Philosophy and the Law | Statistical evidence, proof and knowledge

Monday 27th of October 2025

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Location

Sherrard Room
1 QS Point
Legal Knowledge, Justice and the Rule of Law

Timings

​​​​​​​17:45 ~ Doors Open
18:15 ~ Lecture
19:15 ~ Reception
Expected to end at approx. 20:30

Dress code

Event Details

Statistical evidence, proof and knowledge - Prof. Alexander Bird

Under what circumstances does statistical evidence amount to proof?  If I have a single lottery ticket, it is not beyond reasonable doubt whether it is a winning or a losing ticket.  On the other hand, there is a statistical element to much evidence, e.g. DNA evidence, where the probabilities are not as extreme as in the lottery case.  This talk looks at the relationship between statistics and standards of proof in the law and how these both relate to the proposal that knowledge is the standard we aim for in the law.


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.

Who can Attend

Members of the Inn only

Dietary Requirements

Qualifying Session Details

Further details of the QS Requirements and how to be credited with the QS for this session

Learning Aims

After this session, students should be able to:

  • Explain the relationship between statistics and standards of proof in the law
  • Assess the proposal that knowledge is what we aim for in the law

Links to the Professional Statement, wider workings of the Bar, administration of justice or a public interest matter

 

Click here to view the BSB's Professional Statement

QS Feedback

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 and Cancellations

Bookings: Unless the event sells out earlier, booking will close at 15:00 on the day of 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 detalis of how to book, plus our Bookings and Cancellation Policies

Disabled Access and Support

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.

Religious Support

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.

Data Protection & Photography

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 Education 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 4800, education@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

Times and details for this event are subject to change. Please check this webpage for the most up to date information.