Can the law truly hold the world's most powerful figures to account?

Why Are the Lecture Topics Important? - Professor Sir Geoffrey Nice QC · 3:51 · Video: Gresham College · Watch at the source

In short: From the prosecution of Slobodan Milošević to the pursuit of justice for victims in North Korea, Professor Sir Geoffrey Nice QC has spent decades at the front lines of international law. Now, in his final lecture series for Gresham College, he explores whether legal systems can actually function as a force for good.

Professor Sir Geoffrey Nice QC, the Gresham Professor of Law, is concluding his tenure with a lecture series titled 'Law and Lawyers -not all Bad?'. The series promises an examination of the most urgent legal challenges facing our modern era, viewed through the lens of a career spent navigating both high-profile tribunals and the struggles of those denied access to international courts. The lectures are designed to be intellectually stimulating for anyone interested in contemporary legal systems. This final series allows the professor to address the specific legal themes that are closest to his heart.

A veteran barrister since 1971, Nice's professional history is deeply intertwined with the evolution of international justice. Between 1998 and 2006, he served at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), where he led the prosecution of the former Serbian President, Slobodan Milošević. His subsequent work has focused on the International Criminal Court, addressing cases involving Sudan, Kenya, and Libya, as well as providing pro bono support for victims' groups from nations such as Burma, Iran, and North Korea.

Beyond the courtroom, Nice has contributed to the regulation of the legal profession, serving as Vice-Chair of the Bar Standards Board from 2009 to 2012. His judicial experience is equally extensive, having served as a part-time judge at the Old Bailey since 1984, alongside roles in various other tribunals and inquiries. This lecture series serves as a culmination of these experiences, attempting to bridge the gap between complex international jurisprudence and its real-world impact on global human rights. The professor also provides commentary on international war crimes issues through various media outlets and NGOs. This academic tradition is part of a legacy of free public learning at Gresham College that has existed since 1597.

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