Sir John Baker, Sanctuary and the Benefit of Clergy, 1517 Talks Series
1517 was a year associated with disorder, represented famously by the Evil May Day riots in London. A more widespread problem underlying the system of criminal justice was around the same time coming to a head. Murders and felons notoriously enjoyed two means of escape from the ordinary course of justice: benefit of clergy; and sanctuary, which gave protection to anyone able to place themselves within a church.
Sir John Baker QC, FBA, is Emeritus Downing Professor of the Laws of England in the University of Cambridge, and an Honorary Fellow of St Catharine’s College. He is also an Honorary Fellow of UCL. Called to the Bar in 1966, he is an Honorary Bencher of the Inner Temple and of Gray’s Inn. He was Literary Director of the Selden Society 1980-2011, and is currently its President.
Date: 25 October 2017, 19:30 (Wednesday, 3rd week, Michaelmas 2017)
Venue: Old Library
Venue Details: Old Library (above the Vaults and Garden Café)
Speaker: Sir John Baker
Organising department: The University Church of St Mary the Virgin
Organiser contact email address: universitychurch@ox.ac.uk
Part of: 1517 Talks Series, University Church
Booking required?: Not required
Audience: Public
Editors: Alison Broadby, Richard Parfitt