(with Gowns for members)
Why do we punish offenders?
Following the Government’s decision to reduce prison overcrowding by releasing some prisoners after serving 40% of their sentences, a number of commentators have been asking why we send people to prison in the first place.
The debate is not new:
‘In punishing wrongdoers, no one concentrates on the fact that a man has done wrong in the past, or punishes him on that account, unless taking blind vengeance like a beast. No, punishment is not inflicted by a rational man for the sake of the crime that has been committed (after all, one cannot undo what is past), but for the sake of the future, to prevent either the same man or, by the spectacle of his punishment, someone else, from doing wrong again.’ Plato, Protagoras 324b-c.
The apparent conflict between retributivist and consequentialist theories of punishment has kept philosophers busy throughout the ages. The Autumn Reader, David Stockdale, takes a fresh look at these theories and examines them in the light of modern sentencing practice. The application of the Sentencing Guidelines, the emphasis placed on ‘culpability’ and ‘harm’ and the role of the victim in the process of sentencing are some of the developments that might cause us to consider where we now stand in the philosophical divide.
This autumn’s Reader’s Feast will join the Inn’s innovative series of sessions on Philosophy and the Law and, it is hoped, will stimulate discussion amongst students, practitioners and judges alike.
Student members (including transferring lawyers) must attend all elements of the event in order to be awarded the Qualifying Session. This includes any lecture/talk/reception/dinner/speeches.
Please note that there are certain rules and customs that members and guests are expected to observe when attending formal dinners at the Inn.
Student/Hall Members: Guests welcome, maximum three per member
Benchers: Benchers are welcome to bring a guest
If you (or your guests) have any dietary requirements, please ensure that you provide this information ASAP and no later than 09:00 three working days before the event. Members of Middle Temple can add this information by logging into your account and going to ‘My upcoming events’ and editing your booking(s). Members of other Inns, where applicable, can email enquiries@middletemple.org.uk or phone 020 7427 4800.
If you (or your guests) are unsure about anything on the evening please speak to the events staff on duty.
Non-alcoholic alternatives will be provided on request.
Further details of the QS Requirements and how to be credited with the QS for this session
After this session, students should be able to:
The QS will align with these elements of the professional statement:
View the BSB's Professional Statement
If you have any feedback on a QS you have attended or have any suggestions for future sessions, please contact the education department on education@middletemple.org.uk
Unless the event sells out earlier, booking will close at 09:00 two working days before the event.
Members of Middle Temple can buy tickets online. Please note that you must log in first (if you have not yet created a login please register first). Alternatively, you can buy tickets from the Treasury Office by calling 020 7427 4800.
Members of other Inns, where applicable (please refer to 'Who can Attend'), can buy tickets from the Treasury Office by calling 020 7427 4800. Online booking is not available.
Cancellations: Where we have a waiting list we will offer your ticket to someone else, so please do cancel your ticket if you are no longer able to attend.
If you have questions about accessibility at the Inn or if you would like to request support, please email Richard Frost.
The Inn is committed to improving access to all its services and encourages members to get in touch with suggestions and feedback on how we can improve. If you feel your experience using the website or attending one of our events could be improved, please email Richard. Your suggestions will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Middle Temple endeavours to make the Inn as inclusive as possible for all of its members, guests and staff.
If you have questions regarding religious practice at the Inn or at Inn events, or if you would like to request support, please email the Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator Laura Hacon. The Inn endeavours to make reasonable adjustments where possible.
The Inn is committed to improving access to all its services and encourages members to get in touch with suggestions and feedback on how we can improve. If you feel your experience using the website or attending one of our events could be improved, please email Laura. Your suggestions will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please be aware that photography, audio and video recording may take place at our events. These may be used for promotional purposes by the Inn, including in printed publications, on our website, and on our social media accounts. If you do not wish to have your photograph taken or to have images of you used, please alert the Membership Team at the start of the event. We are unable to guarantee that you will not be included in the background of photographs that are being taken. Contact: 020 7427 6385, members@middletemple.org.uk.
All personal data that the Inn stores and processes is held in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Inn’s Data Protection Policy. You can ask the Inn to stop using your images at any time, or request to see the personal data that the Inn holds on you. For more information please visit the Data Protection page.