MacDermott Lecture 2026

This lecture is inspired by what Lord MacDermott identified as one of the main enemies of freedom: the abuse of power (‘Protection from Power under English Law’, Hamlyn Lecture, 1957). This lecture will focus specifically on one manifestation of the abuse of power: institutional lies, cover-ups and the deliberate distortion or destruction of information. Following a brief review of the scale and impacts of just some of the multiple examples of institutional lies and cover-ups over the past century, the lecture presents a fresh approach to justice that places law-making powers in the hands of communities. Taking Hillsborough Law Now campaign as an example, the lecture considers how we – as researchers, communities and practitioners - might be more creative and collaborative in empowering those who are routinely silenced to rewrite the law.

Helen Stalford is Professor of Law at the University of Liverpool and Principal Co-Convenor of the AHRC-funded Centre for People’s Justice. Working with partners across the UK the Centre for People’s Justice seeks to improve law and lives through community-led research grounded in creative methods, multi-sectoral collaboration and lived experience. Helen has over 30 years of experience researching, publishing and campaigning on children’s access to justice, particularly in the context of migration, asylum and the post-Brexit protection of children’s rights.

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