To mark the sixtieth anniversary of the Law Commissions Act 1965, Lord Justice Bean, a former Chair of the Law Commission, will deliver a lecture to the Middle Temple Historical Society on October 7, 2025.
Lord Justice Bean will proffer a historical assessment of the Law Commission’s work since its establishment that will be relevant to practitioners, judges, and academics involved in statutory reform and the development of the law in England and Wales.
The lecture will provide a concise overview of the legislative background to the Law Commissions Act 1965, followed by an examination of the Commission’s early substantive reform initiatives. Particular attention will be given to the enduring influence of these foundational projects, as evidenced by Commission reports subsequently enacted into law.
Lord Justice Bean will provide insights into how the Law Commission develops a programme of law reform, drawing on consultation papers and the final reports produced by the Commission. He will also examine how these reports are enacted through the Special Public Bill Committee Procedure.
Upon the conclusion of the lecture, Prof. Jeremy Horder, LLD, FBA and Honorary Bencher of Middle Temple, and a former Law Commissioner will lead a discussion with Lord Justice Bean on the topics discussed within the lecture. The event will conclude with a question-and-answer session.
Student members (including transferring lawyers) must attend the lecture and the reception in order to be awarded the Qualifying Session.
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 Historical Society who are not members of the Inn: contact the Treasury Office by calling 020 7427 4800 to book.
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:
Click here to 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
Bookings: Unless the event sells out earlier, booking will close at 09:00 two working days before the event.
Cancellations: Please cancel your ticket if you are no longer able to attend. When an event has sold out we often have a waiting list.
View details of how to book, plus our Bookings and Cancellation Policies
If you have questions about accessibility at the Inn or if you would like to request support, please email Laura Hacon.
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.
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 http://www.middletemple.org.uk/about-us/data-protection