The vital role played by the rule of law in world affairs is the subject of an event during this year’s Edinburgh International Festival hosted by the Faculty of Advocates.

Chaired by the former Scottish judge Lord McCluskey, “The Rule of Law: What? Why? How?” also has as speakers David Marshall, from the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Sir Jeffrey Jowell, Director of the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law.

Author of the recently published book The International Rule of Law Movement, Mr Marshall led the UN’s development of the prison and justice system in South Sudan in 2011-12 and has extensive experience in other post-conflict states, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo and Nepal. His book examines how the operation of the rule of law may clash with state sovereignty and how it can be undermined by lack of expertise, poor planning and execution.

A leading public law scholar, Sir Jeffrey Jowell has acted as constitutional adviser to a number of national governments in the Commonwealth, Asia and the Middle East. He has served as the UK member on the Council of Europe’s Commission for Democracy through Law, and as Director of the Bingham Centre since its launch in 2010.

The event is a joint venture between the Faculty of Advocates and the Bar Council of England & Wales and is being facilitated by Beyond Borders Scotland, an organisation which seeks to promote greater understanding and reduce conflict.

James Wolffe QC, Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, said: “The effective promotion of the rule of law in troubled parts of the world is one of the great challenges of our time. Jeffrey Jowell and David Marshall have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and it is a real privilege to welcome them to Edinburgh to speak on the subject.”

The CPD-qualifying event will be held in the Laigh Hall, Parliament House on Monday August 25 from 5.30 to 7.30p, and will be followed by a drinks reception hosted by the Faculty.

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