Lord Reed delivers his valedictory lecture: Past and Present - Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Law Lords

The President of the Supreme Court Lord Reed of Allermuir has delivered his valedictory lecture ahead of his retirement next year, focusing on the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the ‘Law Lords’ – the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords - at an event in the Court attended by leading members of the legal establishment. The event was an opportunity to recognise Lord Reed’s exceptional contribution to both the Law and public service.

Lord Reed addressed invited guests, including the Lady Chief Justice of England & Wales, Baroness Carr, and the Dean of Westminster Abbey The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, on the history and establishment of the Appellate Committee, and its place within the historical judicial functions of the Upper House. In addition, the event was streamed live on YouTube, where it can be watched again.

In his lecture Lord Reed also spoke about the establishment of the Supreme Court in 2009, and the practical opportunities it has provided for greater transparency and engagement with members of the public.

Alongside the President’s lecture, the Supreme Court unveiled its new exhibition marking the anniversary of the establishment of the Law Lords. The exhibition, which is open to the public and situated outside Courtroom One, describes how the House of Lords developed into the country’s highest appeal court, evolving into an institution where legal experience in settling matters of national importance became the established norm. It also contains details of some of the most important appeals heard in the House of Lords, and reflections from Baroness Hale and Lord Lloyd-Jones.

Lord Reed’s lecture may be found on his biography page here and more information about visiting the Court may be found here.