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‘Judging Europe in Turbulent Times – some thoughts from the Strasbourg bench’, by Dr. Síofra O’Leary

Dr Síofra O’Leary smiles at an audience (out of shot) at a blue desk in the Lecture Theatre of Lincoln's Inn. She is a white woman with brown hair, a black blazer and a white blouse with frilled sleeves.
Dr. Síofra O’Leary addresses the audience in the lecture theatre

I do think it important not to lose sight of the seismic changes lived over the last decade on our continent; changes which by their nature generate Strasbourg cases.

Dr. Síofra O’Leary, Former President European Court of Human Rights and Visiting Professor, College of Europe

On 6 November, we had the pleasure of inviting Dr Síofra O’Leary, Honorary Bencher of Lincoln’s Inn and Former President of the European Court of Human Rights, to deliver the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Forum Keynote Lecture 2024.  The lecture was introduced by the Rt Hon Lord Justice Singh.

Dr Síofra O’Leary’s lecture, ‘Judging Europe in Turbulent Times’, offers an insider’s perspective on the complexities faced by the European Court of Human Rights during an era of profound societal and political challenges. Drawing on her time serving as a Judge in Strasbourg from 2014 to 2024, she examines the Court’s evolving case law on domestic and gender-based violence, the interplay between international law and national sovereignty, and the ongoing pursuit of gender equity within the judiciary. Her reflections explore the Court’s role amidst burning political issues such as migration, terrorism, and conflict. Download the transcript of her compelling lecture here. 

Please note that the lecture is not for citation.