Law courts statue

Law research

Find out more about the Law research we're doing, across our 3 areas of expertise

Our research in Law explores the myriad ways that laws and the legal system shape society and affect the daily lives of people at all levels within it.

The work we're doing in the 3 areas of expertise below frequently feeds in to the University's strategic themes and is used by governments, organisations and individuals who are developing and implementing new legal policies – our research around the law of succession, and the sale of ivory in the UK are two such examples. 

Following the Research Excellence Framework 2021, we are ranked joint seventh among modern universities by research power for Law, according to Times Higher Education. Read more about our Law submission to REF 2021.

Members of the School also write a number of Company and Commercial, Employment and other textbooks and use their (and others) research in their teaching.

Explore our areas of expertise in Law

Find out more about our Law research. Learn more about our recent projects, the academic and industrial partners with whom we collaborate, and the major funders who fund our work.

Accountability, risk and rights

Research in this area covers topics including employment protection, data protection, the regulation and governance of companies, and how the law affects people throughout their lives.

Group of people sitting at a desk with law documents and wig
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Well-being, legal education and the legal profession

Our research is identifying new ways of delivering legal education and new approaches that could deliver education more broadly. It also explores the growing issue of stress and wellbeing among law students and academics.

Female lawyer holding a pencil, making notes
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Interested in a PhD in Law?

Explore our Law postgraduate research degrees – including PhDs and MPhils.

News, blogs and podcasts

Find our more about our latest research successes, read blogs by our academics and listen to the latest ideas and discoveries that look set to change our lives in our Life Solved podcast.

Blogs

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Boris Johnson

High Court blocks discrimination claims re-casual hiring by Boris Johnson’s government of ‘high-end’ posts during the Covid emergency

Michael Connolly

High Court blocks discrimination claims re-casual hiring by Boris Johnson’s government of ‘high-end’ posts during the Covid emergency
Picture of two men exchanging rings at their wedding.

Message or the Man (or the cake)? part 2

Michael Connolly

Message or the Man (or the cake)? part 2
Statue of the scales of justice

A more conventional Attorney-General

James Hand

A more conventional Attorney-General
Picture of a wedding cake

Message or the Man (or the Cake)?

Michael Connolly

Message or the Man (or the Cake)?
Court room - Photo by Aditya Joshi on Unsplash

ICC upholds jail term for Ugandan rebel commander Ongwen - why it matters for Africa

ICC upholds jail term for Ugandan rebel commander Ongwen - why it matters for Africa

Life Solved

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Life Solved The academic imprisoned for his research graphic

The academic imprisoned for his research

The academic imprisoned for his research
Life Solved What will happen when there’s no water left to drink? graphic

What will happen when there’s no water left to drink?

Julia Brown

What will happen when there’s no water left to drink?
Life Solved logo When Will the Cost of Living Crisis End?

When Will the Cost of Living Crisis End?

When Will the Cost of Living Crisis End?
Life Solved logo for Science of Smells episode with coffee

The Science Of Smells

The Science Of Smells
People demonstrating with Life Solved logo and introduction title

Is The World Becoming Less Democratic?

Is The World Becoming Less Democratic?

Law blog

On our Law blog, our experts discuss topics such as international law and legal education, and you'll hear about the achievements and work of our School and students.
Visit blog

Episode 10: The Will to Change the Law

Juliet Brook explores how 180 year-old will and inheritance laws are causing problems during the pandemic.
Listen now