JUSTICE Scotland wins top level backing for fundraising events

Supreme Court Justice Lord Hodge is to chair a high profile series of discussions in aid of the JUSTICE Scotland organisation.

The first of the events, which are also supported by the Faculty of Advocates, takes place this Friday (20 November) when General Sir Mike Jackson and Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Menzies Campbell QC) discuss the tensions between law and war.

The events are part of the "Securing JUSTICE at 60 Appeal", which seeks to raise money in order to secure the future of JUSTICE Scotland. Founded in the UK in 1957, JUSTICE has only recently set up a Scottish arm, most of the work of which is carried out by volunteers who are also busy practising lawyers. 

To date, the two year programme will also feature "Law and Liberty: Reflections on Campaigning", with Shami Chakrabarti, on 22 January 2016; a discussion with Jon Snow on four decades of covering justice issues in the media, on a date to be fixed in early spring; and in summer 2016 a discussion on forensic science as portrayed in drama and literature, with Ruth Wishart, crime writer Val McDermid and forensic scientist Professor Sue Black taking part.

Dorothy Bain QC, chair of JUSTICE Scotland, said the events would cover "themes that connect the law and the wider world and are designed to engage writers, film makers, thinkers and social commentators in a dialogue about the law".

Looking forward to the opening event, Lord Campbell of Pittenweem commented: “I am delighted to be able to discuss these matters with such a distinguished soldier as General Sir Mike Jackson. The subject of the tensions between law and war could not be more timely given the ever changing nature of modern warfare and the enemy we face. We will explore a wide range of topical issues, from the war in the field to human rights and military justice.”  

The events will be hosted by the Faculty of Advocates in the Laigh Hall, Parliament House, Edinburgh. Each event will be followed by a drinks reception and a book signing by contributors.

Click here for more information and to book tickets.