The Caroline Weatherill Memorial Lecture

Welcome to The Caroline Weatherill Memorial Lecture!

Date: 24th January 2024

Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Location: Manx Museum

We would love for you to join us at our annual Caroline Weatherill Memorial Lecture. This year, we are excited to start the conversation about Problem Solving Courts with experts Geraldine O'Hare and Fiona Bagnall. You will leave the lecture more informed and maybe even asking 'is it time for change on the Isle of Man?'

What are Problem Solving Courts?
Problem Solving Courts address the underlying cause of the crime by using a collaborative approach involving judges, lawyers, social services and other professional bodies to develop a tailored plan to which the offender must remain accountable via judicial monitoring.

Crucially, Problem Solving Courts put the emphasis on providing support to the offender to reduce the likelihood of repeat offences, therefore addressing the root of the problem.

There is a huge amount of research showing the benefits of Problem Solving Courts, which may have the potential to transform our Island's justice system in a humane and effective way.

Geraldine and Fiona will be our guest Lecturers for the Caroline Weatherill Memorial Lecture.

Geraldine O'hare is a Consultant Forensic Psychologist. She worked for the Probation Board for Northern Ireland for over 25 years as the Director of Rehabilitation and Head of Psychological Services and Interventions, and led on a range of rehabilitation initiatives, including Problem-Solving Justice. On completion of her Churchill Fellowship in the USA, researching Problem Solving Courts and Early Intervention Justice and Health initiatives, Geraldine received the British Psychological Society’s President Award for Innovation in Psychological Practice. Along with the Department of Justice, Geraldine was instrumental in introducing Problem Solving Justice initiatives to Northern Ireland, including the first Substance Misuse Court, Domestic Abuse projects and other early intervention initiatives. 

Fiona Bagnall is a legal professional who graduated from Queen's University Belfast in '84 and became a solicitor a couple of years later. She spent almost two decades in private practice, specialising in child law, admin law, and employer liability. In 2006 she became the first-ever Presiding District Judge (MC) of Northern Ireland. This role made her responsible for the smooth running of all the Magistrates' Courts in the country. She held this position for a long time, making her the longest-serving Presiding Judge in any judicial tier in Northern Ireland.

Aside from her administrative duties, Judge Bagnall was also involved in setting up the Substance Misuse Court, which aims to help people with long-term addiction problems. She was also a member of the board of the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunal Service.

Proudly sponsored by Advocates Smith Taubitz Unsworth Ltd in memory of Caroline Weatherill.

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