The Society of Conservative Lawyers was founded in 1947 and is an affiliate of the Conservative Party of the United Kingdom. A leading Conservative

think tank A think tank, or policy institute, is a research institute that performs research and advocacy concerning topics such as social policy, political strategy, economics, military, technology, and culture. Most think tanks are non-governmenta ...

, the society also provides expert legal advice to the Conservative Front Bench and hosts debates on topical issues. Since its foundation generations of Conservative

candidates A candidate, or nominee, is the prospective recipient of an award or honor, or a person seeking or being considered for some kind of position; for example: * to be elected to an office — in this case a candidate selection procedure occurs. * t ...

have been selected from the Society's ranks.

Founding and history

Founded in 1947, the society quickly became a leading Think Tank on law and legal issues for the Party and continues to help to shape manifestos and policy. Its aims and objectives are to: * Support the

Conservative and Unionist Party The Conservative Party, officially the Conservative and Unionist Party and also known colloquially as the Tories, is one of the Two-party system, two main political parties in the United Kingdom, along with the Labour Party (UK), Labour Party. ...

* Uphold the principle of

justice Justice, in its broadest sense, is the principle that people receive that which they deserve, with the interpretation of what then constitutes "deserving" being impacted upon by numerous fields, with many differing viewpoints and perspective ...

and

democracy Democracy (From grc, δημοκρατία, dēmokratía, ''dēmos'' 'people' and ''kratos'' 'rule') is a form of government in which people, the people have the authority to deliberate and decide legislation ("direct democracy"), or to choo ...

* Consider and promote reforms in the

law Law is a set of rules that are created and are enforceable by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior,Robertson, ''Crimes against humanity'', 90. with its precise definition a matter of longstanding debate. It has been vario ...

* Act as a centre for discussion of Conservative ideas * Provide speakers and assist in finding

* Promote and assist in the publication of literature The society has a vibrant membership of lawyers with an interest in Conservative policy and runs a regular diary of meetings and dinners with a strong political theme

Notable members

The following either are current members or have been in the past * The Rt Hon Baroness Thatcher LG OM * The Rt Hon Lord Brittan of Spennithorne QC * The Rt Hon Lord Howard of Lympne QC * The Rt Hon Lord Howe of Aberavon CH QC * The Rt Hon Lord Kingsland TD QC DL * The Rt Hon Lord Lyell of Markyate QC * The Rt Hon Lord Mackay of Clashfern KT * The Rt Hon Lord Mayhew of Twysden QC DL

Think tank

In addition to the programme of events, the Society has an active research wing. This is involved in helping the

frontbench In many parliaments and other similar assemblies, seating is typically arranged in banks or rows, with each political party or caucus grouped together. The spokespeople for each group will often sit at the front of their group, and are then know ...

teams with

legislation Legislation is the process or result of enrolling, enacting, or promulgating laws by a legislature, parliament, or analogous governing body. Before an item of legislation becomes law it may be known as a bill, and may be broadly referred to ...

that is going through

Parliament In modern politics, and history, a parliament is a legislative body of government. Generally, a modern parliament has three functions: representing the electorate, making laws, and overseeing the government via hearings and inquiries. Th ...

and policy formation. Traditionally the Chairman of Research has led the Society's thinking and in recent years other members have also published pamphlets and papers through the Society. The current Chairman of Research is Lord Sandhurst, QC.

Current administration

* President: The Rt Hon Lord Mackay of Clashfern KT * Chairman: The Rt Hon Lord Hunt of Wirral MBE * Executive Chairman: Sir Bob Neill MP

Recent publications

Access to Justice: Four Essays with a foreword by Lord Faulks QC (2011)

A Fresh Start on Sentencing, by John Riley (October 2008)

The Impact of the Human Rights Act on the British Constitution, by Anthony Speaight QC (May 2007)

The Impact of the Human Rights Act on the Work of the Courts, by Edward Faulks QC and Andrew Warnock (May 2007)
NB: These and other publications are available on the Society of Conservative Lawyers website which can be foun
here

References

External links

Official website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Society Of Conservative Lawyers Legal organisations based in the United Kingdom Organisations associated with the Conservative Party (UK) 1947 establishments in the United Kingdom Organizations established in 1947 Law-related professional associations