Lacunae in the law: Profound gaps psychology might patch (w/ Leslie Cuthbert)

Criminal courts regularly make decisions as to whether one witness should be believed over another and the most serious cases are decided by untrained jurors not professional judges. This talk will examine: the directions Judges give to jurors on subjects such as assessing identification evidence and dealing with lies, the conflicting views as to whether witnesses are allowed to give evidence wearing a niqab or veil, the wording of the standards of proof jurors must apply, the different models of statutory interpretation applied to laws and what may unconsciously influence decision making in criminal courts.

With a background as a Criminal Defence Solicitor-Advocate, Leslie is currently engaged in a number of diverse roles. These include judicial work sitting as a Recorder in the Crown Court, Tribunal Judge of the Mental Health Tribunal and Special Education Needs and Disability Tribunal, adjudicating appeals regarding the London Congestion Charge, acting as one of the Independent Adjudicators for Companies House and being a Legally Qualified Chair of the Police Misconduct Panel. Until recently, he was also a Chair for the Conduct and Competence Committee of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Leslie is a consultant trainer for Bond Solon and Central Law Training training both investigators and lawyers in a variety of skills, is the Lead Advocacy Trainer of the Solicitors Association of Higher Court Advocates and trains other Judges for the Judicial College.

He is the author of two books: ‘Effective Interviewing for Disciplinary, Grievance and Complaints investigations’ and ‘365 Daily Advocacy Tips’.

All APRU talks are open to staff, students and members of the public. Attendance is free and there is no need to book in advance. You are strongly recommended to register (at no cost) with the APRU’s “Psychology of the Paranormal” email list to ensure that you are informed of any future changes to the programme as well as news of related events. You can also follow @chriscfrench on Twitter for announcements (including news of last-minute cancellations, changes of venue, etc.). Visit: http://www.gold.ac.uk/apru/email-network/