British Academy: The UK's National Academy for the Humanities and Social Sciences

Why Criminal Law?

A British Academy discussion evening with Anthony Bottoms, FBA, University of Cambridge, Barbara Hudson, University of Central Lancashire, and Robert Sullivan, University of Birmingham

Chair: Onora O'Neill, FBA, President, British Academy

Discussion convened by Antony Duff, FBA, University of Stirling and Claire Grant, University of London

The British Academy, 10 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1

Thursday, 29 March 2007

6.15pm to 7.45pm, followed by a drinks reception

If Churchill was right that '[t]he mood and temper of the public in regard to the treatment of crime and criminals is one of the most unfailing tests of the civilisation of any country...', we must wonder about how well Britain would fare by that test-at a time when prison numbers are still rising, when the criminal law is expanding without any apparent principled control, and when the political rhetoric of 'the war on crime' encourages a transition to a war on criminals.

We urgently need a renewed, informed public debate about the proper purposes, and limits, of the criminal law in a liberal democracy. The key questions include-

• What kinds of conduct can properly be criminalised: what counts as a good reason for criminalising conduct? Should the criminal law be focused on conduct that is harmful; or wrongful; or what?
• What are the proper aims of the criminal law and the criminal process: to reduce crime; to punish offenders? How can the criminal law treat those with whom it deals, in particular offenders, with the respect and concern due to them as citizens?
• Why should we maintain a system of criminal law-rather than, for instance, the kinds of institution favoured by some advocates of 'restorative justice'?

Please note our registration and seating policy:

• Please register using the on-line booking form
• No tickets will be issued for this event.
• The first 100 audience members arriving at the Academy will be offered a seat in our Lecture Room where this event will take place. The next 50 people to arrive will be offered a seat in our Overflow Room which has a video and audio link to the Lecture Room.

This panel discussion meeting followed up a one-day workshop on 'Why Criminal Law?' held at the British Academy on 13 January 2007.