Faculty to host Four Jurisdictions Conference

The Faculty of Advocates is preparing to host this year's Four Jurisdictions Conference of counsel and judges from throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Held annually in one of the participating countries, the conference contains a mix of business and pleasure. This year, the weekend of 8 to 10 May, will see guests from Middle Temple in London, the Bar Council of Ireland and the Bar of Northern Ireland join members of Faculty and members of the respective judiciaries in Edinburgh.

With a theme of "Conflicts and Tensions", the topics to be debated are: Victim's Rights v Prosecutor's Objectivity; Judicial Accountability - Why, How and to Whom v Judicial Independence; Client's Wishes v Advocate's Duty; and Public Safety and Security v Fundamental Freedom.

Gordon Jackson QC, Vice Dean of Faculty, who is supervising arrangements for the event, commented: "The Four Jurisdictions Conference is unique in that it brings together judges and advocates to discuss and debate a whole range of important topics. This year, the 16 speakers include seven senior judges and the leaders of the bar from all the jurisdictions. I am sure the outcome will be a conference which is both instructive and informative.

"Equally valuable is the opportunity for advocates and judges to meet informally. The result for all of us is a better understanding of how different jurisdictions deal with issues affecting lawyers everywhere. That better equips all of us to deal with problems in our own jurisdiction."

David Barniville SC, chairman of the Bar Council of Ireland, added: "What really makes the Four Jurisdictions Conference a very special event for all concerned is the friendliness and conviviality of the attendees. It is a great opportunity for barristers of all ages to mix with their peers from other jurisdictions and with members of the judiciary. Indeed, it is probably a unique event in that regard. I believe that explains why people return to the conference year after year."