Cambridge 2011 Conference

Law in Politics, Politics in Law

The Society's 102nd Annual Conference will be held at the University of Cambridge, starting in the afternoon of Monday 5th September 2011 and finishing at lunchtime on Thursday 8th September. The main theme of the Conference will be Law in Politics, Politics in Law; contributions on other topics to Subject Section seminars will, of course, be welcome. The Conference will be based at Downing College (www.dow.cam.ac.uk), where neo-Classical architecture combines with some of the best accommodation in Cambridge for delegates, offering well equipped single and twin rooms with en suite and standard options.

Presidential Invitation

My colleagues and I look forward to welcoming you to the Society’s Annual Conference in Cambridge from 5th to 8th September 2011.  The theme of the conference, Law in Politics, Politics in Law, will be reflected in the plenary sessions, reflecting on the role of lawyers in government, the influence of politics on law-making and law on politics, and (in collaboration with the Statute Law Society) the process of law-making.  Leading government lawyers and lawyer politicians will join academic experts to explore the subject.  We shall also be able to discuss the significance of human dignity in modern law, and the politics of the higher judiciary.  There will as usual be a special session for early career scholars (generously supported by the Cambridge Law Journal).  Alongside this, 28 Subject Sections will be offering us opportunities to enjoy a very large number of high-quality papers on a huge range of topics.

We shall not be neglecting some of the most important functions of the Annual Conference: meeting colleagues from across the UK and Ireland and far beyond; sharing ideas and insights; and discussing issues of common interest informally in a friendly, attractive environment.  Downing College, which will host most of the Conference events and provide accommodation to resident participants, is in my view one of the most impressive in Cambridge (although I might be biased, being a Fellow), with excellent living conditions.  The University’s Faculty of Law, which will be the venue for one of the plenary sessions and a reception following it, is a fascinating building designed by Norman Foster and Partners.  As usual, the conference will be punctuated by social events.

We hope that you will enjoy a stimulating few days with us, exchanging interesting ideas in beautiful surroundings.  We look forward to seeing you in September.

Professor David Feldman QC FBA.