The Rt Hon Jack Straw, MP and Leeds alumnus, returned to the University this week to speak to about the future of criminal courts.
The lecture, entitled, “Future of the Criminal Courts: Magistrates Courts and the Auld Report?” forms part of the 2012 Hamlyn Lectures, an annual series of public lectures designed to further knowledge and understanding of the law.
Hosted by the School of Law in the Liberty Building on 6 November, the lecture was chaired by Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, another Leeds alumnus. Professor Michael Arthur, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds, said, “Jack Straw and Keir Starmer have continued to do great things since leaving the University of Leeds and it's a pleasure to welcome them back.
We are delighted to host one of the prestigious Hamlyn lectures, which reflects the international standing of the University's School of Law." The Rt Hon Jack Straw (Law 1967, Honorary LLD 1999), who also served as president of the University Union from 1967-1968, is one of only three people to have served in Cabinet continuously from 1997 to 2010, including roles as Home Secretary, Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State for Justice.
Previous Hamlyn Lecture series speakers include distinguished judges, legal practitioners and eminent academic lawyers. As the first of three lectures this year, the Rt Hon Jack Straw MP will go on to discuss the Human Rights Act at the University of Exeter on 13 November 2012 and finally, judicial appointments at the Inner Temple on 4 December.
For more information on the Hamlyn Lecture series, download the Hamlyn 2012 lecture flyer.
Read more more about the Hamlyn legacy
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