Lions Under the Throne or Enemies of the People? Judges in Britain Today

Name: Lions Under the Throne or Enemies of the People? Judges in Britain Today
Start: 2026-02-16T19:30:00+00:00
Location: The Salisbury Museum

Schedule

Mon, 16 Feb, 2026 at 07:30 pm

UTC+00:00

Location

The Salisbury Museum | Salisbury, EN

The courts’ role in upholding constitutional law and human rights has never been more hotly debated. From the 2016 Article 50 case, when the Daily Mail branded senior judges “enemies of the people,” to recent challenges over the Government’s Rwanda immigration policy and the sentencing of climate protesters, the judiciary has found itself at the centre of public and political controversy.
In this special event, The Rt Hon. The Lord Burnett of Maldon, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales from 2017 to 2023, reflects on his years at the helm of the judiciary. During his tenure, he worked with six Lord Chancellors, guided the courts through the COVID-19 pandemic, and helped steer the justice system through times of unprecedented scrutiny.
Lord Burnett will discuss the vital importance of public trust in the judiciary, exploring how it can be strengthened, and how it may be undermined by perceptions of bias, corruption, or political influence. He will also consider the risks of allowing public opinion and media pressure to shape judicial decision-making.
Join us for an evening of insight and reflection on the role of the courts in modern Britain and the delicate balance between justice, politics, and public confidence.