Public Law
The research interests of the Public law team embrace a diverse range of problems within the broad fields of Constitutional, Administrative, Human Rights EU and Public international law.
Dr Howard Davis’ work lies predominantly in the field of Public law, in particular, the impact of the Human Rights Act on the law of England and Wales; also Human Rights and anti-terrorism laws. Professor Barry Hough and Dr Davis are currently engaged in examining the laws published under the name of ST Coleridge whilst Public Secretary in Malta in 1805. This project has been funded by two grants from the British Academy.
Dr Davis is also currently preparing a bid for the ESRC, with Professor Hough, which will extend their work on Coleridge into a study of the handling of political dissent in Malta in the early period of British rule. Additionally, he is continuing to research the reception of European Human Rights law into the law of the United Kingdom through the Human Rights Act. He is currently considering whether there is a doctrine of "unenumerated rights" inherent in the Convention. This is a reflection on a recent decision of the House of Lords.
Melanie Klinkner’s work won a Wingate Scholarship in 2007. These scholarships are awarded to "individuals of great potential or proven excellence who need financial support to undertake creative or original work of intellectual, scientific, artistic, social or environmental value". Her PhD is entitled “An Assessment of the Importance of Cooperation between Lawyers and Forensic Scientists in Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Peace Building”.
Public Law Projects
An Assessment of the Importance of Cooperation Between Lawyers and Forensic Science Experts in Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Peace-Building
Nearly fifteen years after the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia’s (ICTY) establishment, this research project focuses on UN organised or assisted criminal investigations in the aftermath of serious violations of international law to assess the importance of forensic involvement in those investigations. Two case studies, the ICTY and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), have been selected to provide a comprehensive analysis of past and potential cooperation between lawyers and forensic science experts in post-conflict situations. The study will elucidate the value of forensic evidence and the issues that can arise during the production, documentation and use of such evidence. It will also recommend how cooperation can be most effective in future investigations.
Please click here for further information on Melanie Klinkner.
