The second Lord Judge Memorial Lecture in Legal History will be held this year as a collaborative event between the Middle Temple Historical Society and the Selden Society, in commemoration of the distinguished legacy of Lord Judge, who served as President of the Selden Society from 2009 to 2015.
Both Societies are pleased to announce that this year’s lecture will be delivered by The Rt. Hon. Lord Sumption, FSA, FRHistS, former Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom and a distinguished historian.
In his lecture, Lord Sumption will dispute the prevailing historiographical orthodoxy that locates the origins of international law as a discrete legal discipline in the aftermath of the Peace of Westphalia (1648) and the writings of Hugo Grotius. He will argue that the medieval period saw the development of a coherent notion of sovereignty and an elaborate code of what would now be called customary international law.
The Selden Society has generously undertaken to provide a fifty per cent subsidy for the first twenty (20) attendees who are either: students, pupil barristers, or post-call practitioners of up to seven years’ call, and who register to attend the lecture and wine reception, regardless of Inn of Court.
The Dinner in the Parliament Chamber is being generously subsidised by the Middle Temple Historical Society. In recognition of the event’s distinctive character, guests will be served a three-course meal with table service, accompanied by wine.
Student members (including transferring lawyers) must attend the lecture and reception in order to be awarded the Qualifying Session. For this event, attending the dinner is not required for the QS point.
Please note that there are certain rules and customs that members and guests are expected to observe when attending formal dinners at the Inn.
Members of all four Inns of Court and their guests, as well as members of the Selden Society and their guests, are welcome to attend.
If you are not a member of Middle Temple, please contact the Treasury Office to book your place by calling 020 7427 4800.
Members of the Middle Temple Historical Society who are not members of the Inn should contact the Treasury Office by calling 020 7427 4800 to book.
If you (or your guests) have any dietary requirements, please ensure that you provide this information ASAP and no later than 09:00 three working days before the event. Members of Middle Temple can add this information by logging into your account and going to ‘My upcoming events’ and editing your booking(s). Members of other Inns, where applicable, can email enquiries@middletemple.org.uk or phone 020 7427 4800.
If you (or your guests) are unsure about anything on the evening please speak to the events staff on duty.
Non-alcoholic alternatives will be provided on request.
After this session, students should be able to;
Critically assess the claim that international law began with the Peace of Westphalia and Hugo Grotius, by identifying the standard textbook narrative and explaining its limitations using historical and legal evidence.
Demonstrate an understanding of medieval conceptions of sovereignty and customary legal norms governing relations between states, and explain how these practices or doctrines anticipate or resemble key principles of modern international law.
Compare medieval and early modern frameworks of inter-state legal relations by identifying key similarities and differences between medieval ius inter gentes and the post-Westphalian international legal structures.
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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: Unless the event sells out earlier, booking will close at 09:00 two working days before the event.
Cancellations: Please cancel your ticket if you are no longer able to attend. When an event has sold out we often have a waiting list.
View details of how to book, plus our Bookings and Cancellation Policies
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.
Middle Temple endeavours to make the Inn as inclusive as possible for all of its members, guests and staff.
If you have questions regarding religious practice at the Inn or at Inn events, or if you would like to request support, please email the Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator Laura Hacon. The Inn endeavours to make reasonable adjustments where possible.
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.
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 Membership 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 6385, members@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