International Criminal Law - brought to life at Northumbria

Northumbria Law School students have met with one of the UK’s most senior Judges to learn how international criminal law has developed since the Nuremberg trials after World War II.

Sir Howard Morrison took time to speak with the students before delivering a public lecture at Northumbria this week entitled International Criminal Law: A Road Less Travelled. As the UK’s judge at the International Criminal Court in the Hague, Sir Howard was able to draw on a wealth of experience and knowledge to provide the students with an insight into some of the most important legal cases in recent history.

Sir Howard has been defending, prosecuting and judging, nationally and internationally for more than 42 years. He was called to the Bar in 1977 and became a QC in 2001. In 2010 he was appointed a Judge of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and later that year became a Judge at the UN International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague. He was a trial judge in the case of convicted war criminal Radovan Karadzic.

Jade Potot-Warren, who is studying on the MLaw Bar Professional Training Course, said: “Judge Morrison gave us excellent insight on just how multi-faceted international criminal law is, and all the different elements that have to be taken into account in ensuring fair trials and processes.

“It was inspiring to hear about opportunities and possibilities beyond domestic law and crucially beyond practice in London – something which is often overlooked but incredibly valuable for students, especially on the regional circuits.”

Professor Mohamed Badar, Chair in International and Comparative Criminal Law added: “Having the opportunity to meet with Sir Howard Morrison, to ask him questions and hear about his role and experiences at the International Criminal Court, was a hugely valuable learning experience for our students. He was able to bring to life some of the most significant legal cases ever heard at the Hague and discuss in detail the impact they have had on international criminal law.

“I’m sure it was a lecture the students will appreciate and treasure as they look to develop their own future careers. At the same time Sir Howard clearly enjoyed spending time and debating with our students.”

In his public lecture, Sir Howard explored how international criminal law has developed since Nuremberg. He also considered the scope of international law in the future, set against challenges such as population growth, diminishing global resources and climate change.

Sir Howard is a visiting professor of law at Northumbria. He is also an Honorary Professor of Law and LLD of Leicester University; a Senior Fellow at the Lauterpacht Centre of International Law at Cambridge University; and a Fellow at York University in Toronto. He is a Master of the Bench of Gray’s Inn and has been a visiting lecturer in international criminal and humanitarian law at some 20 universities worldwide.