Derby Law School Hosts Former Lord Chief Justice.
The 29th February 2016, saw two spectacular events, the first being February 29th, the second being the visit of the Rt. Hon. Lord Judge PC QC to Derby in order to officially open Derby Law School’s New Headquarters at Number One Friar Gate Square.
The New Headquarters of Derby Law School (Credit: Mr David Gale)
The new Legal Hub in the heart of the city is home to both the Derby Law School and the International Policing and Justice Institute. The £20 million university investment provides those studying law and law-related courses (including criminology) with top of the range and state of the art facilities, including a Fully-compliant Courtroom, Digital Learning Suites, Interview Rooms, Lecture Theatres, Seminar Rooms, Conference Rooms and even a Coffee Shop.
Court One: One Friar Gate Square. (Credit: Philip Gordon Cowburn)
The team at One Friar Gate Square, were delighted to welcome a number of distinguished guests to the event, individuals from a wide range of organisations and backgrounds, guests included representatives from local government, academia, the judiciary and students, to name just a few. But it was the guest of honour that really stole the show, giving a guest lecture on “Why read law at university?” His Lordship, the Right Honourable Lord Judge PC QC, was Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales from 2008 to 2013. As the head of the Judiciary and the most Senior Criminal Specialist Judge in the Country the Lord Chief’s Office epitomises the values that many hold dear; fortitude, honour, justice and equity, again, to name just a few. To be in the presence of such a great man and distinguished public servant was truly a humbling experience.
As a first year Law Student and an aspiring advocate I was personally honoured to be able to meet a man that has shaped the Law that I read on a day-to-day basis, including the judgement in a case that is one of my personal favourites, that of; R. v Gnango (Armel) [2011] UKSC 59, [2012] 1 A.C. 827 – a case which considered the concept of joint enterprise in criminal law.
Philip Gordon Cowburn (Left) and Lord Judge (Right) (Credit: Tyler Hobbs Photography)
Lord Judge remarked that; “Some of my first Court appearances were in the old Derby and Derbyshire Quarter Sessions and I remember them well. So I am very happy to have been invited to open the new premises for Derby Law School at One Friar Gate Square.”
Scott Atkins, Acting Head of Law commented; “I am delighted and honoured that Lord Judge is coming to Derby to open the University’s new premises for Derby Law School. He will be able to witness first-hand the investment the University has made for the benefit of its students and see the latest teaching facilities that we are able to offer.”
Lord Judge (Left) and Scott Atkins, Acting Head of Law (Right) (Credit: Tyler Hobbs Photography)
LLB student Imagin Shore, who has been studying at the University’s Law School, said: “As well as the University providing us with a brand new building, we have also been provided with fantastic new facilities, which have enabled us to establish our own professional identity as young, academic lawyers. … We are also able to gain a realistic insight into the legal working world by undertaking our practical assessments in environments such as the courtroom and client interview suites. … I particularly enjoy studying at the University of Derby because of the lecturers. Each lecturer is enthusiastic, approachable and accessible. Ensuring that each student strives to achieve the best they possibly can, which has helped me to increase my confidence and acknowledge my level of capability.”
On a Personal Note, I as a Law Student, would like to thank all involved in the opening and pay special homage to the Law team at One Friar Gate Square, your passion for your subject is astounding and I am very, very grateful to you all and as Phantom’s Head of News, I would like to extend my thanks to the School of Law, Humanities and Social Science’s Marketing Officer for all her help and support, and of course the Press Invitation she extended to Phantom Media.
