October 21, 2018
Goldsmiths Forensic Psychology Unit in association with SL5 Legal and Red Lion Chambers host a unique, multidisciplinary event on 
Thursday 8th November at Goldsmiths University, London which will bring together professionals and experts across the criminal justice system.
The conference will focus on the interaction between psychology and law in criminal proceedings, sentencing and post-sentencing with a strong focus on identifying key questions which should be asked at each stage of the process. There will be a mix of research presentations and panel discussions, drawing on the expertise of experienced practitioners, opportunities for dialogue and collaboration between participants. Research posters will be on display throughout the event with opportunities for new collaborative research ideas to be developed from the discussions throughout the day.
Dr Caoimhe McAnena, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at Goldsmiths University says: “One of the key objectives of the event will be to investigate the gaps between evidence and practice, the impact of these and how they can be addressed. As well as professionals we will have ex-prisoners speaking from their personal experience about the issues involved.”
Andrew Sperling, Solicitor-Advocate and Director from SL5 Legal says: “We want to provide a forum for people with different perspectives and different areas of expertise within the criminal justice system to talk to and listen to each other. We are delighted to have so many great speakers to inform the discussion.”
Gilly Jones QC and Tony Shaw QC, Joint Heads Red Lion Chambers’ said “Red Lion Chambers is delighted to support and contribute to this psychology and law conference which will provide invaluable and practical insight to barristers, solicitors, psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health practitioners and their trainees alike.”
Eminent speakers include His Honour Noel Lucas QC who is the Resident Judge at Wood Green Crown Court and was appointed as a Circuit Judge in 2014, following a distinguished career at the Criminal Bar. He was called to the Bar by Middle Temple in 1979 and joined Red Lion Chambers in 2006 being appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2008. His prior judicial appointments are as Assistant Recorder in 1999 and as a Recorder in 2000.
Since 2010 Professor David Ormerod QC (Hons) of Red Lion Chambers has been Law Commissioner for Criminal Law and Evidence in England and Wales, having been re-appointed for a second 5year term in 2015. He was also one of 32 Deputy High Court Judges appointed in September 2018 and a sought after speaker within the legal industry.
Gilly Jones QC is Joint Head of Chambers at Red Lion Chambers, cited by both Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners as a leading barrister, a contributing Editor to Archbold 2019, and acted as a course director for vulnerable witness training for barristers.
Caroline Corby is the newly appointed Chair of the Parole Board and will be making her first public appearance since her permanent appointment.
Other confirmed Speakers include Dr Jackie Craissati MBE (Psychological Approaches CIC) Erwin James (Author, Guardian Columnist and Editor of Inside Time) Brian McKenzie (Consultant Clinical Psychologist) Pamela Attwell (Clinical Psychologist and Parole Board Member) Dr Karen Van Gerko (Clinical Psychologist) and Celeste Myrie (Parole Board Member). Robert Forde (Forensic Psychologist and author of ‘Bad Psychology: How Forensic Psychology Left Science Behind’) and Dr. Mark Farmer (National Specialist Lead, HM Prison and Probation Service).
The event will be of interest to a range of professionals with an interest in the Criminal Justice System, including Solicitors, Barristers, Clinical and Forensic Psychologists as well as other practitioners and researchers working in the areas of forensic psychology and criminal justice.
To book tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/psychology-and-law-conference-tickets-48239382291
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Mary Rahman Mary.Rahman@18rlc.co.uk at Red Lion Chambers
For all queries about the conference and programme please contact c.mcanena@gold.ac.uk at Goldsmiths University
NOTES TO EDITOR:
- Themes of the day will include Evidence based interview practice; The role of psychological evidence in criminal proceedings; The impact of psychological difficulties in sentencing and post sentencing; Communicating decision-making and risk to the public and How and why should prisoners be released?
- SL5 Legal provide expert legal advice and representation to people who are detained, whose human rights need protecting or who have been mistreated in some way by public authorities and work in partnership with Tuckers Solicitors, one of the largest criminal law and civil rights firms in the country. https://www.sl5legal.co.uk/
- Red Lion Chambers is a leading set of Chambers specialising in complex crime, fraud, regulatory enforcement and public law. For more information please see www.redlionchambers.co.uk
- The conference will be followed by a drinks reception from 5.30pm with opportunities for networking.