Law and humanities research
Since the school's inception in the early 1990s, we have gained a global reputation as a leader in critical legal scholarship and progressive and innovative humanities-based research. Inquiries range across critical legal theory, the paranormal, psychoanalysis, legal and political philosophy, jurisprudence, cultural theory, law and literature, legal history, critical race theory, postcolonial theory, post phenomenological philosophies, queer studies and law and gender studies.
Research is conducted through theoretical, interpretive, speculative and cross-disciplinary approaches that include art, literature and film alongside the traditional textual sources of law. We have also made significant contributions to research on issues of race and gender.
Under the auspices of the Centre for Law and Humanities, the school promotes its humanities-based research across the sector and encourages PhD students in the field.
Find an expert
Our academic staff: Adam Gearey, Oscar Guardiola-Rivera, Patrick Hanafin, Piyel Haldar, Elena Loizidou, Nathan Moore, Stewart Motha, Letitia Paes, Victoria Ridler, Craig Reeves, Maria Tzanakopolou.
Impact, public engagement and knowledge exchange
Our members publish regularly, produce podcasts, appear in the media, and attend events and festivals. They also contribute to committees of professional bodies, and receive funding grants for specific projects.
The school appoints an annual Writer in Residence, whose work typically falls beneath the umbrella of law and humanities. The Centre for Law and Humanities also appoints an annual Artist in Residence.
Research centres and affiliations
Due to the cross-disciplinary nature of our research, members of the school contribute to our Birkbeck centre, and also participate in the steering committees and organisation of regular events hosted under the auspices of the below College research institutes.
