Freedom from Fighting: Experts in Public Inquiries

February 2023

Event Details

Date:
Thursday 9th
Duration:
1 hours
Speakers:
Lady Anne Smith
Availability:
SPACES AVAILABLE
Location:
The Academy of Experts - Gray's Inn

This meeting will be held in-person at The Academy of Experts.

It will be an opportunity for members to hear from a senior judge about the role of Expert Evidence in Public Inquiries.

Lady Smith, Chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, in exploring the use of experts in public inquiries will look at:

  • The statutory framework (The Public Inquiries Act 2005)
  • How experts can help an inquiry to deliver on its Terms of Reference
  • Trauma informed ways of working
  • The highs and lows of providing evidence in a non-adversarial system.

The meeting will be followed by an opportunity for networking with other members and their guests in Gray’s Inn bar.

Lady Anne Smith Lady Anne Smith

Lady Smith was appointed a Judge of the Supreme courts in 2001 and was appointed to the Inner House in November 2012. She is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh (LL.B. Hons). Lady Smith was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1980 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1993. She served as a Temporary Sheriff from 1995 to 1999, was Chair of the Scottish Partnership on Domestic Abuse from 1998 to 2000 and served as Advocate Depute from 2000 until she was appointed a Judge.

Having a long standing interest in and experience of cases involving children and families, Lady Smith chaired the Advocates Family Law Group. Similarly, on account of her interest in and experience of cases involving breaches of duty by professional persons, she chaired the Advocates Professional Negligence Group.

Lady Smith has carried out a wide range of duties as a judge, including serving as the Scottish Employment Appeal Tribunal judge for eight years between 2004 and 2012, chairing the Scottish Tribunal Forum and chairing the Reserved Tribunals Group. Lady Smith was appointed as the first President of the Scottish Tribunals in July 2014. In July 2016 Lady Smith was appointed as chairwoman of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.

This event is for members only

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