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Sherrard Conversation | Animals as legal subjects – doctrine and theory

Wednesday 26th of February 2025 17:45

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Location

Sherrard Room

Timings

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

Event Details

The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 established the Animal Sentience Committee, whose job is to ensure that the formulation and implementation of government policy pays ‘due regard to the ways in which the policy might have an adverse effect on the welfare of animals as sentient beings.’ This attempt to place animal interests within the legislative process is a global first.

Join Dr Rachel Dunn, Reader at Leeds Law School and member of Middle Temple, and Middle Temple Academic Fellow Dr Joshua Jowitt in a conversation to consider how the law of both England and Wales and other jurisdictions sees animals and protects their interests.


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

Click here to see 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:

  • Knowledge of the status of animals in legal systems globally
  • Understanding of whether problems are unique to animals or shared with other ‘novel beings’ (for example, AI)
  • Appreciation of the practical barriers to improving protection of animal interests

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

1.3

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

Unless the event sells out earlier, booking will close at 09:00 two working days before the event. 

Members of Middle Temple can buy tickets online. Please note that you must log in first (if you have not yet created a login please register first). Alternatively, you can buy tickets from the Treasury Office by calling 020 7427 4800.

Members of other Inns, where applicable (please refer to 'Who can Attend'), can buy tickets from the Treasury Office by calling 020 7427 4800. Online booking is not available.

Cancellations: Where we have a waiting list we will offer your ticket to someone else, so please do cancel your ticket if you are no longer able to attend.

Click here to view 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.

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.