The Middle Temple Historical Society will be hosting a lecture on the abolition of the judicial function of the House of Lords.
In 2005, the then Lord Chancellor, Rt Hon Lord Falconer of Thoroton PC KC, made history by announcing the abolition of the House of Lords’ judicial functions and the creation of the UK Supreme Court — a constitutional transformation enacted through the Constitutional Reform Act 2005.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the Act, the Middle Temple Historical Society has invited Lord Falconer to deliver a 30 minute lecture at Middle Temple outlining the salient political and legal considerations that shaped the Blair government’s decision-making process in the run-up to the announcement.
Following the lecture, Professor Lindsay Stirton (University of Sussex) will chair a panel featuring Lord Falconer and Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers .
This series of occasional lectures on the history of the courts was commenced by the magnificent lecture delivered to the Society by Rt Hon Lord Hope of Craighead, the first Deputy President of the Supreme Court in March 2024. The Middle Temple Historical Society is delighted that Lord Hope has generously agreed to return to Middle Temple to offer his own observations on the lecture and panel discussion to conclude the evening.
This rare gathering brings together key architects and witnesses of one of the most significant constitutional reforms in modern British history. It proffers an opportunity to gain unique insights into how this transformation of the UK’s highest court came about, and its on-going and lasting impact on our legal system.
Students/Hall Members/Benchers: Guests welcome
Members of other Inns and their guests also welcome - contact the Treasury Office by calling 020 7427 4800 to book.
Members of the Society who are not members of the Inn: contact the Treasury Office by calling 020 7427 4800 to book.
If you have any dietary requirements, please contact members@middletemple no later than three working days prior to the event.
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:
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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
Members of the Inn can buy tickets online by clicking ‘Add to Cart’. Please note that you must log in to book (if you have not yet created a log-in please register first).
Members of other Inns can buy tickets from the Treasury Office by calling 020 7427 4800.
Unless the event sells out earlier, bookings will close at 09:00 three working days before the event.
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
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