A top legal academic at Queen Mary, University of London has been appointed a Law Commissioner by the Secretary of State for Justice.
David Ormerod, a professor of criminal justice in the School of Law, will succeed Professor Jeremy Horder, with effect from 1 September 2010.
An advisory public body, sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, the Commission exists to keep the law of England and Wales under review.
One of five Commissioners - each responsible for specialist legal fields - Professor Ormerod will lead on criminal law, evidence and procedure.
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Jack Straw said he was “extremely pleased” to announce the five-year appointment. “I am certain that with Professor Ormerod’s considerable expertise he will be of enormous benefit to the Law Commission and an outstanding Commissioner,” he added.
In addition to his academic post at Queen Mary, Professor Ormerod is a practising barrister, lecturer to the Judicial Studies Board, and consultant advisor for the new bench book for judges of specimen directions. He was also made a Bencher at Middle Temple earlier this year.
Professor Ormerod gives his inaugural lecture at Queen Mary on 11 May 2010. The lecture examines the admissibility of evidence from absent or anonymous witnesses in criminal trials. Professor Ormerod will question whether convictions secured in such trials can be fair. Attendance is accredited with one-hour Continuing Professional Development by the Bar Standards Board.
Event: "Call my accuser before my face and I have done." Absent and anonymous witnesses in the criminal trial'
Date: 11 May 2010
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Skeel Lecture Theatre, People's Palace, Mile End
For tickets, email: events@qmul.ac.uk
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