The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University. The lecture series is hosted by the Centre for Public Law (CPL). The Cambridge Faculty of Law has a long tradition of outstanding scholarship in Constitutional and Administrative Law as can be seen from the contributions of E.C.S. Wade, Stanley de Smith and Sir William Wade. Today a significant number of Faculty members continue to have research interests in these fields and in the area of regulation and regulatory systems. The main aim of the CPL is to promote research in the area of public law, and to develop into a research centre of national and international reputation. For more information about the David Williams Lectures, and the CPL, please see the CPL website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/
'The Craft of Constitutional Adjudication': The 2023 Sir David Williams Lecture
On Thursday 5 May 2023, Professor Kat O'Regan (University of Oxford) delivered the 2023 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "The Craft of Constitutional Adjudication".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at:
http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir-david-williams-lectures
5/5/2023 • 51 minutes, 14 seconds
'The Craft of Constitutional Adjudication': The 2023 Sir David Williams Lecture (audio)
On Thursday 5 May 2023, Professor Kat O'Regan (University of Oxford) delivered the 2023 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "The Craft of Constitutional Adjudication".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at:
http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir-david-williams-lectures
This entry provides an audio source for iTunes.
5/5/2023 • 51 minutes, 12 seconds
'White water rafting: The UK's constitutions at a time of stress': The 2022 Sir David Williams Lecture
On Friday 6 May 2022, Professor David Feldman delivered the 2022 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "White water rafting: The UK's constitutions at a time of stress".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at:
http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir-david-williams-lectures
5/9/2022 • 55 minutes, 52 seconds
'White water rafting: The UK's constitutions at a time of stress': The 2022 Sir David Williams Lecture (audio)
On Friday 6 May 2022, Professor David Feldman delivered the 2022 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "White water rafting: The UK's constitutions at a time of stress".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at:
http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir-david-williams-lectures
This entry provides an audio source for iTunes.
5/9/2022 • 55 minutes, 51 seconds
'Sovereignty at the Beginning of the 21st Century - Fundamental or Outmoded?': The 2003 Sir David Williams Lecture (audio)
On 7 November 2003, Sir Kenneth Keith (Senior New Zealand Court of Appeal Judge) delivered the third Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Sovereignty at the Beginning of the 21st Century - Fundamental or Outmoded?".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including a transcript, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at:
https://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir-david-williams-lectures
12/17/2019 • 1 hour, 1 minute
'Altered States: Federalism and Devolution at the 'Real' Turn of the Millennium': The 2001 Sir David Williams Lecture (audio)
On 15th May 2001, the Hon Justice Sandra Day O'Connor delivered the inaugural Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Altered States: Federalism and Devolution at the 'Real' Turn of the Millennium".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including a transcript, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir_david_williams_lectures/
This entry provides an audio source for iTunes U.
12/17/2019 • 1 hour, 4 minutes
'Principle and Pragmatism in Public Law': The 2019 Sir David Williams Lecture
On Friday 18 October 2019, Lady Brenda Hale delivered the 2019 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Principle and Pragmatism in Public Law".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at:
http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir-david-williams-lectures
10/21/2019 • 44 minutes, 55 seconds
'Principle and Pragmatism in Public Law': The 2019 Sir David Williams Lecture (audio)
On Friday 18 October 2019, Lady Brenda Hale delivered the 2019 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Principle and Pragmatism in Public Law".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at:
http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir-david-williams-lectures
This entry provides an audio source for iTunes.
10/18/2019 • 44 minutes, 58 seconds
'Where Are We Going? Reflections on the Rule of Law in a Dangerous World': The 2018 Sir David Williams Lecture
On Friday 19 October 2018, The Rt Hon. Beverley McLachlin delivered the 2018 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Where Are We Going? Reflections on the Rule of Law in a Dangerous World".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at:
http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir-david-williams-lectures
10/23/2018 • 51 minutes, 46 seconds
'Where Are We Going? Reflections on the Rule of Law in a Dangerous World': The 2018 Sir David Williams Lecture (audio)
On Friday 19 October 2018, The Rt Hon. Beverley McLachlin delivered the 2018 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Where Are We Going? Reflections on the Rule of Law in a Dangerous World".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at:
http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir-david-williams-lectures
This entry provides an audio source for iTunes U.
10/23/2018 • 51 minutes, 45 seconds
'The Rule of Law and Human Dignity': The 2011 Sir David Williams Lecture (audio)
On Friday 6th May 2011, Professor Jeremy Waldron delivered the 2011 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled 'The Rule of Law and Human Dignity'.
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at:
https://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir-david-williams-lectures/professor-jeremy-waldron-rule-law-and-human-dignity
This entry provides an audio source for iTunes.
9/3/2018 • 1 hour, 14 minutes
'The Rule of Law': The 2006 Sir David Williams Lecture
On Thursday 16th November 2006, The Rt. Hon Lord Bingham of Cornhill KG, House of Lords delivered the 2006 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "The Rule of Law".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at:
https://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir-david-williams-lectures/rt-hon-lord-bingham-cornhill-kg-rule-law
8/29/2018 • 1 hour, 10 minutes
'Divided by a common language: British and American perspectives on Constitutional Law': The 2017 Sir David Williams Lecture (audio)
On Friday 24 February 2017, The Honourable Mr Justice Singh delivered the 2017 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Divided by a common language: British and American perspectives on Constitutional Law".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at:
http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir-david-williams-lectures
This entry provides an audio source for iTunes U.
2/28/2017 • 1 hour, 10 minutes
'Divided by a common language: British and American perspectives on Constitutional Law': The 2017 Sir David Williams Lecture
On Friday 24 February 2017, The Honourable Mr Justice Singh delivered the 2017 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Divided by a common language: British and American perspectives on Constitutional Law".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at:
http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir-david-williams-lectures
2/28/2017 • 1 hour, 10 minutes
'The lion beneath the throne: law as history': The 2016 Sir David Williams Lecture
On Friday 4 March 2016, Sir Stephen Sedley delivered the 2016 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "The lion beneath the throne: law as history".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at:
http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir-david-williams-lectures
3/9/2016 • 52 minutes, 24 seconds
'The lion beneath the throne: law as history': The 2016 Sir David Williams Lecture (audio)
On Friday 4 March 2016, Sir Stephen Sedley delivered the 2016 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "The lion beneath the throne: law as history".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at:
http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir-david-williams-lectures
This entry provides an audio source for iTunes U.
3/9/2016 • 52 minutes, 28 seconds
'Devolution. Federation. Constitution. From here to where?': The 2015 Sir David Williams Lecture
On Friday 27 February 2015, Laureate Professor Cheryl Saunders of the University of Melbourne delivered the 2014 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Devolution. Federation. Constitution. From here to where?".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir_david_williams_lectures/
3/3/2015 • 50 minutes, 29 seconds
'Devolution. Federation. Constitution. From here to where?': The 2015 Sir David Williams Lecture (audio)
On Friday 27 February 2015, Laureate Professor Cheryl Saunders of the University of Melbourne delivered the 2014 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Devolution. Federation. Constitution. From here to where?".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir_david_williams_lectures/
This entry provides an audio source for iTunes U.
2/27/2015 • 50 minutes, 30 seconds
'Not in the Public Interest': The 2014 Sir David Williams Lecture
On Friday 21 February 2014, Conor Gearty of LSE and Matrix Chambers, delivered the 2014 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Not in the Public Interest".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir_david_williams_lectures/
2/25/2014 • 49 minutes, 43 seconds
'Not in the Public Interest': The 2014 Sir David Williams Lecture (audio)
On Friday 21 February 2014, Conor Gearty of LSE and Matrix Chambers, delivered the 2014 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Not in the Public Interest".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir_david_williams_lectures/
This entry provides an audio source for iTunes U.
2/21/2014 • 49 minutes, 41 seconds
'The Relationship Between the European Court of Human Rights and National Constitutional Courts?': The 2013 Sir David Williams Lecture
On Friday 15th February 2013, Judge Jean-Paul Costa, former President of the European Court of Human Rights, delivered the 2013 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "The Relationship Between the European Court of Human Rights and National Constitutional Courts?".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir_david_williams_lectures/
3/18/2013 • 59 minutes, 11 seconds
'The Relationship Between the European Court of Human Rights and National Constitutional Courts?': The 2013 Sir David Williams Lecture (audio)
On Friday 15th February 2013, Judge Jean-Paul Costa, former President of the European Court of Human Rights, delivered the 2013 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "The Relationship Between the European Court of Human Rights and National Constitutional Courts?".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir_david_williams_lectures/
This entry provides an audio source for iTunes U.
2/18/2013 • 59 minutes, 5 seconds
'A View from the Bar': The 2010 Sir David Williams Lecture (Audio)
On Friday 21st May 2010, the Honourable Michael Beloff QC delivered the 2010 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "A View from the Bar". Mr Beloff explained his views of development of the barrister's profession over the last forty years.
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/past_activities/a_view_from_the_bar.php
This entry provides an audio source for iTunes U.
6/6/2012 • 1 hour
'Abraham Lincoln and the Supreme Court': The 2009 Sir David Williams Lecture (audio)
On Friday 8th May 2009, John G Roberts Jnr (Chief Justice of the United States) delivered the 2009 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Abraham Lincoln and the Supreme Court". Mr Roberts was introduced by Lord Woolf.
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/past_activities/abraham_lincoln_and_the_supreme_court.php
This entry provides an audio source for iTunes U.
6/6/2012 • 1 hour, 17 minutes
'The Good Constitution': The 2012 Sir David Williams Lecture (audio)
On Friday 4th May 2012, the Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Laws delivered the 2012 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "The Good Constitution".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/past_activities/2012_the_good_constitution.php
This entry provides an audio source for iTunes U.
6/6/2012 • 1 hour, 2 minutes
'The Good Constitution': The 2012 Sir David Williams Lecture
On Friday 4th May 2012, the Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Laws delivered the 2012 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "The Good Constitution".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/past_activities/2012_the_good_constitution.php
5/8/2012 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 38 seconds
'Altered States: Federalism and Devolution at the 'Real' Turn of the Millennium': The 2001 Sir David Williams Lecture
On 15th May 2001, the Hon Justice Sandra Day O'Connor delivered the inaugural Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Altered States: Federalism and Devolution at the 'Real' Turn of the Millennium".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including a transcript, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir_david_williams_lectures/
4/18/2012 • 57 minutes, 42 seconds
'A View from the Bar': The 2010 Sir David Williams Lecture
On Friday 21st May 2010, the Honourable Michael Beloff QC delivered the 2010 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "A View from the Bar". Mr Beloff explained his views of development of the barrister's profession over the last forty years.
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/past_activities/a_view_from_the_bar.php
2/22/2012 • 1 hour, 21 seconds
'Looking Beyond our Borders: The Value of a Comparative Perspective in Constitutional Adjudication': The 2005 Sir David Williams Lecture
On Monday 9th May 2005, The Hon Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States) delivered the 2005 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Looking Beyond our Borders: The Value of a Comparative Perspective in Constitutional Adjudication". Justice Ginsbury was introduced by Alison Richard, Vice-Chancellor of the University.
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture (including a transcript which was subsequently published in the Cambridge Law Journal, 64(3), November 2005, pp. 575–592) is available from the Centre for Public Law website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir_david_williams_lectures/
2/1/2012 • 56 minutes, 47 seconds
'Taking Power Seriously': The 2008 Sir David Williams Lecture
On Friday 16th May 2008, Dame Sian Elias delivered the 2008 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Taking Power Seriously".
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/past_activities/taking_power_seriously.php
9/21/2011 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 32 seconds
'Abraham Lincoln and the Supreme Court': The 2009 Sir David Williams Lecture
On Friday 8th May 2009, John G Roberts Jnr (Chief Justice of the United States) delivered the 2009 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled "Abraham Lincoln and the Supreme Court". Mr Roberts was introduced by Lord Woolf.
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at http://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/past_activities/abraham_lincoln_and_the_supreme_court.php
9/15/2011 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 35 seconds
'The Rule of Law and Human Dignity': The 2011 Sir David Williams Lecture
On Friday 6th May 2011, Professor Jeremy Waldron delivered the 2011 Sir David Williams Lecture entitled 'The Rule of Law and Human Dignity'.
The Sir David Williams Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest lecturer in honour of Sir David Williams, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Emeritus Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
More information about this lecture, including photographs from the event, is available from the Centre for Public Law website at:
https://www.cpl.law.cam.ac.uk/sir-david-williams-lectures/professor-jeremy-waldron-rule-law-and-human-dignity
