie Needleman from . “It is only by creating a critical mass of diverse judges that we can ensure that our judiciary is reflective of society and begin to combat the racism witnessed by survey respondents.”

“We welcome, and are grateful to have been consulted on, this hard-hitting report,” said former Judge Claire Gilham from the “My whistleblowing about racism was dismissed as me not understanding judicial culture, having come from the wrong background. There is no internal data keeping for equality complaints, which makes it very difficult for the judiciary to provide any evidence to deny the findings of this report. A severe shake-up of the system is needed.”

“Even after 25 years as a Trade Union Official, I am shocked at the practices employed in the appointment and promotion of judges,” said Stuart Fegan from GMB. “The Judiciary is funded with public money, and the practices identified would simply not be tolerated anywhere else in the public sector. I am delighted that Labour have committed to review appointment and promotion procedures if they win the next election in order to ensure that judges are reflective of the public they serve.”

School of Social Sciences celebrate official opening of the Justice Hub

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 16:55:28 +0000

This month, is celebrating the launch of the in its new home, 188 Waterloo Place.

The Justice Hub network began life over 20 years ago as the (LAC), based within the Law School. The past 20 years have seen the arrival of new initiatives and centres, including our Dementia Law Clinic, The Miscarriage of Justice Review Centre and cutting edge teaching and research within our Legal Technology Initiative. Bringing these projects together through the Justice Hub network has given our students a space to lay their foundations with holistic, autonomous and reflective experiences, whilst making real change happen in the community. The official launch event was a chance to celebrate the hard work of students and colleagues throughout the years, whilst focusing on the bright future that lies ahead for our Justice Hub.

The event kicked off with speeches and presentations from staff, students and our guest speaker, Human Rights Barrister Anna Morris. Neil Allen, Law Academic and Barrister, began proceedings with a short history of the Justice Hub, beginning with the founding of the LAC in 1999 to provide free legal advice to those in need. Over the past 20 years, the LAC has grown to include a number of exciting new projects, all aimed at improving access to justice for the vulnerable, marginalised and disadvantaged. Professor Claire McGourlay discussed the difficulties faced by pro bono services following legal aid cuts over the last seven years; Claire praised the students for their commitment against these challenges as our Justice Hub continues to expand to meet increasing demands.

Anna Morris shared stories from her own journey into human rights law, citing the importance of voluntary experience for students seeking a future career in the legal sector. The presentations were wrapped up by three of our student volunteers who spoke about the knowledge and understanding they have gained from working in the Justice Hub alongside clients facing complex, and often sensitive, legal problems.

Outside the Justice Hubs new home at 188 Waterloo Place, Professor April McMahon, Vice President for Teaching and Learning, cut the ribbon across the door as all attendees were invited in to celebrate the evening with a drinks reception and a chance to look around the Hub.

��Թϱ�� hosts first conference for justice campaign

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 15:40:00 +0000

The first-ever conference for the Innovation of Justice campaign, which campaigns in defence of people who have been victims of miscarriages of justice, has been hosted by ��Թϱ��’s School of Law.

The non-profit campaign was co-founded by Liam Allan, who was falsely accused of rape and exonerated after it was revealed during the court case the police had failed to disclose vital evidence proving innocence. The campaign is also co-founded by Annie Brodie-Akers, a University of Sheffield law student and the President and Chair of the Miscarriage of Justice Awareness Society. The campaign hopes to break down the barriers between victims of miscarriages of justice and those who can change and influence the law. The founders believe that the UK’s criminal justice system needs repair and reform, and aims to campaign in solidarity with people who don't currently have a voice and bring it to the forefront of the government’s mind.

The conference covered a range of topics including issues facing the legal profession, disclosure failings, false allegations and wrongful convictions. Many people who have faced these issues spoke at the event, including Eddie Gilfoyle - who was released in 2010 after being sentenced to 18 years for the murder of his pregnant wife – and Michael O’Brien, one of the wrongfully convicted Cardiff Three, who detailed his struggles in prison and after his release.

Mark George QC also spoke about the increasing number of people unable to appoint a lawyer because of changes to legal aid, and described this as ‘simply unacceptable’.

Liam Allan, the 22-year-old student who was wrongfully charged with 12 counts of rape and sexual assault last year, was also at the conference. His barrister Julia Smart outlined the extraordinary failings of the police and the prosecuting authorities in his case. She spoke of finding herself on the week of his trial with all of the material required to prove beyond a doubt that he was a wholly innocent man, but this had not been previously disclosed to the defence. Liam closed the day with a positive speech about the conference, hope, and achieving the seemingly impossible.

“The School of Law and the Miscarriages of Justice Review Centre are so proud and excited to be hosting the first conference,” said Professor Claire McGourlay from ��Թϱ��. “We have all worked incredibly hard to pull it all together, and behind this enthusiasm and dedication is a belief that our criminal justice system needs reform and investment.”

“Our justice system is in crisis and has been for a long time. The public and politicians need to listen and lead change before yet more innocent people end up in prison or suffer what Liam and many offers have.”

“The team behind Innovation of Justice cannot thank ��Թϱ��’s School of Law enough for helping us with our first event,” said Annie Brodie-Akers. “Their commitment and dedication to the project is what has made it as successful as it is now. We are proud to host this first event with ��Թϱ��, and wish to say a special thanks to them for assisting us in this journey for the past few months.”

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